Who is the Founder of the Indian National Army?

A) Mohan Singh
B) Subhash Chandra Bose
C) Lala Lajpat Rai
D) All above

A) Mohan Singh
The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. While the name of Subhash Chandra Bose is often associated with the INA due to his charismatic leadership, it was actually Mohan Singh who initially laid the foundation of the army.

Foundation of the Indian National Army

The formation of the Indian National Army traces back to World War II, when large numbers of Indian soldiers in British service were captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia. The idea to use these soldiers to fight against British colonialism was first proposed by Mohan Singh, a British Indian Army officer who had been taken as a prisoner of war. In 1942, he formed the first iteration of the INA with the backing of the Japanese Imperial Army. The army aimed to secure Indian independence through armed struggle, aligning itself with Japan’s broader strategy during the war.

Mohan Singh’s role as the founder of the INA is significant. He began recruiting Indian POWs in Malaya (now Malaysia) and established the army with the goal of liberating India. However, his vision soon faced practical and political challenges. The Japanese sought to control the INA’s leadership and strategy, leading to a fallout. Singh was eventually removed from leadership in late 1942, but his efforts laid the groundwork for what Subhash Chandra Bose would later build upon

Subhash Chandra Bose and the Revival of INA

While Mohan Singh founded the INA, it was Subhash Chandra Bose who gave it a renewed purpose, direction, and international recognition. After arriving in Southeast Asia in 1943, Bose restructured and revitalized the INA, instilling discipline, ideology, and a vision for an independent India. He famously coined the slogans “Jai Hind” and “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” galvanizing Indians across the globe.

Under Bose’s leadership, the INA fought alongside Japanese forces against the British in the northeastern frontiers of India. Although militarily unsuccessful, the INA’s presence shook the foundations of British imperial control and inspired a wave of nationalism in India. Bose’s charisma and leadership elevated the INA’s stature and made it a symbol of courage and resistance.

Quick Facts

• The Indian National Army was first formed in 1942 by Mohan Singh.
• Subhash Chandra Bose revived and expanded the INA in 1943.
• The INA fought in the Burma Campaign and attempted to enter India through the Northeast.
• INA’s women’s wing was called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
• The INA trials at the Red Fort fueled the final phase of the independence movement.

Role of Other Leaders Mentioned

Apart from Mohan Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose, the other personalities mentioned in the options also had vital roles in the freedom movement. Lala Lajpat Rai was a stalwart nationalist, known for his advocacy for education and opposition to British rule. However, he was not directly associated with the INA. His inclusion in the question often leads to confusion, but historically, the INA’s foundation is credited first to Mohan Singh and later restructured by Subhash Chandra Bose.

Subhash Chandra Bose remains the most recognized face of the INA, but understanding Mohan Singh’s pioneering role gives a more complete and accurate picture of the organization’s roots and evolution.

Summary

Question: Who is the Founder of the Indian National Army?
Answer: Mohan Singh is the Founder of the Indian National Army.
While Subhash Chandra Bose remains the face and voice of the Indian National Army, the credit for its founding belongs to Mohan Singh. The INA, born out of the ashes of World War II, became a symbol of defiance and a vital component of India’s independence struggle. Recognizing the layered history of the INA helps students appreciate the sacrifices and complexities involved in achieving India’s freedom. Understanding who truly founded the INA is essential to gaining a deeper perspective on India’s path to independence.

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