Introduction

Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly called Netaji, was one of the most dynamic leaders of India’s freedom struggle. Unlike Mahatma Gandhi’s path of non-violence, Bose believed in armed struggle to overthrow British rule. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”. The INA, along with Japan’s support, fought bravely during World War II.

This article covers 100 important GK questions and answers about Subhas Chandra Bose and INA, with simple explanations for exam preparation.

Subhas Chandra Bose – Life, Career & Struggle

Question 1. Who is popularly known as Netaji?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.
Explanation: The title Netaji was given to him by Indian soldiers and people for his fearless leadership.

Question 2. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: 23 January 1897.
Explanation: He was born in Cuttack, Odisha, into a well-off Bengali family.

Question 3. What was the name of Subhas Chandra Bose’s father?
Answer: Janakinath Bose.
Explanation: His father was a renowned lawyer in Cuttack.

Question 4. What was the name of his mother?
Answer: Prabhavati Devi.
Explanation: She was a devout and religious lady.

Question 5. In which city did Subhas Chandra Bose complete his early education?
Answer: Cuttack.
Explanation: He studied at Ravenshaw Collegiate School in Cuttack.

Question 6. From which university did Bose graduate?
Answer: Presidency College and Scottish Church College (Calcutta University).
Explanation: He studied philosophy and was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda.

Question 7. Subhas Chandra Bose cleared which prestigious exam in 1920?
Answer: Indian Civil Services (ICS).
Explanation: He ranked 4th but resigned as he did not want to serve under the British.

Question 8. Who was the political mentor of Subhas Chandra Bose in his early career?
Answer: Chittaranjan Das.
Explanation: Bose regarded C.R. Das as his political guru.

Question 9. Subhas Chandra Bose became the Mayor of which city in 1930?
Answer: Calcutta (Kolkata).
Explanation: He became the Mayor after gaining popularity in Bengal politics.

Question 10. Which famous Congress leader was considered a close associate of Bose during the 1920s?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru.
Explanation: Both shared a radical vision for India’s independence.

Subhas Chandra Bose in Indian National Congress

Question 11. In which year did Bose become the President of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: 1938 (Haripura Session).
Explanation: He was elected President due to his popularity among youth.

Question 12. Where was the 1938 Haripura Session of Congress held?
Answer: Gujarat.
Explanation: This session highlighted Bose’s radical approach to independence.

Question 13. What was Bose’s vision as Congress President?
Answer: Complete independence and industrialization.
Explanation: He believed in socialism and strong national planning.

Question 14. Subhas Bose was re-elected Congress President in which year?
Answer: 1939 (Tripuri Session).
Explanation: But this led to conflict with Gandhi and Nehru.

Question 15. Why did Subhas Bose resign from the Congress in 1939?
Answer: Differences with Gandhi and other leaders.
Explanation: Gandhi supported Pattabhi Sitaramayya, but Bose won the election. Still, Gandhi’s followers opposed him.

Formation of Forward Bloc & Second World War

Question 16. Which political party did Bose form after leaving Congress?
Answer: Forward Bloc.
Explanation: He formed it in 1939 to unite the left forces.

Question 17. During World War II, Bose sought help from which two countries?
Answer: Germany and Japan.
Explanation: He believed “enemy’s enemy is a friend.”

Question 18. How did Subhas Chandra Bose escape from India in 1941?
Answer: Disguised as a Pathan.
Explanation: He traveled via Kabul to Germany.

Question 19. Which radio station did Bose use to send messages to Indians from Germany?
Answer: Azad Hind Radio.
Explanation: It inspired Indians with patriotic speeches.

Question 20. What famous slogan did Subhas Chandra Bose give?
Answer: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
Explanation: This became a battle cry for INA.

Indian National Army (INA)

Question 21. Who originally formed INA?
Answer: Mohan Singh.
Explanation: He organized captured Indian soldiers in Singapore during WWII.

Question 22. Who reorganized and led INA in 1943?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.
Explanation: Bose gave new life and energy to the INA.

Question 23. In which country did Bose take command of INA?
Answer: Singapore.
Explanation: INA was formally reorganized there.

Question 24. What was the provisional government formed by Bose called?
Answer: Azad Hind Government.
Explanation: It was a government-in-exile in 1943.

Question 25. Which countries recognized Azad Hind Government?
Answer: Japan, Germany, Italy, Burma, and others.
Explanation: They supported Bose’s struggle against the British.

INA Battles, Leadership & Achievements

Question 26. What was the motto of the Indian National Army?
Answer: Ittehad, Itmad aur Qurbani (Unity, Faith and Sacrifice).
Explanation: Bose believed only discipline, unity, and sacrifice could free India.

Question 27. Who was the Commander-in-Chief of INA?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.
Explanation: Bose directly led the army, inspiring them as Netaji.

Question 28. What was the name of the women’s regiment in INA?
Answer: Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Explanation: Led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan, this regiment showed women’s strength in the freedom struggle.

Question 29. Which INA regiment was named after Tipu Sultan?
Answer: The Tipu Sultan Regiment.
Explanation: INA regiments were named after great Indian warriors.

Question 30. What slogan did INA soldiers shout while marching?
Answer: Jai Hind!
Explanation: This slogan was made popular by Bose and is still India’s national salutation.

Question 31. Which Axis Power country gave military training to INA soldiers?
Answer: Japan.
Explanation: Japan trained and equipped INA during WWII.

Question 32. Which battle saw INA soldiers fight alongside the Japanese in 1944?
Answer: Battle of Imphal.
Explanation: INA reached India’s border but was pushed back.

Question 33. Which other major battle did INA fight?
Answer: Battle of Kohima (1944).
Explanation: INA, with Japanese support, fought the British in Nagaland.

Question 34. What was the outcome of INA’s military campaigns?
Answer: Military defeat but psychological victory.
Explanation: Though INA couldn’t defeat the British, it inspired Indians.

Question 35. Which INA slogan inspired youth?
Answer: Dilli Chalo! (On to Delhi).
Explanation: Bose declared the INA would march to Delhi and raise the tricolor.

Azad Hind Government

Question 36. When was Azad Hind Government formed?
Answer: 21 October 1943.
Explanation: Provisional Government of Free India was set up in Singapore.

Question 37. Who became the head of Azad Hind Government?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.
Explanation: He was the supreme leader and head of state.

Question 38. Which islands were given to Azad Hind Government by Japan?
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Explanation: Renamed as Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep.

Question 39. What was the capital of Azad Hind Government?
Answer: Port Blair (temporary).
Explanation: Symbolically chosen after receiving the islands.

Question 40. Which countries recognized Azad Hind Government?
Answer: Germany, Japan, Italy, Burma, Philippines, Korea, and others.
Explanation: These were allies of Axis powers.

INA Trials & Aftermath

Question 41. After World War II, where were INA officers put on trial?
Answer: Red Fort, Delhi.
Explanation: British held trials in 1945 to punish INA soldiers.

Question 42. Who were the three main INA officers tried at Red Fort?
Answer: Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon.
Explanation: Their trial drew national attention.

Question 43. What was the result of the INA trials?
Answer: Public outcry forced the British to release them.
Explanation: Indians across religions united in support of INA soldiers.

Question 44. How did INA trials affect Indian independence movement?
Answer: Boosted nationalism and weakened British hold.
Explanation: Even Indian soldiers in British Army revolted after this.

Question 45. Which naval revolt in 1946 was inspired by INA?
Answer: Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (Bombay).
Explanation: Inspired by INA, Indian sailors rose against the British.

Subhas Chandra Bose’s Mysterious Death

Question 46. When did Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly die?
Answer: 18 August 1945.
Explanation: Claimed to have died in a plane crash in Taiwan.

Question 47. Which aircraft accident is linked to Bose’s death?
Answer: Taihoku plane crash.
Explanation: His plane allegedly caught fire during takeoff.

Question 48. Which inquiry commission investigated Bose’s death?
Answer: Justice Mukherjee Commission (2005).
Explanation: It concluded there was no proof of his death in the crash.

Question 49. What remains the mystery about Bose’s death?
Answer: Whether he died in 1945 or lived secretly.
Explanation: Many believe he survived and lived in disguise.

Question 50. Which temple in Japan holds Bose’s ashes?
Answer: Renkoji Temple, Tokyo.
Explanation: Preserved since 1945, though disputed.

Subhas Chandra Bose’s Vision & Legacy

Question 51. Which freedom fighter’s philosophy deeply inspired Bose?
Answer: Swami Vivekananda.
Explanation: Bose admired his teachings of strength and nationalism.

Question 52. What was Bose’s economic vision for India?
Answer: Socialist industrialization.
Explanation: He believed in planned development and state-led growth.

Question 53. Which Congress session did Bose advocate for complete independence?
Answer: Haripura Session, 1938.
Explanation: He wanted Purna Swaraj (complete freedom).

Question 54. Which German leader did Bose meet during WWII?
Answer: Adolf Hitler.
Explanation: He sought support for India’s independence.

Question 55. What was the name of Bose’s military unit in Germany?
Answer: Free India Legion.
Explanation: Indian POWs in Germany joined this force.

Question 56. Which leader opposed Bose within Congress?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi.
Explanation: Gandhi believed in non-violence, Bose in armed struggle.

Question 57. Which famous war slogan is credited to Bose?
Answer: Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi Doonga (Give me blood, I will give you freedom).
Explanation: This electrified youth into joining INA.

Question 58. What did Bose call Mahatma Gandhi?
Answer: Father of the Nation.
Explanation: He first used this title for Gandhi during a radio broadcast.

Question 59. When did Bose declare INA’s first victory?
Answer: Capture of Moirang (Manipur) in 1944.
Explanation: INA hoisted the Indian flag there.

Question 60. Who led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment?
Answer: Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later Lakshmi Sahgal).
Explanation: She became a symbol of women’s bravery.

Final Years of INA

Question 61. Why did INA ultimately fail militarily?
Answer: Japan’s surrender in WWII.
Explanation: Without Japanese support, INA collapsed.

Question 62. What happened to INA soldiers after surrender?
Answer: Captured and tried by the British.
Explanation: But public support forced British to release them.

Question 63. What role did INA play in India’s independence?
Answer: Psychological and moral victory.
Explanation: It showed British that Indians were ready to fight.

Question 64. Who said INA made the British realize India was ungovernable?
Answer: Clement Attlee (British PM).
Explanation: He admitted INA weakened British confidence.

Question 65. Which city in Manipur has an INA War Memorial?
Answer: Moirang.
Explanation: Place where INA hoisted the Indian flag in 1944.

Legacy in Independent India

Question 66. Which day is celebrated as Netaji’s birthday?
Answer: 23 January.
Explanation: Observed nationwide as Parakram Diwas.

Question 67. Which Indian government honored Bose with a statue at India Gate in 2022?
Answer: Government of India under PM Modi.
Explanation: A grand statue of Bose was unveiled.

Question 68. Which honor did the Indian government announce for Bose in 1992?
Answer: Bharat Ratna (posthumous).
Explanation: But it was withdrawn due to controversy.

Question 69. Which book did Bose write during his prison years?
Answer: The Indian Struggle.
Explanation: Covers his political ideas and India’s freedom struggle.

Question 70. Which airport is named after Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
Explanation: Major airport of Eastern India.

Exam-Oriented Facts

Question 71. Who called Subhas Bose the “Patriot of Patriots”?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi.
Explanation: Despite differences, Gandhi respected Bose’s patriotism.

Question 72. Which INA regiment hoisted Indian flag in Manipur?
Answer: Bahadur Group of INA.
Explanation: Raised the tricolor at Moirang in 1944.

Question 73. Who was the finance minister of Azad Hind Government?
Answer: A.C.N. Nambiar.
Explanation: Managed finances of INA.

Question 74. Who was the foreign minister of Azad Hind Government?
Answer: Rash Behari Bose.
Explanation: Elder revolutionary who helped Netaji.

Question 75. INA’s march towards India stopped after which battle?
Answer: Battle of Imphal.
Explanation: INA suffered huge losses.

Question 76. Who designed INA’s tricolor flag?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.
Explanation: It had springing tiger symbol.

Question 77. What did INA soldiers call Subhas Bose?
Answer: Netaji.
Explanation: A mark of respect meaning “Leader.”

Question 78. Where did Bose establish Azad Hind Bank?
Answer: Rangoon.
Explanation: To finance INA operations.

Question 79. What was the currency issued by Azad Hind Government called?
Answer: Azad Hind currency.
Explanation: Though symbolic, it showed independence spirit.

Question 80. Who commanded INA in Northeast India?
Answer: General Mohan Singh initially, later Bose himself.
Explanation: Netaji boosted soldier morale.

Last 20 Quick Study Points

Question 81. INA soldiers were mostly drawn from where?
Answer: Indian POWs captured by Japan.

Question 82. Who persuaded Mohan Singh to hand INA command to Bose?
Answer: Rash Behari Bose.

Question 83. Where did Bose give the famous speech “Delhi Chalo”?
Answer: Burma (Myanmar).

Question 84. What was Bose’s dream capital for Free India?
Answer: Delhi.

Question 85. INA’s women regiment was the first of its kind in Asia. True/False?
Answer: True.

Question 86. Who became famous as “Captain Lakshmi”?
Answer: Lakshmi Sahgal.

Question 87. INA soldiers referred to Bose as “Supreme Commander.” True/False?
Answer: True.

Question 88. Bose’s leadership style was closest to which ideology?
Answer: Socialism and militant nationalism.

Question 89. Where did Bose hoist the Indian flag for the first time outside India?
Answer: Singapore.

Question 90. What did Bose declare after taking Andaman Islands?
Answer: The islands were “first liberated territory of India.”

Question 91. Which Japanese general supported INA operations?
Answer: General Tojo.

Question 92. Who called INA’s march the “Great Gamble”?
Answer: British officials.

Question 93. Which INA officer later became an MP in India?
Answer: Shah Nawaz Khan.

Question 94. Where is INA Memorial Hall located?
Answer: Moirang, Manipur.

Question 95. Bose’s slogan Jai Hind is now used by?
Answer: Indian Armed Forces and citizens.

Question 96. INA faced shortages of what during battles?
Answer: Food, weapons, and medical supplies.

Question 97. Which British leader admitted INA’s impact on independence?
Answer: Clement Attlee.

Question 98. INA was finally disbanded in which year?
Answer: 1945.

Question 99. What is Bose remembered as today?
Answer: A fearless nationalist and symbol of courage.

Question 100. What lesson does Bose’s life teach students?
Answer: True freedom requires courage, unity, and sacrifice.