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BIBLIOASIA APR – JUN 2018 Vol. 14 / Issue 01 / Feature Meira Chand’s multi-cultural heritage is reflected in the nine novels she has published. A Different Sky, set in Singapore, was long-listed for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2012, and made it to Oprah Winfrey’s reading list. Her new book, Sacred Waters, was recently published in WARRIOR Singapore. She has a PhD in Creative Writing. WOMEN The Rani of Jhansi Regiment The traditional Indian woman is invari- (Facing page top) Subhas Chandra Bose inspecting the Rani of Jhansi Regiment and Indian National Army ably portrayed as modest and compliant, troops in Singapore in 1943. S R Nathan Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. entirely focused on her role as daugh- (Facing page bottom) Soldiers of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment marching alongside Indian National Army ter, wife and mother. Yet, by the same troops, c.1943–45. Puan Sri Datin J Athi Nahappan Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. (Above) Subhas Chandra Bose, with Captain (Dr) Lakshmi Sahgal, inspecting the guard of honour A band of extraordinary women rose ttoken, the image of the warrior woman presented by the Rani of Jhansi Regiment during the opening of the Rani of Jhansi camp at Waterloo is a recurring figure in Indian history, Street, Singapore, on 22 October 1943. Courtesy of Netaji Research Bureau. above oppression and poverty in Malayan beginning in Hindu religious mythology (Below) Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945) was a freedom fighter who fought for the liberation of India with the goddess Durga and culminating from British rule. He commanded the Indian National Army in Singapore and created the Rani of Jhansi plantations to overthrow the British in Regiment. Nirvan Thivy Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. in modern times with figures such as colonial India. Meira Chand has the story. Phoolan Devi, the notorious bandit queen. Female power has also been cel- Subhas Chandra Bose was comprised of Indian prisoners-of ebrated over the centuries in the works war in Germany who had been captured of Indian women poets and writers, and in The name Subhas Chandra Bose is from the British. Around this time Bose tales of legendary women such as Chand little heard today, but in his own time acquired the title, Netaji, or great leader, Bibi and the Rani of Jhansi. Bose was a hero to many in India. He by which he is still remembered today. The Indian women who joined the was a controversial and divisive figure, Although Hitler appeared supportive Indian National Army (INA) in 1942, as inspiring aversion in his opponents and of Bose, once Germany lost the war to the events of World War II unfolded, adulation in his followers. Both Mahatma Russia, it was clear he was in no posi- chose to recognise their power and Gandhi (1869–1948) and Bose (1897–1945) tion to help Bose drive the British out agency as women in a way that reflects were legendary sons of India, fighters of India. Any interest Hitler retained that alternative image. The bravery of for freedom from colonial rule, and in Bose was reserved for propaganda these women in the nationalist efforts active during the same timeframe. Yet, victories rather than military ones, and to overthrow the British in colonial India the means by which each man sought to Bose grew progressively disillusioned. has been largely overlooked by history. achieve India’s freedom could not have The issue of gender, and the illiteracy been more different. and low caste of the majority of the Indian Bose was 28 years younger than Gan- women allowed for their easy dismissal, dhi, and was initially greatly influenced by and has resulted in their courage being the writings and ideals of the older man. little known or celebrated. However, a growing admiration for militant In trying to make sense of the his- European fascism caused Bose’s views torical meaning and importance of the to take a radical turn. He grew critical of Rani of Jhansi Regiment while research- Gandhi with his symbolically rustic spin- ing my novel, Sacred Waters, I found a ning wheel and call for non-violent civil general scarcity of material about the disobedience, feeling that such passivity women who made up this regiment. In would never achieve independence for contrast, there is a large collection of India. Bose believed freedom could only material available for those researching be gained by violent means, through an the male segment of the INA. invasion of the country from outside. “Give The remarkable story of these me your blood, and I will give you freedom" brave women deserves to be better was his famous battle cry. known. But it is impossible to write about In 1941, Bose escaped house arrest the Rani of Jhansi Regiment without by the British in Calcutta, and fled over- mentioning the force they were part land to Germany to petition Adolf Hitler’s of, the INA, and its inextricable ties to help in his mission. At first Hitler was the charismatic Indian freedom fighter, supportive of Bose, allowing him to raise Subhas Chandra Bose. a small army, the Indian Legion, which 44 45 BIBLIOASIA APR – JUN 2018 Vol. 14 / Issue 01 / Feature (Left) Subhas Chandra Bose arriving in Singapore on 2 July 1943. Nirvan Thivy Collection, courtesy of rateness allowed their Indian identity labourer, where a northerner cannot wayside, and how the tight knit bonds of National Archives of Singapore. to remain intact. Even if cut off from speak the language of a southerner, and being a community of women motivated (Below) Subhas Chandra Bose announcing the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India, or Azad India for two or three generations, where the untouchable is anathema to by a powerful cause overrode everything Hind, at a rally at Cathay Building, Singapore, in October 1943. He established Azad Hind to ally with the Axis they still spoke their native tongue and all, the fostering of a sense of oneness else. This sense of community forged alli- powers and free India from British rule. Nirvan Thivy Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore. wore Indian dress in everyday life. At was a difficult task. ances and collaborations across diverse Hindu temples in the rubber estates, Bose ordered all recruits to eat and boundaries, firing up everyone with the they celebrated religious festivals and live together whatever their differences. commitment of female comradeship and practices. Hindu myth and folklore was As they came from different parts of India the commonality of shared experiences. handed down from one generation to the and spoke different languages, they were next, and their sense of Tamil identity required to learn the common language The Making of Women Warriors remained strong.2 of Hindustani as a means of communi- Stripped of their self-worth in cation. Bose also introduced the Roman The women in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment Malaya, the motherland became a con- script for writing Hindustani in order to received the same basic military training soling image for these displaced Tamils, overcome the conflict of using multiple as male INA recruits. For many, the early an India of the imagination, created out of regional Indian scripts. experiences of military life would have an ancestral memory that was constantly Those Ranis whose testimony has been a difficult rite of passage. When kept alive.3 Seen through this lens – the been recorded all bear witness to how the women first joined the regiment, the insularity of the Tamil community and its quickly feelings of differences fell by the unshackling of traditional ways could not powerful ties to India and Indian heritage – it is easier to understand why second and third generation Indians in Malaya, who had never lived in India, were stirred by the nationalistic feelings of the time, and willingly laid down their lives for the patriotic cause. The women who volunteered to join the newly formed Rani of Jhansi Regiment were all exceptionally young, On the other side of the world, the Beginnings of the Jhansi Regiment to fight for their freedom and the majority in their mid- to late teens, British stronghold of Singapore fell to for independence… along with a few are even documented as being the Japanese military on 15 February Bose was from Bengal, a state that more independence they will get their no more than 12 or 14 years old. Most 1942. As had been the case in Germany, than any other in India encouraged the own emancipation.”1 were of an impressionable age, filled large numbers of Indian soldiers who education and emancipation of women. It with burgeoning emotions, desires and were part of the defeated British army was this principle that led him to create a Bose’s inspiring words caused romantic dreams. In the turmoil of war, were taken prisoner and encouraged regiment of women in the INA. The new women listening to him on the Padang the women regiment may also have been by the Japanese to become part of a regiment was formed on 12 July 1943 and to surge forward through police bar- seen by some as a safe haven where new military force known as the Indian Bose named it after the legendary Rani ricades, eager to fight as he demanded food, shelter and safety from marauding National Army. of Jhansi, who famously rode into battle for India and their own emancipation. Japanese soldiers was provided. With Japanese support, this force against the British in 1858, and died a At the time in India, the struggle Even so, it is astounding that Indian was expected to rally opposition to Brit- martyr to the Indian cause.