The Forgotten Army: India's Armed Struggle for Independence 1942-1945 by Peter Ward Fay is a comprehensive and meticulously researched account of the Indian National Army (INA) and its pivotal, yet often overlooked, role in India’s fight for independence. The book traces the journey of the INA from its origins among Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia, through its military campaigns alongside the Japanese, to its eventual defeat and the subsequent impact on the Indian independence movement. Fay’s narrative is enriched by personal accounts, especially those of Prem Kumar Sahgal, a senior INA officer, and Lakshmi Swaminadhan, leader of the INA’s women’s section, providing a human dimension to the military and political history.

The Forgotten Army stands out for its balanced and nuanced approach, combining oral history with rigorous archival research. Fay’s work is widely acknowledged as the most comprehensive account of the INA to date, providing insights that challenge both British and Indian official histories. The book is particularly important for highlighting the diversity of the independence movement and for restoring the INA’s role to its rightful place in the story of India’s freedom.

1. The Formation and Motivation of the INA Fay explores how the INA was formed out of the ashes of defeat after the British surrender in Singapore, focusing on the motivations of Indian soldiers who chose to switch allegiance from the British to the INA. He delves into the sense of betrayal felt by Indian troops at the hands of the British command and the appeal of Subhas Chandra Bose’s charismatic leadership, which promised a more direct and forceful approach to independence compared to Gandhi’s non-violent methods.2. Military Campaigns and Challenges The book provides detailed accounts of the INA’s military campaigns, particularly in Burma and along the Indian border. Fay does not shy away from discussing the INA’s military shortcomings, including logistical difficulties, lack of resources, and the eventual disillusionment with Japanese support as their fortunes in the war declined. However, he also highlights moments of bravery and tactical success, such as the Battle of Legyi, challenging the prevailing notion that the INA was a complete military failure.3. Political and Ideological Divides A significant theme is the ideological rift between Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and Bose’s belief in armed struggle. Fay examines how these differing approaches shaped the broader independence movement and the INA’s place within it. He also discusses the complex relationship between the INA and its Japanese allies, noting the growing disenchantment among INA leaders as Japanese priorities shifted.4. Aftermath and Historical Memory Fay argues that the INA’s true significance lies less in its battlefield achievements and more in its psychological and political impact. The INA trials in 1945-46, and the subsequent mutinies in the Royal Indian Navy, galvanized Indian public opinion against British rule and made the continuation of the Raj untenable. The book critiques the post-independence tendency to downplay or ignore the INA’s contribution, both in British and Indian narratives.

Fay’s book has had a profound cultural impact by reviving interest in the INA and its members. By foregrounding the stories of individuals like Sahgal and Swaminadhan, the book brings to life the sacrifices and motivations of those who fought in the INA, including the pioneering role of women. It challenges the dominant narrative of a solely non-violent struggle and acknowledges the multiplicity of voices and strategies that contributed to independence.The book also exposes the constructed nature of historical memory, critiquing the tendency of both colonial and post-colonial establishments to marginalize uncomfortable aspects of the past. In doing so, it has contributed to a more inclusive and honest reckoning with India’s history.

The Forgotten Army has played a significant role in reshaping public understanding of the independence movement, especially among younger generations and scholars. By documenting the INA’s story, Fay has helped ensure that the contributions of its members are not forgotten. The book has encouraged further research and debate about the role of armed struggle in India’s freedom movement and has inspired renewed recognition of figures like Subhas Chandra Bose in popular culture and academic discourse.The narrative of the INA, as presented by Fay, also resonates with broader questions about loyalty, identity, and the ethics of resistance. It has prompted discussions about the nature of patriotism and the legitimacy of different forms of protest against colonial rule.

Peter Ward Fay’s The Forgotten Army is a landmark work that restores the Indian National Army to its place in the history of India’s struggle for independence. Through a blend of personal narrative, military history, and political analysis, Fay demonstrates that the INA’s significance far exceeded its military achievements. The mere existence of an Indian army fighting for independence, and the subsequent political upheavals triggered by its trials, played a crucial role in convincing both Indians and the British that the age of empire was over.The book’s enduring importance lies in its challenge to simplistic narratives and its insistence on a more complex, inclusive understanding of the past. By bringing the stories of the INA and its members to light, Fay’s work has enriched both historical scholarship and public memory, ensuring that the sacrifices and struggles of the “forgotten army” are remembered and honored.