I. Short Answer Questions
1. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Congress Presidentship?
Ans: At the Tripuri Session (1939), Subhas Chandra Bose was re-elected as Congress President by defeating Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Gandhiji's candidate. However, a deadlock arose because the Congress Working Committee supported Gandhiji and opposed Bose's policies. As it became difficult for him to function effectively, Bose resigned from the Congress Presidentship on 29 April 1939.
2. Name the party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose in May 1939. What was the party's programme for rebuilding India?
Ans: Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc on 3 May 1939. Its programme for rebuilding India was:
- Reorganisation of agriculture and industry on socialist lines.
- Abolition of the Zamindari system.
- Introduction of a new monetary and credit system.
- Establishment of a Socialist State after independence.
3. Why did Rashbehari Bose organise the Indian Independence League? Who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army?
Ans: Rashbehari Bose organised the Indian Independence League to unite the Indians living in East Asia and mobilise their support for India's freedom struggle against British rule. The first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army (INA) was Captain Mohan Singh.
4. Name the two slogans which became the war cry of the INA? Which islands were renamed as 'Shahid' and 'Swaraj'?
Ans: The two slogans that became the war cry of the INA were "Delhi Chalo" and "Jai Hind". The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were renamed 'Shaheed' and 'Swaraj' respectively.
5. Why couldn't the Indian National Army capture Imphal?
Ans:
- The INA could not capture Imphal because the Japanese forces suffered reverses and were forced to retreat.
- The INA faced severe shortages of food, arms, medicines and other supplies.
- With the weakening of Japanese support, the INA was unable to continue its advance towards Imphal.
6. Mention two contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose to India's freedom struggle.
Ans:
- He founded the Forward Bloc (1939) to unite the left-wing forces and intensify the struggle for India's independence.
- He reorganised and led the Indian National Army (INA) and launched an armed struggle against British rule with the slogan "Delhi Chalo."
II. 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?
Ans:
- Subhas Chandra Bose had serious differences with Gandhiji and the Congress Working Committee regarding the methods to be adopted for achieving independence.
- After resigning from the Congress Presidentship, he felt the need for a new organisation to unite all left-wing and anti-British forces.
- Therefore, he founded the Forward Bloc on 3 May 1939.
(b) What were the aims and objectives of the new party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Ans:
- The immediate objective of the Forward Bloc was to secure complete independence of India with the support of workers, peasants, youth and other anti-British forces.
- It aimed at uniting all left-wing groups within the Congress under one organisation.
- After independence, it sought to establish a Socialist State in India.
- It advocated the reorganisation of agriculture and industry on socialist lines, abolition of the Zamindari system and 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.
Ans: Objectives:
- To launch an armed struggle against British rule and achieve India's independence.
- To establish a Provisional Government of Free India and organise all resources for the liberation of the country.
- Japan
- Germany
2. As the Supreme Commander of the INA Subhas Chandra Bose inspired, from outside the country, many in his homeland. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) How can you say that the INA was a unique army?
Ans:
- The INA was a unique army because it was formed by Indians outside India with the sole aim of achieving India's independence.
- It was the first Indian army organised to fight the British through an armed struggle under Indian leadership.
- People from different regions, religions and communities served together in the INA, reflecting national unity.
- It also included a women's unit, the Rani Jhansi Regiment, under Dr. Lakshmi Swaminathan.
(b) What were the main objectives of the INA?
Ans:
- To secure India's independence through an armed struggle against British rule.
- To organise and unite Indians living abroad for the freedom movement.
- To establish a Provisional Government of Free India.
- To achieve total mobilisation of men and money for the liberation of India.
(c) What were the achievements of the INA?
Ans:
- The INA succeeded in arousing patriotic feelings and national consciousness among Indians.
- INA troops captured Mowdok, Ukhral and Kohima during their campaign against the British.
- The tricolour was hoisted on Indian soil at Mowdok on 19 March 1944.
- The INA trials at the Red Fort generated widespread public sympathy and inspired nationalist movements within the armed forces.
- The activities of the INA convinced the British that they could no longer rely completely on the loyalty of the Indian armed forces.