Correct Option
Subhas Chandra Bose formed the 'Free Indian Legion' in Germany in 1942. This unit was also known as the 'Legion Freies Indien' or 'Azad Hind Fauj (in Germany)'. It was primarily composed of Indian prisoners of war (POWs) who had been captured by Axis forces in North Africa. The Legion operated as part of the German Army with the objective of assisting in the liberation of India from British rule. Its soldiers wore German uniforms, distinguished by a special 'Free India' badge featuring a leaping tiger on an Indian tricolour. Although intended for deployment in India, the Legion never saw combat there and was later absorbed into the Indian National Army (INA) under Bose's leadership in Southeast Asia.
Incorrect Options
(A) Lala Hardayal: He was a prominent leader of the Ghadar Movement, which was primarily based in North America and aimed at overthrowing British rule through revolutionary activities. He was not associated with the formation of a military force like the Free Indian Legion.
(B) Rash Behari Bose: He played a crucial role in the initial organization of the Indian National Army (INA) in Southeast Asia, particularly in Japan, before Subhas Chandra Bose's arrival. However, he did not establish the 'Free Indian Legion' in Germany.
(D) V D Savarkar: A prominent Hindu nationalist leader and ideologue, associated with the Hindu Mahasabha. While a significant figure in the freedom struggle, his activities did not involve forming or leading military units such as the Free Indian Legion.