The story of India’s freedom is filled with the names of well-known leaders—Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, and Bhagat Singh. Yet, in the corners of history lies a figure who gave his entire life to the cause, often away from the limelight. That man was Rash Behari Bose.
He was one of the earliest revolutionaries who struck terror into the heart of the British Empire, a man who escaped their grip countless times, and the founder of the Indian National Army (INA) in Japan. Though Subhas Chandra Bose later became the face of the INA, it was Rash Behari who first dreamt of such an army and laid its foundation.
This biography revisits his remarkable life—a story of courage, exile, sacrifice, and vision.
Childhood and Early Influences
Rash Behari Bose was born on 25 May 1886 in Subaldaha, a small village in Bengal’s Burdwan district. His father, Binod Behari Bose, worked in the municipal office, while his mother came from a family of priests.
As a child, Rash Behari showed great interest in books and ideas. Growing up in Chandannagar, a French settlement, he was exposed to a variety of cultures and revolutionary thoughts. The partition of Bengal in 1905 by the British deeply disturbed him. This event planted the seeds of rebellion in his heart.
He completed his education at Duplex College in Chandannagar and later studied medical sciences and engineering. But beyond academics, he was drawn toward politics, nationalist literature, and secret revolutionary circles.
A Revolutionary Spirit Awakens
The early 20th century was a period of unrest in Bengal. Secret organizations like the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar Party were active, training young men to challenge British power through armed resistance. Rash Behari Bose soon became a member of these groups.
He learned bomb-making, underground organizing, and the art of disguises. Unlike many who limited themselves to speeches and meetings, Rash Behari believed that only direct action could shake the empire.
The Delhi Conspiracy, 1912
Rash Behari Bose’s name first rose to national attention during the Delhi Conspiracy Case. On 23 December 1912, the British Viceroy, Lord Hardinge, was riding in a ceremonial procession through Chandni Chowk in Delhi. A bomb exploded near his carriage, injuring him badly.
The daring attack sent shockwaves through British India. Rash Behari Bose was one of the key masterminds behind the plan. Though the Viceroy survived, the British were stunned by the boldness of the revolutionaries.
The police launched an intense search for Bose, but he disappeared into the crowd. Using disguises and his sharp mind, he moved secretly between Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, continuing his revolutionary work.
The Ghadr Movement and Failed Uprising
By 1914, the First World War had begun. Rash Behari Bose saw this as the perfect moment to strike at British rule. He joined forces with the Ghadr Party, an organization founded by Indian immigrants in America and Canada. Together, they plotted a large-scale mutiny of Indian soldiers within the British Army.
The plan was ambitious: soldiers stationed in different parts of India would rise in revolt, supported by revolutionaries on the outside. Unfortunately, due to betrayal and leaks, the plan was discovered. The uprising never took place, and many Ghadr leaders were arrested or executed.
Rash Behari Bose once again escaped but realized that staying in India had become too dangerous. The British were determined to capture him at any cost.
Escape and Life in Japan
In 1915, Bose made a daring escape to Japan with the help of sympathizers. This move changed the course of his life.
At first, the British pressured Japan to deport him. But Bose had already won the sympathy of Japanese leaders and thinkers who were themselves opposed to Western imperialism. He was granted asylum.
In Japan, he married Toshiko Soma, the daughter of a famous restaurant owner, and became a respected figure in Japanese society. Sadly, Toshiko died young, but her family continued to support Bose throughout his life.
Japan became his second homeland, but his heart always beat for India. From there, he wrote articles, gave speeches, and built networks with Japanese officials, keeping the flame of India’s freedom alive.
Building International Support
In Japan, Rash Behari Bose transformed from a hunted revolutionary into a statesman-like figure. He believed that India’s freedom was part of a larger Asian struggle against colonialism. His vision was not limited to India alone—he wanted all of Asia to rise against Western domination.
He formed close ties with Japanese nationalists and pan-Asian thinkers who admired his determination. Slowly, he became the voice of India’s independence movement abroad, lobbying for international recognition of India’s cause.
The Birth of the Indian National Army (INA)
When World War II broke out in 1939, Bose saw a new opportunity. The British were once again stretched thin, and Japan had emerged as a powerful force in Asia. Rash Behari Bose decided to mobilize Indians living abroad, particularly soldiers captured by Japan.
In 1942, he organized the Indian Independence League (IIL) and soon after founded the Indian National Army (INA). The INA was composed mainly of Indian soldiers of the British Indian Army who had been taken prisoner by Japan during its campaigns in Southeast Asia.
The idea was revolutionary: instead of fighting for the British, these soldiers would fight for India’s independence. The INA became a symbol of hope for millions of Indians.
Passing the Baton to Subhas Chandra Bose
Although Rash Behari Bose had vision and courage, he was now in his mid-50s and struggling with poor health. He realized that the movement needed a younger, more dynamic leader who could inspire masses and lead troops in battle.
In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Japan after his famous submarine journey. Rash Behari welcomed him warmly and saw in him the perfect leader to carry forward the INA. Without hesitation, he handed over the leadership of the INA and the Indian Independence League to Netaji.
This decision was historic. Under Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA grew stronger and gained global attention. Yet, it was Rash Behari Bose who had built the foundation and kept the vision alive for decades.
Final Years in Japan
Even after stepping down, Rash Behari Bose remained a guiding spirit. He continued to write, inspire, and support the INA from behind the scenes.
However, his health worsened in the final years of the war. On 21 January 1945, Rash Behari Bose passed away in Tokyo, just two years before India achieved independence. Japan honored him with a state funeral, recognizing him as a hero who stood for Asian unity and freedom.
Legacy and Impact
Though his name is less known today, Rash Behari Bose made lasting contributions:
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Pioneer of Revolutionary Activities – From the Delhi Conspiracy to the Ghadr movement, he showed courage when most feared the British.
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International Voice of India – In Japan, he became the face of India’s struggle abroad.
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Founder of the INA – He created the army that Subhas Chandra Bose later turned into a powerful force.
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Symbol of Indo-Japanese Friendship – His life built a bridge of respect and solidarity between India and Japan.
The Indian government issued a commemorative stamp in 1967 to honor him. In Japan, his name is still remembered with respect.
Conclusion
Rash Behari Bose’s life was one of sacrifice, determination, and vision. He was a revolutionary who never gave up, even when forced into exile. He dreamed of an India free from British chains and worked tirelessly to make that dream real.
While Subhas Chandra Bose became the public face of the INA, it was Rash Behari who laid its very foundation. Without his early efforts, the story of the INA might never have been written.
History may not have given him the spotlight he deserved, but every Indian owes him gratitude. Rash Behari Bose was not just a freedom fighter—he was the unsung torchbearer of India’s independence movement.
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