When we think of India’s freedom movement, names like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh often come to mind. Yet, hidden in the shadows of history is another remarkable hero—Rash Behari Bose, a revolutionary who played a vital role in shaping India’s destiny. He was not only one of the earliest revolutionaries who dared to challenge British rule but also the founder of the Indian National Army (INA) in Japan, which Subhas Chandra Bose later transformed into a formidable force against colonial power.
This is the story of a man whose courage crossed borders, whose determination never wavered, and whose contributions remain less celebrated but deeply significant in India’s independence journey.
Early Life and Education
Rash Behari Bose was born on 25 May 1886 in a small village called Subaldaha in West Bengal. From an early age, he showed signs of intelligence, courage, and deep curiosity about the world around him. His family moved to Chandannagar, a French settlement near Calcutta, where he grew up.
He studied at Duplex College and later pursued training in medical sciences and engineering. However, Bose’s true passion lay in politics and the struggle for justice. He was deeply disturbed by the condition of Indians under British rule—the poverty, the injustice, and the denial of basic rights.
Entry into Revolutionary Politics
The turning point in Rash Behari Bose’s life came in the early 1900s, when Bengal became the center of revolutionary activities against the British. The partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon had triggered widespread anger. Young Bose, inspired by leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee), joined the underground revolutionary groups that were secretly plotting against colonial rule.
He soon became an active member of the Anushilan Samiti and later associated with the Jugantar Party, both of which were radical organizations determined to overthrow the British through armed struggle.
The Delhi Conspiracy (1912)
One of the most daring acts of Rash Behari Bose was his involvement in the Delhi Conspiracy of 1912. The plan was to assassinate the then Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge, during a ceremonial procession in Delhi.
On 23 December 1912, as the Viceroy’s procession made its way through Chandni Chowk, a homemade bomb was hurled at his elephant carriage. Though Hardinge survived the attack, the incident sent shockwaves across the British Empire. Rash Behari Bose was identified as one of the masterminds.
To avoid arrest, he disguised himself and moved across different parts of India, continuing his revolutionary activities in secrecy. The British police launched a massive manhunt, but Bose always managed to stay one step ahead.
The Ghadr Movement and Plans for Uprising
In 1914, when the First World War broke out, Rash Behari Bose saw it as an opportunity to strike at British rule. He joined hands with the Ghadr Party, a revolutionary organization founded by Indian immigrants in North America. Together, they planned a nationwide armed uprising against the British, hoping that Indian soldiers in the British Army would revolt.
The plan, however, was betrayed by informers, and the uprising failed. The British intensified their search for Bose, forcing him to make a life-changing decision—escape to Japan.
Exile in Japan
In 1915, Rash Behari Bose fled to Japan with the help of revolutionaries and sympathizers. Japan became his second home, and it was here that he rebuilt his political life. Initially, the British authorities pressured the Japanese government to hand him over. But thanks to support from Japanese leaders, especially pan-Asianists who believed in fighting Western imperialism, Bose was granted asylum.
He eventually married a Japanese woman, Toshiko Soma, the daughter of a famous restaurateur in Tokyo. This union made him a respected figure in Japanese society and gave him permanent residency.
Even in exile, Bose never gave up on India’s freedom. He started writing, giving speeches, and networking with Japanese leaders to gain support for India’s independence struggle.
Founding of the Indian National Army (INA)
As World War II unfolded, Rash Behari Bose once again saw an opportunity to weaken British control in India. With Japan emerging as a strong power in Asia, Bose believed that Indian freedom fighters could collaborate with Japan to liberate India.
In 1942, he established the Indian Independence League (IIL) in Tokyo, which brought together Indians living abroad. Soon after, he laid the foundation of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj.
The INA was formed with Indian soldiers who had been captured by Japan during the war. Bose’s idea was simple yet powerful—use the might of these soldiers, along with Japanese support, to march into India and free it from British rule.
However, Rash Behari Bose was already aging and facing health problems. He realized that the movement needed a younger and more dynamic leader. This paved the way for Subhas Chandra Bose (popularly known as Netaji) to take charge of the INA in 1943.
Passing the Torch to Subhas Chandra Bose
When Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Japan after his daring submarine journey, Rash Behari Bose welcomed him with open arms. Recognizing Netaji’s charisma, leadership, and mass appeal, Rash Behari Bose handed over the leadership of the INA and the Indian Independence League to him.
This transition was historic. Under Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA became a powerful military and political force, capturing the imagination of Indians across the world. But it was Rash Behari Bose who had laid the groundwork, built the networks, and kept the dream alive in Japan for decades.
Later Life and Death
Though he stepped away from active leadership, Rash Behari Bose remained an influential figure in Japan. He continued to support the INA and Indian independence efforts in every possible way.
Sadly, his health deteriorated, and he passed away on 21 January 1945 in Tokyo, just two years before India finally achieved independence. Japan honored him with a state funeral, recognizing his contributions not only to India’s freedom but also to Asian solidarity against Western imperialism.
Legacy and Recognition
Rash Behari Bose’s name may not be as widely remembered as some other leaders, but his contributions were immense. He was:
-
A pioneer revolutionary who dared to challenge the British at a time when fear dominated.
-
A bridge between Indian revolutionaries and international allies, especially in Japan.
-
The founder of the INA, which Subhas Chandra Bose later transformed into a historic force.
In recognition of his work, the Government of India issued a postal stamp in his honor in 1967. His life story is also remembered in Japan, where he is respected as a symbol of Indo-Japanese friendship.
Conclusion
Rash Behari Bose was more than just a revolutionary—he was a visionary who believed that India’s freedom was not an isolated struggle but part of a larger Asian awakening against colonial powers. His courage to act, his ability to connect with international allies, and his decision to pass leadership to Subhas Chandra Bose show his selflessness and devotion to India’s cause.
Though history has often placed him in the background, the truth remains: without Rash Behari Bose, there might never have been an INA for Netaji to lead. He deserves to be remembered not as a forgotten hero but as a founding architect of India’s freedom.
No comments:
Post a Comment