The Rani Jhansi Regiment, the Women's Regiment of the Azad Hind Fauj, was under whose command?

1. Origins of the Indian National Army (INA) (basic)

The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was a unique military force born out of the chaos of World War II. Its origin is a fascinating story of Indian soldiers turning their gaze from serving the British Crown to fighting for Indian independence from outside the country's borders. The initial spark came during the British retreat in Southeast Asia in 1942. As the British army collapsed in Malaya, Captain Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, decided to seek Japanese assistance to form an army of Indians to fight the British. The Japanese, who had been encouraging anti-British sentiments among Indian civilians, handed over Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) to Mohan Singh, who then recruited them into the first phase of the INA Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.458.

While Mohan Singh was the military pioneer, the organizational foundation was laid by the veteran revolutionary Rashbehari Bose. He had been living in Japan and had already established the Indian Independence League in Tokyo in 1942. At a historic conference in Bangkok, it was decided that the INA would function under this League. It was Rashbehari Bose’s meticulous "spadework" that created the platform for the army to grow Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.459. By the end of 1942, nearly 40,000 men were ready to join the cause, though the movement gained its true momentum only when Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore in July 1943 to take command from Rashbehari Bose.

One of the most progressive aspects of the INA was the creation of an all-women’s unit called the Rani Jhansi Regiment in 1943. This regiment was led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later known as Lakshmi Sehgal), a medical doctor who traded her stethoscope for a sword. Most of the volunteers for this regiment were women of Indian origin working on Malayan plantations who were trained as guerrilla infantry soldiers Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.432. This highlighted that the struggle for freedom was not just a man's battle, but a collective national effort.

Sources: A Brief History of Modern India (SPECTRUM), Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.458; A Brief History of Modern India (SPECTRUM), Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.459; A Brief History of Modern India (SPECTRUM), Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.432

2. Subhas Chandra Bose: Ideology and Political Shift (basic)

To understand the political journey of Subhas Chandra Bose, we must first look at the fundamental ideological rift that surfaced within the Indian National Congress in the late 1930s. While both Bose and Mahatma Gandhi were devoted to the cause of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence), they differed sharply on methodology. Bose was a proponent of radical, militant nationalism and believed that India should exploit Britain's involvement in World War II to launch a mass struggle. In contrast, Gandhi and the 'Right Wing' of the Congress were hesitant to embarrass Britain during the war and preferred a more measured, non-violent approach. This polarization reached its peak during the Tripuri Session in 1939, where Bose was re-elected as President, defeating Gandhi’s preferred candidate, Pattabhi Sitaramayya Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.418.

The victory, however, led to a constitutional crisis. The Congress Working Committee (the executive body) was typically nominated by the President, but the veteran Gandhian leaders refused to cooperate with Bose. Realizing that a fragmented Congress would weaken the national movement, Bose chose to resign from the Presidency in April 1939 Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.420. This was a pivotal 'political shift' — he did not retire from politics but instead sought to consolidate the left-wing forces within the Congress by forming the Forward Bloc in May 1939. This organization was intended to be a vanguard for a more immediate and militant struggle against British rule.

Bose’s ideology eventually transcended domestic protest. By 1941, he concluded that internal agitation was not enough and escaped India to seek international support from the Axis powers Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, After Nehru..., p.823. His vision was truly inclusive and progressive; he believed in a socialist reconstruction of India and championed gender equality in the struggle. This is most famously seen in his later organization of the Rani Jhansi Regiment within the Indian National Army (INA), an all-women's combat unit led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal. This shift from 'President' to 'Netaji' (the leader of a liberation army) represents one of the most dramatic transformations in the history of the Indian freedom struggle.

Sources: A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum), Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.418; A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum), Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.420; A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum), Appendix: After Nehru..., p.823

3. The Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) (intermediate)

The Provisional Government of Free India, or Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind, was not merely a military committee; it was a fully-realized government-in-exile. Established by Subhas Chandra Bose on October 21, 1943, in Singapore, its primary purpose was to provide political legitimacy to the armed struggle of the Indian National Army (INA). By forming a government, Bose ensured that the INA was viewed not as a band of rebels or mercenaries, but as the legal military wing of a sovereign state. This status allowed the government to declare war, issue currency, and enter into diplomatic treaties with other nations History, class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7, p. 89. To function as a true state, the Arzi Hukumat featured a structured Cabinet. Netaji served as the Head of State, Prime Minister, and Minister for War and Foreign Affairs. He was supported by key figures who managed essential state functions: H.C. Chatterjee handled the Finance portfolio, M.A. Aiyar was in charge of Broadcasting (Publicity), and Lakshmi Swaminathan (later Lakshmi Sehgal) led the Women’s Department Rajiv Ahir, Spectrum, Chapter 22, p. 459. This government was formally recognized by the Axis powers, including Japan, Germany, and Italy, which gave Bose the diplomatic standing to negotiate as an equal ally rather than a subordinate. Despite its formal structure, the government faced immense practical challenges. While Japan symbolically handed over territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the INA soldiers often faced discriminatory treatment, including being denied proper rations and arms by Japanese units. Nevertheless, the psychological impact of a "Free Indian Government" operating on the borders of British India was a powerful catalyst for the nationalist sentiment that eventually culminated in independence.

Sources: History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.89; Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM., Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.459-460

4. Women in the Quit India Movement (Concurrent Struggle) (intermediate)

During the Quit India Movement (QIM) of 1942, the struggle for independence evolved into a two-pronged offensive. While the domestic front saw a surge in underground activities, a concurrent military struggle was being organized abroad. As most top-tier male leaders were arrested immediately after the 'Do or Die' call, women stepped into the vacuum, transitioning from supportive roles to becoming the very backbone of the resistance. On the domestic front, women like Aruna Asaf Ali became symbols of defiance; she famously hoisted the national flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan when others hesitated. However, the most innovative contribution was the clandestine radio operations led by Usha Mehta. This underground transmitter in Bombay acted as a vital communication link, broadcasting news of the rebellion to as far as Madras and keeping public morale high amidst heavy British censorship Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.450. These women operated in the shadows, coordinating the distribution of arms and guidance for a leaderless movement History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board), Chapter 7, p.88. Simultaneously, the struggle took a military turn with the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj. In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose established the Rani Jhansi Regiment, one of the world's first all-female combat units. Commanded by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later Lakshmi Sehgal), the regiment primarily consisted of Indian-origin women from Malayan plantations who were trained as guerrilla infantry History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board), Chapter 7, p.89. This marked a radical departure from traditional roles, as women were now prepared for direct battlefield combat to liberate the motherland.

Feature	Underground Resistance (QIM)	Military Struggle (INA)
Key Figures	Usha Mehta, Aruna Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kripalani	Captain Lakshmi Sehgal
Nature of Work	Clandestine radio, flag hoisting, sabotage	Guerrilla warfare, infantry training
Primary Goal	Maintaining domestic morale and disruption	Armed invasion to liberate India from the East

Sources: A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.450; History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.88; History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.89

5. The Post-War INA Trials (Red Fort Trials) (exam-level)

After the end of World War II, the British government made a significant political miscalculation by deciding to publicly court-martial the soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA). They chose the historic Red Fort in Delhi as the venue for the first trial in November 1945, a move intended to symbolize the restoration of British authority. However, this backfired spectacularly. The British 'compounded the folly' by putting three officers—Prem Kumar Sehgal (a Hindu), Shah Nawaz Khan (a Muslim), and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (a Sikh)—on the dock together Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM, Chapter 22, p.464. This religious diversity turned the accused into national heroes and symbols of communal unity, transcending the polarizing politics of the era.

The response from the Indian political leadership was swift and unified. The Indian National Congress, despite its commitment to non-violence, organized a powerful legal defense for the 'INA men.' A high-profile INA Defence Committee was formed, featuring legendary legal minds like Bhulabhai Desai (who led the defense), Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Kailash Nath Katju. Notably, Jawaharlal Nehru donned his lawyer's gown after several decades to join the defense team Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM, Chapter 22, p.465. Even parties that had stayed away from previous movements, like the Muslim League and the Akali Dal, joined the protests, turning the issue into a 'purely India versus Britain' struggle Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM, Chapter 22, p.489.

The intensity of the public agitation was unprecedented, spreading to the Royal Indian Navy and even the bureaucracy—the traditional pillars of the British Raj. While the military tribunal eventually found Sehgal, Dhillon, and Khan guilty of treason, the ground reality had become so volatile that the British authorities could not afford to execute the sentences. Under immense pressure, the Commander-in-Chief, Claude Auchinleck, exercised his special powers to remit the sentences and set the officers free on January 6, 1946 History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7, p.90. This was a clear signal that the days of British rule in India were numbered.

Sources: Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM, Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.464-465, 489; History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.90

6. The Rani Jhansi Regiment: Organization and Role (intermediate)

In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose took a revolutionary step in the history of the Indian freedom struggle by establishing the Rani of Jhansi Regiment as the all-women’s combat unit of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj). This was a deeply radical move for the time, reflecting Bose’s conviction that women must be equal participants in the struggle for independence. Unlike other nationalist activities of the era where women primarily played supportive or non-violent roles, this regiment was designed as a guerrilla infantry unit where women were trained for the frontlines Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.432.

The regiment was placed under the command of Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later known as Lakshmi Sehgal). She was a medical doctor from Madras and the daughter of the renowned freedom fighter Ammu Swaminathan History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board), Chapter 7, p.89. The bulk of the regiment’s recruits were not professional soldiers but civilian volunteers, many of whom were of Indian origin working on Malayan rubber plantations. This highlights the deep patriotic fervor Bose was able to ignite among the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia.

Organizationally, the regiment maintained high standards of military discipline. There was a clear focus on equality: women received the same training, wore similar uniforms, and were given no special privileges compared to men Rajiv Ahir, A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22, p.432. While those less suited for the rigors of combat were assigned to medical and nursing wings, the core of the unit was prepared for active warfare. The regiment saw action during the Burma campaign and remained operational until the retreat of the INA in 1945, when Captain Lakshmi was eventually captured by British forces.

Sources: A Brief History of Modern India, Chapter 22: Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.432; History, Class XII (Tamilnadu State Board), Chapter 7: Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.89

7. Captain Lakshmi Sehgal: Life and Leadership (exam-level)

Captain Lakshmi Sehgal (born Lakshmi Swaminathan) represents one of the most radical departures in the history of the Indian national movement: the transition of women from supportive roles to active combat military leadership. A medical doctor by profession and daughter of the renowned freedom fighter Ammu Swaminathan from Madras, she was practicing medicine in Singapore when she met Subhas Chandra Bose. In 1943, Bose tasked her with leading the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the all-women’s unit of the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj History, class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.89.

The formation of this regiment was grounded in Bose’s progressive philosophy that women should occupy a high position in both family and society, including the defense of the nation. Unlike earlier movements where women were primarily involved in picketing or underground communication, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment was trained as guerrilla infantry. The volunteers, many of whom were from Indian-origin families working on Malayan rubber plantations, received the same rigorous training, rations, and treatment as their male counterparts, with no special privileges Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM., Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.432.

Under Captain Lakshmi’s leadership, the regiment became a symbol of gender equality and national resolve. While some members served in support and nursing roles, the majority were prepared for the frontlines. The unit operated until the INA’s retreat in 1945, during which Captain Lakshmi was eventually captured by British forces in Burma. Following the war and her marriage to Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal (a fellow INA officer), she became widely known as Lakshmi Sehgal, continuing her life as a dedicated social activist and medical practitioner Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM., Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.432.

Sources: History, class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.), Last Phase of Indian National Movement, p.89; Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM., Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II, p.432

8. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

This question brings together your understanding of Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership and his strategy of total mobilization during World War II. While you have studied the general timeline of the Indian National Army (INA), this specific PYQ tests your ability to link specific leaders to their paramilitary roles. The Rani Jhansi Regiment represented a unique intersection of gender and militant nationalism; to solve this, you must distinguish between revolutionary leaders operating within the domestic Quit India Movement and those operating in the Southeast Asian theater under the Provisional Government of Free India.

To arrive at the correct answer, recall the transition of Dr. Lakshmi Swaminathan into the military fold. As a medical professional in Singapore, she was inspired by Bose's vision to form an all-women's combat unit—the first of its kind in Asia. Following her marriage to INA officer Prem Kumar Sahgal, she became known as Lakshmi Sehgal. Therefore, the correct answer is (D). As a coach, I want you to notice the common UPSC trap in options (A) and (C): both Usha Mehta and Aruna Asaf Ali were indeed active in the early 1940s, but they are iconic for their underground activities and the Quit India Movement within India, as highlighted in A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum). They were never part of the INA's military command structure in Burma or Malaya.