RANI OF JHANSI REGIMENT: REVISITING SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE, WOMEN AND INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE

The paper is an insight into one of the most spectacular yet insufficiently studied subject of history-the first all-female Rani of Jhansi Regiment of Indian National Army in the Japanese controlled Singapore and Malaya. It will re-examine the sources to better understand women activity under this regiment in the leadership of Bose and the key figures and ideas which inspired them. An insight into the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the first ever all-women regiment would also attract attention to the ongoing debate on whether women should be recruited in the army in combat roles and may act as an inspiration to the current leadership and young women. The desire to join the regiment was awakened in the young women by the speeches and rallies of Bose and Dr. Lakshmi Swaminathan used a door-to-door approach to ensure their participation. This work would delve deep into this regiment comprising brave women soldiers who fought for India's liberation from British domination.