Early Career of Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945) was one of the most prominent leaders of India’s struggle for independence. Renowned for his dynamic leadership, nationalism, and advocacy for complete freedom from British rule, his early career reflects an extraordinary blend of intellectual brilliance, administrative excellence, and political awakening. Before becoming a revolutionary leader and founder of the Indian National Army (INA), Bose’s formative years were marked by academic distinction, service in the Indian Civil Service, and ideological evolution towards radical nationalism.

Early Life and Education

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, then part of the Bengal Presidency under British India. He was the ninth child of Janakinath Bose, a well-known lawyer, and Prabhavati Devi, a deeply religious woman. The disciplined yet cultured environment of his household played a crucial role in shaping his character and sense of duty.
Bose received his early education at the Protestant European School (now Stewart School) in Cuttack, where he was exposed to British-style education. Later, he joined Ravenshaw Collegiate School, excelling in academics and developing a strong sense of pride in Indian culture and heritage. In 1913, he enrolled at Presidency College, Calcutta, where his intellectual abilities and patriotic feelings began to mature.
An incident in 1916—when he assaulted a British professor, E.F. Oaten, for making derogatory remarks about Indians—led to his expulsion from Presidency College. This confrontation became a defining moment, strengthening his resistance against racial discrimination and colonial arrogance. Subsequently, he joined Scottish Church College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1918.

Higher Studies in England and the Indian Civil Service

After completing his undergraduate studies, Bose went to England in 1919 to prepare for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination, as per his father’s wishes. He was admitted to Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, where he studied diligently and interacted with several Indian students who were politically conscious of India’s colonial condition.
In 1920, Bose successfully passed the ICS examination, securing the fourth position overall—a remarkable achievement that reflected his intellect and discipline. Despite this accomplishment, he soon grew disillusioned with the idea of serving under British authority. The ideals of patriotism, spiritualism, and selfless service deeply influenced his conscience, particularly the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, whose writings had inspired Bose since his youth.
In April 1921, at the age of 24, he resigned from the prestigious Indian Civil Service, declaring that he could not serve a foreign government ruling his country unjustly. His resignation letter expressed his belief that “freedom is a matter of birthright” and that his duty lay in serving his motherland rather than the colonial administration. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to India’s independence.

Entry into the Indian National Movement

Upon returning to India in July 1921, Bose immediately joined the Indian National Congress and aligned himself with Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, one of Bengal’s most influential nationalist leaders. Das became his political mentor and guide, introducing him to active politics in Calcutta. Bose worked under Das’s leadership in the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee and became involved in organising youth movements and civic bodies aimed at mobilising public sentiment against British rule.
In 1922, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Calcutta Corporation when Chittaranjan Das became its first Indian Mayor. This position gave Bose valuable administrative experience and the opportunity to implement reforms aimed at improving civic welfare and sanitation in the city. His efficiency, discipline, and dedication earned him admiration from both colleagues and the public.

Imprisonment and Growing Radicalism

Subhas Chandra Bose’s growing prominence as a nationalist leader drew the attention of the British authorities. In December 1921, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, he was arrested for participating in nationalist activities and organising protests. This marked the first of several imprisonments he would endure throughout his political career.
While in prison, Bose’s ideas evolved further towards radical nationalism. He began to believe that passive resistance alone would not be sufficient to drive the British out of India. His admiration for leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and his exposure to revolutionary movements in Ireland and Europe strengthened his belief in the need for disciplined organisation and direct action.
Following his release, he continued to work closely with the Swaraj Party, founded by Chittaranjan Das, which sought to enter legislative councils and obstruct British rule from within. He also edited the newspaper Forward, later renamed Liberty, which served as a powerful voice of nationalism in Bengal.

Expanding Influence and Administrative Experience

Bose’s administrative acumen was soon recognised beyond Bengal. In 1924, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Calcutta Corporation, where he introduced numerous civic reforms, including improved public health measures and educational initiatives. However, his growing nationalist activities once again alarmed the colonial authorities, and in October 1924, he was arrested on charges of conspiracy and deported to Mandlay Jail in Burma (Myanmar).
He remained imprisoned for nearly two years, during which his health deteriorated, but his spirit remained unbroken. The period of imprisonment allowed him to study European political ideologies, including socialism and fascism, and analyse the global movements for self-determination. These ideas would later influence his political thought and strategy in the 1930s.

Leadership in the Indian National Congress

Upon his release in 1927, Bose’s reputation as a fearless and dedicated nationalist had grown immensely. He was elected President of the Bengal Provincial Congress and soon became one of the leading figures of the Indian National Congress. His early administrative experience, combined with his ideological conviction, set him apart as a leader of both intellect and action.
By the late 1920s, Bose emerged as a spokesman for the younger generation of nationalists who were impatient with the moderate pace of the Congress leadership. He advocated for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) rather than dominion status, a demand that was later formally adopted by the Congress in 1929.

Ideological Orientation and Intellectual Growth

Throughout his early career, Subhas Chandra Bose was deeply influenced by a blend of spiritual philosophy and political realism. The teachings of Swami Vivekananda instilled in him a belief in the unity of spiritual strength and social service, while Western thinkers such as Nietzsche and Giuseppe Mazzini shaped his ideas on leadership, nationalism, and sacrifice.
Bose envisioned a future India founded on equality, discipline, and self-reliance. His exposure to global revolutionary movements broadened his understanding of political struggle, leading him to emphasise the need for strong organisation and assertive action against imperialism.