"Among the more improbable events of the Asia-Pacific Theater in World War II was the creation in Singapore of a corps of female Indian combat soldiers, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment (RJR). They served under Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose in the Indian National Army. Because the creation of an Indian all-female regiment of combat soldiers was a radical military innovation in 1943, and because the role of women in today's broader context of Indian culture has become a prevalent and pressing issue, the extensive testimony of the surviving veterans of this unit is timely and urgent. The history of these brave women soldiers is little known, their extraordinary service and the role played by Bose remains largely unexplored."--Provided by publisher.

Originally published: India : HarperCollins Publishers India, 2016.

Searching for the Rani of Jhansi Regiment -- History of Indian women in India and the diasporas -- Subhas Chandra Bose -- A man not of his time -- Bose and Gandhi at odds over the freedom struggle -- Subhas Chandra Bose and women -- The Indian Freedom Movement in Malaya and Burma Prior to the arrival of Bose -- Bose in South-East Asia -- Creation and missions of the RJR -- Captain Lakshmi, Bose and the recruitment of the RJR -- Singapore -- The Ranis prepare for war -- Daily Rani routines in camp -- The RJR in Rangoon and Maymyo -- RJR retreats from Rangoon -- Varying accounts of the RJR -- The end of the quest -- Final reflections on Subhas Chandra Bose and the RJR.