RAS question
The Indian National Army (INA) was originally formed by:
Correct answer: (D) Captain Mohan Singh.
Captain Mohan Singh originally formed the Indian National Army in 1942 in Malaya, Southeast Asia, from Indian prisoners of war captured by Japan.
Explanation
Chronology is decisive in identifying who originally formed the Indian National Army (INA). Captain Mohan Singh formed it in 1942 with Japanese assistance, drawing its early base from Indian prisoners of war captured by Japanese forces in Malaya, Southeast Asia; he became its first leader. The Press Information Bureau links the INA's 1942 formation to Mohan Singh, before Subhas Chandra Bose took command. Rash Behari Bose supported the INA and the wider independence effort through the Indian Independence League and played an early leadership role, but he did not originally form the army. Subhas Chandra Bose took command in 1943 and became the most prominent figure in its political and military leadership. The original formation therefore belongs to Captain Mohan Singh.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Shah Nawaz Khan was an INA officer associated with the later Red Fort trials of 1945-46, not with the original formation of the army in 1942.
- (B) Subhas Chandra Bose took command later in 1943, so he is central to the INA's later leadership but not to its original formation.
- (C) Rash Behari Bose supported the INA and the wider independence effort through the Indian Independence League and initially led the movement, but the army's original 1942 formation is linked to Captain Mohan Singh.
Concept
Chronology within the revolutionary phase of the Indian national movement is crucial for the INA. RAS often tests role-based distinctions: the original founder, the first leader, Rash Behari Bose's early role, Subhas Chandra Bose's later command, and the Red Fort trials.