This book examines India’s foreign intelligence culture and strategic surprises in the 20th century. The work looks at whether there is a distinct way in which India ‘thinks about’ and ‘does’ intelligence, and, by extension, whether this affects the prospects of it being surprised. Drawing on a combination of archival data, secondary source information and interviews with members of the Indian security and intelligence community, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Indian intelligence culture from the ancient period to colonial times and, subsequently, the post-colonial era. This evolutionary culture has played a significant role in explaining the India’s foreign intelligence failure during the occurrences of strategic surprises, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1999 Kargil War, while it successfully prepared for surprise attacks like Operation Chenghiz Khan by Pakistan in 1971. The result is that the book argues that the strategic culture of a nation and its interplay with intelligence organisations and operations is important to understanding the conditions for intelligence failures and strategic surprises. This book will be of much interest to students of intelligence studies, strategic studies, Asian politics and International Relations.

History abounds with many heroes. The Indian freedom struggle had its own share of them. Subhas Chandra Bose fired the nation with patriotic fervour, very different in character to the non-violent approach preached by Gandhi. Truly an outsider to the movements of satyagraha and passive resistance that rapidly gained momentum, he made a valiant effort to galvanize the nation into action with evocative slogans such as – ‘Freedom is never given, it is taken' . . . 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga'. JAI HIND – India's national greeting ? was the salutation coined by him to arouse nationalistic passion among the Indians. In what was unthinkable then, Bose dared to ally with the Nazis and the Japanese, and raised an indigenous army called Azad Hind Fauj to challenge the military might of the British Empire. Why then has Subhas Chandra Bose been largely marginalized as a footnote in the history of India's independence? Perhaps the mythical legends that continue to shroud both his personal life and political happenstance hold some answers. The Lost Hero – a thoroughly researched biography of Subhas Bose – delves into the life and times of this great man, with the hope that he is granted a befitting place in the annals of Indian history.

Set against the backdrop of major developments in the nationalist movement in Bengal, this study focuses on the nature of the interaction between the Congress, which represented mainstream political nationalism, and popular social groups whose politics was largely disorganized. In particular, it assesses the imapct that this interplay had on the nature of the Congress and the extent to which the provincial Congress organization was able to match its aspirations to those of the people, as it matured from a loosely-structured institution to an organized politica party. Research on the nationalist movement prior to the advent of Subaltern Studies has chiefly concentrated on the activities of the movement's elite and leadership. In recent years, subaltern historians have instead focused on the activities of subordinate classes and groups, whose form of politics has been described as autonomous and independent of the elite. However, both lines of enquiry have neglected the areas of interaction and interdependence between these two realms of political activity, especially during the phase of Gandhian nationalism. In examining the nature of the interaction between institutional politics as represented by the Congress and popular politics in Bengal between 1919 and 1939, this book is a significant and original contribution to current research in the field.

The Challenge“I attempted to shed English blood intentionally and of purpose; as a humble protest against the inhuman transportations and hangings of Indian youth.In this attempt I consulted none but my own conscience; conspired with none but my own duty. I believe that a nation unwillingly held down by foreign bayonets is in a perpetual state of war. Since open battle is rendered impossible I attacked by surprise - since canon could not be had I drew forth and fired a revolver.As a Hindu I feel that the slavery of my nation is an insult to my God. Her cause is the cause of freedom. Her service is the service of Sri Krishna. Neither rich nor able; a poor son like myself can offer nothing but his blood on the altar of Mother’s deliverance and so I rejoice at the prospect of my martyrdom.The only lesson required in India is to learn how to die and the only way to teach it is by dying alone.The Challenge“I attempted to shed English blood intentionally and of purpose; as a humble protest against the inhuman transportations and hangings of Indian youth.In this attempt I consulted none but my own conscience; conspired with none but my own duty. I believe that a nation unwillingly held down by foreign bayonets is in a perpetual state of war. Since open battle is rendered impossible I attacked by surprise - since canon could not be had I drew forth and fired a revolver.As a Hindu I feel that the slavery of my nation is an insult to my God. Her cause is the cause of freedom. Her service is the service of Sri Krishna. Neither rich nor able; a poor son like myself can offer nothing but his blood on the altar of Mother’s deliverance and so I rejoice at the prospect of my martyrdom.The only lesson required in India is to learn how to die and the only way to teach it is by dying alone. Biography of Madan Lal Dhingra by Vishav Bandhu: This biography tells the story of Madan Lal Dhingra, the Indian revolutionary who played a key role in the Indian independence movement and contributed significantly to India's struggle for freedom. With its engaging storytelling and its commitment to historical accuracy, "Biography of Madan Lal Dhingra" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of India's freedom struggle. Key Aspects of the Book "Biography of Madan Lal Dhingra": Indian Independence Movement: The book highlights Madan Lal Dhingra's role in the Indian independence movement, providing valuable insights into the social and political dynamics of India in the early 20th century. Inspiring Story: The book tells a captivating and inspiring story, showcasing the power of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice in achieving one's goals. Historical Accuracy: The book offers a rigorous and accurate historical perspective on the life and work of Madan Lal Dhingra. Vishav Bandhu is a historian and storyteller who has written extensively on the history of Indian independence and the freedom struggle. "Biography of Madan Lal Dhingra" is one of his most celebrated works.