Apr-Jun (2024)

Women in the Indian National Army: An Analytical and Argumentative Study

R. Murugan

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedagam West Madurai, India

M. Gopi

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Nazia College of Arts and Science, Kariyapatti, Virudhunagar, India.

The role of women in the Indian National Army (INA) remains an underexplored aspect of India's independence movement. Established under Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA sought to overthrow British rule while also challenging societal gender norms. The formation of the Rani Jhansi Regiment in 1943 marked a radical departure from traditional nationalist movements, granting women military roles beyond auxiliary duties. Led by Dr. Lakshmi Swaminathan, the regiment underwent rigorous combat training, symbolizing women’s active participation in armed resistance. Despite their dedication, the regiment faced logistical challenges, lack of consistent Japanese support, and eventual disbandment in 1945. The post-independence period failed to integrate these women into military or political leadership, marginalizing their contributions in national history. The INA trials of 1945–46 generated widespread nationalist fervour, yet the role of women in the movement remained overshadowed. This study argues that their participation was not merely symbolic but a transformative moment redefining women’s roles in nationalist struggles.

Keywords: Indian National Army, Rani Jhansi Regiment, Subhas Chandra Bose, Women in Combat, Indian Independence Movement.
1. Bejin Mitra and P. Chakraborty, eds., The Rebel India (New Delhi: People's Publishing House, 1946), 154.
2. Congress Radio Calling (Bombay: Congress Publications, 1942), 4.
3. Congress Radio Calling, No. II (Papers in possession of Usha Mehta).
4. Ibid.
5. August Struggle Report, Part II (Bombay: AICC Publications, 1943), 184.
6. Report of the Pradesh Congress Committee on the Happenings in Karnataka, August 9, 1942 to September 20, 1942 (Bangalore: Pradesh Congress Committee, 1942), 3.
7. Karnataka Provincial Congress Committee, Brief Report on Happenings in Karnataka, November 1, 1942 to November 15, 1942 (Bangalore: KPCC, 1942).
8. The Tribune (Lahore), February 1946.
9. Inquilab, monthly journal of the Indian National Congress, Eastern Zone, ed. Rammanohar Lohia and Aruna Asaf Ali (March 1944, A.I.C.C. Library, New Delhi).
10. Pyare Lal, Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase (Ahmedabad: Navajivan Publishing House, 1956), 37.
11. Ibid.
12. The Tribune (Lahore), February 18, 1946.
13. Ibid.
14. The Tribune (Lahore), March 7, 1946.
15. Bejoy Benarjee, Indian War of Independence (Calcutta: National Book Agency, 1947), 82; The Tribune (Lahore), March 7, 1946.


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Published: 30 JUN 2024

Issue: Apr-Jun (2024)

Section: Articles

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