In which country did Subhas Chandra Bose organise the so called Tiger Legion or Free India Legion during the Second World War?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Germany

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is about the international phase of the Indian freedom struggle during the Second World War. Subhas Chandra Bose sought foreign support to liberate India from British rule. One of his initiatives in Europe was the formation of a military unit known as the Indian Legion or Free India Legion, often nicknamed the Tiger Legion. Knowing in which country this legion was organised gives insight into the global dimension of the independence movement.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The leader is Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji.
- The formation mentioned is the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion.
- The period is the Second World War.
- The options list several countries associated with wartime operations Germany, Italy, Singapore, Japan and Burma.


Concept / Approach:
The central concept is to distinguish between Bose activities in Europe and in East and Southeast Asia. In Europe, Bose worked with Germany and organised the Free India Legion from Indian prisoners of war captured by German forces in North Africa. This legion was based and trained in Germany and was nicknamed the Tiger Legion. Later, Bose travelled by submarine to Asia and led the Indian National Army based around Singapore and Japanese occupied territories. Therefore the correct country for the Tiger Legion is Germany, not Japan or Singapore.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Bose first went to Germany during the Second World War, seeking support from the Axis powers.Step 2: In Germany he helped raise a force of Indian prisoners of war which came to be known as the Free India Legion or Tiger Legion.Step 3: Remember that later Bose moved to East Asia and took command of the Indian National Army, which was linked to Japan and based around Singapore and Burma.Step 4: Since the question specifically mentions the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion, connect it with the European phase in Germany.Step 5: Choose Germany from the options and reject the others as belonging to a different phase or not directly related.


Verification / Alternative check:
A convenient way to verify is to pair names and places in your memory. Link Indian National Army with Japan and Singapore, and link Free India Legion or Tiger Legion with Germany and Europe. The term legion itself matches the style of many German military units of that time. Remember also that Bose used German resources to train and equip this legion before moving to the Asian theatre of war.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Italy: Although Italy was part of the Axis camp, the main organisation and training of the Free India Legion took place in Germany, not Italy.
- Singapore: This city is closely associated with the later Indian National Army in Asia, not with the Tiger Legion created in Europe.
- Japan: Bose collaborated with Japan for the Indian National Army, but the specific Tiger Legion mentioned in the question refers to the earlier German based unit.
- Burma: Burma was part of the battlefront where the Indian National Army fought alongside Japanese forces, not the location where the Tiger Legion was originally organised.


Common Pitfalls:
Many students automatically think of Japan when they see the name Subhas Chandra Bose because of the Indian National Army campaigns in Burma and north east India. This leads them to overlook the earlier German phase. To avoid this, always remember that Bose had two major foreign bases Germany for the Tiger Legion and Japan Singapore for the Indian National Army.


Final Answer:
Subhas Chandra Bose organised the Tiger Legion or Free India Legion in Germany during the Second World War.

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