Beginning of World War II (1939) and Subhash Chandra Bose’s Escape

The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 dramatically altered the course of global politics and had a profound impact on India’s struggle for independence. The war not only intensified nationalist sentiments in India but also provided an opportunity for revolutionary leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose to pursue international alliances against British colonial rule. Bose’s daring escape from India in 1941 became one of the most iconic events of the Indian freedom movement, symbolising his determination to liberate India through armed struggle.

The Beginning of World War II (1939)

Global Context

World War II began on 1 September 1939, when Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland. Two days later, on 3 September 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the formal beginning of the conflict.
The war rapidly expanded to include major global powers, dividing the world into two opposing alliances:

• Allied Powers: Led by the United Kingdom, France, the Soviet Union (after 1941), China, and later the United States.
• Axis Powers: Comprising Germany, Italy, and Japan.

This global confrontation lasted until 1945, becoming the most destructive war in human history.

Impact on India

As India was still under British colonial rule, Viceroy Lord Linlithgow unilaterally declared India’s entry into the war on 3 September 1939, without consulting any Indian leaders or the Indian National Congress (INC).
This action provoked widespread anger and protest across the country.
Reactions in India:

• The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose (earlier), opposed India’s forced involvement in a European war without the consent of the Indian people.
• In protest, the Congress ministries in seven provinces (established after the 1937 elections) resigned in October 1939.
• The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saw the war as an opportunity to strengthen its political position and declared support for the British, seeking future concessions for Muslims.
• The Communist Party of India initially opposed the war as an imperialist conflict but later supported it after 1941, when Germany invaded the Soviet Union.

The British, needing Indian resources and soldiers for the war effort, tried to gain cooperation from Indian leaders by promising constitutional reforms after the war. However, these vague assurances failed to satisfy nationalist demands.

Subhas Chandra Bose and His Political Ideology

Early Political Career

Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945) was one of India’s most dynamic and radical nationalist leaders. A brilliant student from Cuttack, Odisha, he was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo’s ideals of nationalism and self-sacrifice.
He joined the Indian National Congress and rose rapidly through its ranks, becoming President of the Congress in 1938 (Haripura Session) and again in 1939 (Tripuri Session).
However, Bose’s ideology differed significantly from that of Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership. While Gandhi emphasised non-violence (ahimsa) and gradual reform, Bose believed in direct action and revolutionary methods to achieve complete independence.

Clash with the Congress Leadership

At the Tripuri Congress Session (1939), Bose was re-elected as President, defeating the candidate backed by Gandhi. However, internal differences over ideology, methods, and control of the organisation forced Bose to resign soon after.
He subsequently founded a new political organisation — the Forward Bloc — in May 1939, within the Congress, to consolidate left-wing elements and promote the goal of “Samyavadi Swaraj” (Socialist Freedom).
Bose advocated for:

• Complete independence from British rule.
• Strong centralised government.
• Industrialisation and social reform based on socialist principles.
• Alliance with anti-imperialist powers to secure India’s freedom.

Subhas Chandra Bose and World War II

When World War II broke out in September 1939, Bose saw it as a “golden opportunity” to launch a struggle against British rule, as Britain was preoccupied with the war in Europe.
He demanded that India’s cooperation in the war be conditional upon the immediate transfer of power to Indians and the declaration of independence. When the British government ignored these demands, Bose began mobilising people for mass protests and civil disobedience.
As his speeches and writings became increasingly militant, the British authorities placed him under house arrest in Calcutta in July 1940 under the Defence of India Act.

Subhas Chandra Bose’s Great Escape (1941)

Bose’s escape from British detention in early 1941 remains one of the most daring episodes in modern Indian history.

The Escape Plan

Confined to his residence at Elgin Road, Calcutta, Bose meticulously planned his escape with the help of trusted associates, including his nephew Sarat Chandra Bose, Sardar Niranjan Singh Gill, and Mian Akbar Shah.
Disguised as a Pathan insurance agent named Ziauddin, Bose left his house on the night of 16–17 January 1941, wearing a long coat and carrying a false identity card.

The Route of Escape

• From Calcutta, he travelled by car to Gomoh (now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Junction, Jharkhand).
• From there, he took a train to Peshawar, assisted by revolutionary networks.
• Crossing into Afghanistan with the help of Mian Akbar Shah and Bhagat Ram Talwar, Bose reached Kabul in disguise.
• From Kabul, he managed to obtain an Italian passport under the name “Orlando Mazzotta.”
• Travelling via Soviet-controlled Central Asia, he reached Moscow, and from there, Berlin (Germany), in March 1941.

This extraordinary journey — spanning more than 7,000 kilometres through hostile territories during wartime — showcased his courage, intelligence, and unwavering determination.

Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany (1941–1943)

Once in Berlin, Bose sought support from Nazi Germany and its allies to fight against the British.

Activities in Germany:

• Established the Free India Centre and Azad Hind Radio to broadcast anti-British propaganda and inspire Indians to revolt.
• Founded the Indian Legion (Indische Legion), composed of Indian prisoners of war captured by German and Italian forces in North Africa.
• The Legion’s motto was “Jai Hind”, which later became India’s national slogan.

However, Bose soon realised that Germany’s support for India’s independence was limited and primarily driven by its own strategic interests.

Alliance with Japan and Formation of INA

In 1943, Bose secretly travelled from Germany to Japan via submarine, crossing the Indian Ocean — another remarkable feat of wartime espionage.
In East Asia, he assumed leadership of the Indian National Army (INA), originally founded by Rash Behari Bose and Captain Mohan Singh, and reorganised it into a formidable force of around 40,000 soldiers.
He also established the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in October 1943, headquartered in Singapore.
The INA, under Bose’s command, fought alongside Japanese forces in the Imphal and Kohima campaigns (1944) in an attempt to liberate India through armed invasion. Although the campaign ultimately failed, Bose’s leadership rekindled a spirit of nationalism among Indians both at home and abroad.

Legacy and Significance

1. Nationalist Awakening: Subhas Chandra Bose’s escape symbolised the indomitable spirit of India’s freedom struggle and inspired countless revolutionaries.
2. International Dimension of the Freedom Movement: He successfully internationalised India’s cause by seeking global alliances and establishing diplomatic recognition for the Provisional Government of Free India.
3. Impact on British Rule: Though militarily unsuccessful, the INA and Bose’s efforts profoundly influenced Indian soldiers and public opinion, contributing to post-war unrest in the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) and hastening British withdrawal.
4. Enduring Inspiration: His slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” and the greeting “Jai Hind” continue to inspire patriotism in India.