Question 39 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Modern History

Question

In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. officers of the Indian National Army

Strategy: Focus on recognition of names associated with the INA trials. Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon—their religious identities and their joint trial are key cues. No historical connection to Swadeshi, Interim Government, or Drafting Committee. Thus, 'officers of the Indian National Army' is the right selection.

Key Info: **The Indian National Army**
The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was formed in 1942 by Indian nationalists. Initially led by Mohan Singh, it was later reorganized and commanded by Subhas Chandra Bose. The INA recruited Indian prisoners of war and civilians in Southeast Asia to fight alongside Japanese forces against the British.

**The Red Fort Trials**
The most significant event involving the INA was the Red Fort trials, held from 1945 to 1946. British authorities prosecuted several INA officers for treason. The most famous trial involved three leading accused:
- Shah Nawaz Khan, a Muslim
- Prem Kumar Sehgal, a Hindu
- Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, a Sikh

Their joint trial became a powerful symbol of Indian unity, intensifying nationalistic fervor and galvanizing mass support for India's freedom movement. Political leaders and the public rallied behind the accused.

**Later Lives and Historical Context**
Following the trials, Shah Nawaz Khan joined the Indian National Congress and became a parliamentarian, while the others were also recognized for their service. These figures had no direct involvement in several other key historical developments:
- The Swadeshi or Boycott Movement of the early 1900s
- The Interim Government of 1946
- The Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: leaders of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: members of the Interim Government in 1946

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly