Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 8 “Forward Bloc and the INA” which is part of ICSE Class 10 History (Total History). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
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Summary
The chapter discusses the role of Subhas Chandra Bose in India’s struggle for independence, focusing on his contributions through the Forward Bloc and the Indian National Army (INA). Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Odisha and, after completing his studies, joined the Indian Civil Service but soon resigned, unwilling to serve under British rule. He entered politics, joining the Congress Party and becoming an active member of the freedom movement, though he often disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi’s strategies.
In 1938, Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress and re-elected in 1939, despite Gandhi’s opposition. His second term saw a split within the Congress, leading to his resignation and the formation of the Forward Bloc, a party aimed at uniting left-wing factions and pushing for India’s liberation.
Bose was arrested in 1940 but escaped and reached Germany, later moving to Japan. In Southeast Asia, he took control of the INA, which was initially formed by Mohan Singh, an Indian officer who sought Japanese assistance. The INA aimed to fight the British with the help of Indians living abroad. Bose led the INA as its Supreme Commander and established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore in 1943. This government declared war on Britain and the United States and was recognized by the Axis powers.
The INA made significant progress, capturing several territories, but its successes were short-lived. The Japanese retreat from the Indo-Burma border and their eventual defeat in World War II led to the INA’s downfall. Bose’s fate was sealed when he reportedly died in a plane crash in 1945.
The INA’s efforts inspired a wave of patriotism in India, leading to uprisings within the Indian armed forces, which contributed to the weakening of British control over India. Despite their eventual defeat, the INA’s legacy lived on, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and the determination to achieve independence.
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Complete the following analogy.
Surat split Moderates and Assertive Nationalists: : Tripuri Split: ….?….
A. Gandhiji and Bose
B. Gandhiji and Tilak
C. Gandhiji and Jinnah
D. Gandhiji and Nehru
Answer: A. Gandhiji and Bose
2. Name the army under Subhas Chandra Bose’s command.
A. British Indian Army
B. Indian Independence Army
C. Indian National Army
D. POW Army
Answer: C. Indian National Army
3. Which of the following were the objectives of INA?
(i) To organise an armed revolution and to fight against the British army.
(ii) To organise a provisional government of free India.
(iii) To mobilise Indian manpower and money to end the World war.
A. (i) and (ii)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer: A. (i) and (ii)
4. INA?….: Quit India: Do or Die
A. Jai Hind
B. Unity, Faith, Sacrifice
C. Delhi Chalo
D. Give me blood, and I’ll give you freedom.
Answer: C. Delhi Chalo
5. Subhash Chandra Bose was re-elected the President of INC at the Tripuri Session in 1939 by defeating which of the following candidates?
A. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
B. J.B. Kriplani
C. Pattabhi Sitaramaiyya
D. Nellie Sengupta
Answer: C. Pattabhi Sitaramaiyya
6. Arrange the following events of Netaji’s life in chronological order
(i) Congress Presidentship
(ii) Formation of Forward Bloc
(iii) Provisional Government of Free India
(iv) Supreme Commander of INA
A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
B. (iv), (ii), (iii) and (i)
C. (iv) (i) (iii) and (ii)
D. (i), (iii), (iv) and (ii)
Answer: A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
7. The Provincial Government under Netaji first acquired which of the following territories in India?
A. Mowdok
B. Ukhral and Kohima
C. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
D. Imphal
Answer: C. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
8. To attain Independence Netaji did not lay stress on which of the following?
A. Organisation of masses
B. Large scale industrialisations
C. Small scale industries
D. National Planning
Answer: C. Small scale industries
9. The Forward Bloc would work for the establishment of
A. Capitalist state
B. Socialist state
C. Combination of (a) & (b)
D. None of the above.
Answer: B. Socialist state
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose believed in adoption of assertive methods for the attainment of Swaraj.
(B) Subhas Chandra Bose won the election of the President of the Congress for a second term by a majority of votes.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose’s adoption of assertive methods to achieve Swaraj (complete independence) reflects his broader political strategy, which was influenced by his belief in direct action against British rule. On the other hand, his winning the Congress presidency for a second term was a political achievement, influenced by his popularity within the Congress party at that time. These two statements describe different aspects of Bose’s political life and are not directly related; one does not cause or explain the other.
2. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Presidentship of the Congress in 1939.
(B) He laid the foundation of a new party called the Forward Bloc to bring the entire left wing under his party.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Congress presidency due to increasing differences with the Congress leadership, particularly with Mahatma Gandhi. His vision of a more radical approach to achieving independence was not in alignment with the Congress’s strategies. This dissatisfaction led him to establish the Forward Bloc, a party intended to unify the left-wing elements within the Congress and push for a more aggressive stance against British rule. Therefore, the formation of the Forward Bloc (B) directly resulted from his resignation from the Congress presidency (A).
3. (A) The idea of the Indian National Army (INA) was conceived in Malaya by Mohan Singh.
(B) Indian Prisoners of War (POW’s) were handed over by the Japanese to Mohan Singh who inducted them into the INA.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The formation of the Indian National Army (INA) was a significant development during World War II. Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, conceived the idea of the INA in Malaya. However, this was made possible because the Japanese, who were fighting against the British, handed over Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) to Mohan Singh. These POWs became the core members of the INA. Thus, the fact that Japanese forces gave these prisoners to Mohan Singh (B) was the key reason he was able to form the INA (A).
4. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose set up the INA headquarters in Yangon and in Singapore.
(B) Subhas Chandra Bose wanted to organise a non-violent struggle from outside India.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (a) (B) contradicts (A)
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose was a proponent of using force, rather than non-violent methods, to achieve India’s independence. This is evidenced by his efforts in setting up the Indian National Army (INA) with the intention of fighting the British militarily. The statement (B), which suggests that Bose aimed to organize a non-violent struggle, directly contradicts his actual strategy, as reflected in statement (A), where he established the INA’s headquarters to lead an armed struggle.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Congress Presidentship?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Congress Presidentship because the Gandhi wing began to oppose the President to make it impossible for him to function.
2. Why did Rashbehari Bose organise the Indian Independence League? Who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army?
Answer: Rashbehari Bose organised the Indian Independence League with the objective of contributing to the liberation of India and serving the interests of the overseas Indians during the critical period. The first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army was Mohan Singh.
3. Name the two slogans which became the war cry of the INA. Which islands were renamed as ‘Shahid’ and ‘Swaraj’?
Answer: The two slogans which became the war cry of the INA were “Delhi Chalo” (March to Delhi) and “Jai Hind” (Victory to India). The islands which were renamed as ‘Shahid’ and ‘Swaraj’ were Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4. Why couldn’t the Indian National Army capture Imphal?
Answer: The Indian National Army couldn’t capture Imphal because the Japanese forces had to withdraw from the Indo-Burma border due to their entanglement with the Americans in the Pacific Ocean, and at the same time, the rainy season set in.
5. Mention two contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose to India’s freedom struggle.
Answer:
- He led the freedom struggle outside India as the Supreme Commander of the INA.
- He set up the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore and declared war on Britain and the USA.
6. How can you say that the INA was a unique army?
Answer: The INA was unique because it was a revolutionary army organised on foreign soil, hundreds of kilometres away from its motherland. It was dependent on foreign powers for planes, tanks, artillery, rifles, ammunition, and even lorries for the transport of soldiers to the front. It also relied on the patriotic fervour of its nationals scattered over East Asia for men, money, clothing, food, and other civilian supplies. However, its greatest asset was the spirit of self-sacrifice of the men who enthusiastically volunteered to lay down their lives.
Structured Questions
1. In 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Why did Subhas Chandra Bose decide to form a new party?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose decided to form a new party due to his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee. He felt the urgent need for an organised left-wing party in the Congress to bring the entire left wing under one banner.
(b) What were the aims and objectives of the new party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: The aims and objectives of the Forward Bloc were:
- The immediate objective was the liberation of India with the support of workers, peasants, youth, and other organisations.
- After attaining independence, the Forward Bloc aimed to work for the establishment of a Socialist State through the reorganisation of agriculture and industry on socialist lines, abolition of the Zamindari system, and the introduction of a new monetary and credit system.
(c) Mention two main objectives of the Provisional Government of Free India. Name any two countries that recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore in 1943.
Answer:
- The two main objectives of the Provisional Government of Free India were to launch and conduct the struggle that would bring about the expulsion of the British and their allies from Indian soil and to establish a permanent national government of Azad Hind.
- The two countries that recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore in 1943 were Japan and Germany.
2. Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:
“Friends, one year ago, when I made certain demands of you, I told you that if you give me ‘total mobilization’, I would give you a ‘second front’. I have redeemed that pledge. The first phase of our campaign is over. Our victorious troops, fighting side by side with Nipponese troops, have pushed back the enemy and are now fighting bravely on the sacred soil of our dear motherland. I had asked you for men, money and materials. I have got them in generous measure. Now I demand more of you. A long fight is still in front of us. We should have but one desire today the desire to die so that India may live the desire to face a martyr’s death, so that the path to freedom may be paved with the martyr’s blood. Friends! My comrades in the War of Liberation! Today I demand of you one thing, above all. I demand of you blood. It is blood alone that can avenge the blood that the enemy has spilt. It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom.”
(a) Whom is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressing? Who are the victorious troops referred to in the excerpt? Who were the Nipponese?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is addressing his comrades in the War of Liberation. The victorious troops referred to in the excerpt are the soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA). The Nipponese were the Japanese troops.
(b) Which war of liberation is Subhas Chandra Bose talking about? From where did he start his campaign? Name the two areas of Indian territory his troops acquired?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose is talking about the campaign led by the Indian National Army (INA) against the British forces. He started his campaign from South-East Asia. The two areas of Indian territory his troops acquired were Mowdok and Klang Klang.
(c) What did he demand from his troops? Did the troops fulfill the mission of their leader?
Answer: He demanded men, money, and materials from his troops, as well as their desire to die for the freedom of India. The troops of the Indian National Army (INA) fought bravely but ultimately did not fulfill the mission of liberating India due to various setbacks, including the surrender of Japan in World War II.
Picture Study
(a) Identify the person in the picture and name the army organised by him. How was this army formed and where?
Answer: The person in the picture is Subhas Chandra Bose. He organised the Indian National Army (INA). This army was formed with the help of Indian prisoners of war (POWs) who were captured by the Japanese during World War II. The INA was first formed in Malaya.
(b) What were the objectives of this army? Did it achieve its objectives?
Answer: The objectives of the Indian National Army (INA) were to organise an armed revolution and to fight the British army with modern arms, to organise a provisional government of Free India to mobilise all the forces effectively, and to achieve the total mobilisation of Indian manpower and money for a total war. The INA did not fully achieve its objectives as its advances were halted due to the withdrawal of Japanese forces and the eventual surrender of Japan in World War II, leading to the disbandment of the INA.
(c) Mention this army’s contribution to the India’s freedom struggle.
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle by inspiring patriotism and demonstrating the willingness of Indians to fight for their independence. The INA, under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose, launched military campaigns in the northeastern region of India, including the capture of Mowdok, and advanced up to the Indian border. The INA’s efforts and sacrifices stirred nationalist sentiments in India and contributed to the eventual independence movement, even though their military campaign did not succeed.
Thinking Skills
1. Do you think Subhas Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism? Give examples to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, Subhas Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism. He resigned from the prestigious Indian Civil Service to join the freedom struggle, showing his commitment to the cause of India’s independence. His formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore further exemplified his dedication. Bose’s call to his soldiers, “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom,” and his battle cries “Delhi Chalo” and “Jai Hind” inspired many to join the freedom movement and fight against British rule.
2. The India National Army built by Subhas Chandra Bose was far ahead of its time. Discuss.
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) built by Subhas Chandra Bose was indeed far ahead of its time. It was the first organized military force from India that aimed to fight for the country’s independence from foreign soil. The INA included a women’s regiment, the Rani Jhansi Regiment, which was an innovative and progressive step towards gender equality in the armed forces. The INA’s objectives of armed revolution and the establishment of a provisional government of Free India were forward-thinking strategies that reflected Bose’s vision of a liberated and self-reliant India.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
A. January 3, 1895
B. January 23, 1897
C. February 14, 1898
D. December 25, 1896
Answer: B. January 23, 1897
26. When did Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly die in a plane crash?
A. August 15, 1945
B. August 16, 1945
C. August 17, 1945
D. August 18, 1945
Answer: D. August 18, 1945
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: 23 January, 1897.
38. What were the main achievements and challenges faced by the INA during its military campaigns?
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) achieved several notable successes during its military campaigns, despite facing significant challenges. One of its main achievements was the capture of Mowdok, an outpost southeast of Chittagong, in February 1944, and advancing up to the frontier of India. The INA also succeeded in capturing the strong military post of Klang Klang and gave a tough fight to the British forces in the Assam hills, capturing Ukhral and Kohima. These victories were significant as they demonstrated the INA’s capability to challenge the British forces on the battlefield and raised the Tricolour Flag on liberated Indian soil for the first time on 19th March, 1944. However, the INA’s successes were short-lived due to several challenges. The Japanese forces, upon whom the INA heavily relied, had to withdraw from the Indo-Burma border due to their entanglement with the Americans in the Pacific Ocean. The onset of the rainy season further hampered their efforts, and Rangoon was eventually recaptured by the British. These setbacks led to the disarmament of INA soldiers and their subsequent imprisonment as prisoners of war. The surrender of Japan on 15th August, 1945, marked the final blow to the INA’s efforts, effectively sealing its fate and bringing an end to its military campaigns.
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