His Majesty’s Opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India’s Struggle Against Empire (Hardcover)

“His Majesty’s Opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India’s Struggle Against Empire” is a biography written by Sugata Bose, an Indian historian and a professor at Harvard University. The book was published in 2011 and is a comprehensive and meticulously researched account of the life and political career of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

Subhas Chandra Bose, often referred to as “Netaji,” was a charismatic and dynamic leader who played a pivotal role in the Indian Nationalist Movement during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his radical approach to achieving Indian independence, which included forming the Indian National Army (INA) and seeking support from Axis powers during World War II.

In “His Majesty’s Opponent,” Sugata Bose delves into Subhas Chandra Bose’s early life, his education in England, his involvement in the Indian National Congress, and his eventual break with Gandhi and the Congress leadership over ideological differences. The biography provides insight into Bose’s travels, his alliance with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan during the war, and his famous radio broadcasts from Berlin.

The book also explores Subhas Chandra Bose’s impact on the Indian diaspora and his enduring legacy in the struggle for Indian independence. It sheds light on the complexities of his political and personal life, his relationships with other leaders, and his vision for a free India.

Sugata Bose’s biography has been praised for its balanced and scholarly approach to a complex historical figure. It offers a nuanced perspective on Subhas Chandra Bose’s contributions to India’s struggle for independence and his role as a significant, albeit controversial, figure in the country’s history.