Question

Study the picture and answer the following questions:

1. Identify the person in the picture and name the army organised by him. How was this army formed and where?
2. What were the objectives of this army? Did it achieve its objectives?
3. Mention this army's contribution to India's freedom struggle.

Answer 1

1. Subhas Chandra Bose organised the Indian National Army (INA).
   1. Indian prisoners of war (POWs) captured by the Japanese were handed over to Mohan Singh, who inducted them into the INA.
   2. The fall of Singapore was important as it brought 45,000 Indian POWs under Mohan Singh's influence.
   3. By the end of 1942, forty thousand men volunteered to join the INA.
2. The main objectives of the INA were:
   1. To organise an armed revolution and fight the British army with modern weapons.
   2. Since organising a revolution from India was not possible, this responsibility was taken by Indians living abroad, especially in East Asia.
   3. To form a Provisional Government of Free India to effectively mobilise all resources.
   4. Total mobilisation of Indian manpower and money for a total war.
   5. The INA’s motto was "unity, faith, and sacrifice."
      Yes, the INA achieved its objectives to some extent.
3. The INA's contribution to India's freedom struggle:
   1. The Quit India Movement in 1942 and the INA demonstrated the bravery of Indians.
   2. After World War II ended and national leaders were released, people anticipated the final struggle for freedom.
   3. The INA inspired uprisings in the armed forces.
   4. The Indian Naval ratings in Mumbai revolted in February 1946, and similar revolts occurred in Kolkata, Chennai, and Karachi, shaking the British Empire.
   5. Demonstrations were held across the country demanding the release of INA officers.
   6. At this time, the British Government could not ignore Indian public opinion.
   7. Even though INA prisoners were found guilty in court-martial, the government had to set them free.
   8. The INA's actions inspired patriotism in the country.
   9. The sacrifices of INA soldiers raised political awareness among Indian forces.
   10. The British realised they could no longer depend on the Indian forces to maintain their rule in India.