UPSC Prelims 2008 Q58: Modern History – Revolutionary & Communist Movements
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian
Legion’?
- (a) Lala Hardayal
- (b) Rashbehari Bose
- (c) Subhas Chandra Bose
- (d) V. D. Savarkar
Answer: (c) Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation
Who raised the "Free Indian Legion"
This armed force, formed during the freedom struggle with foreign backing, was raised by a specific prominent revolutionary leader.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Lala Hardayal | Incorrect | Associated with the Ghadar Movement, not the Free Indian Legion |
| (b) Rashbehari Bose | Incorrect | Associated with INA leadership in Southeast Asia, not specifically the Free Indian Legion |
| (c) Subhas Chandra Bose | Correct | Subhas Chandra Bose raised the 'Free Indian Legion' (Azad Hind Fauj's European counterpart) with German support during his time in Germany |
| (d) V.D. Savarkar | Incorrect | Not associated with raising this specific force |
Free Indian Legion facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Raised by | Subhas Chandra Bose |
| Support | Nazi Germany |
Answer: (c) Subhas Chandra Bose.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Lala Hardayal is associated with the Ghadar Movement, not this force.
- (b) Incorrect. Rashbehari Bose is linked to INA leadership in Southeast Asia, not specifically this legion.
- (c) CORRECT. Subhas Chandra Bose raised the Free Indian Legion with German support.
- (d) Incorrect. V.D. Savarkar is not associated with raising this force.
Key point
Subhas Chandra Bose raised the 'Free Indian Legion' with German support during his time in Germany, before later establishing the INA in Southeast Asia.
Remember
Subhas Chandra Bose raised the Free Indian Legion.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the European-based Free Indian Legion with the later, Southeast Asia-based Indian National Army (INA).
- Mixing up Subhas Chandra Bose's German-era activities with Rashbehari Bose's separate INA leadership role.
- Not knowing Lala Hardayal's distinct Ghadar Movement association.
Exam tip
Free Indian Legion = Subhas Chandra Bose's German-backed force, distinct from the later INA formed with Japanese support in Southeast Asia.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Subhas Chandra Bose