Shah Nawaz Khan’s journey from a British Indian Army officer to a revolutionary in the Indian National Army (INA), and later a stalwart in Indian politics, is a story of resilience, transformation, and unwavering patriotism. A proud Pashtun by origin, Khan played a defining role in India’s struggle for independence during World War II and left a lasting legacy in post-independence governance.
Early Life: A Heritage of Valor
Born on 24 January 1914 in Matore, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Shah Nawaz Khan hailed from a prominent Punjabi Janjua Rajput family, deeply entrenched in military tradition. His father, Lt. Tikka Khan, served in the British Indian Army for over 30 years, and his relatives were among the most militarized families in India.
Though connected to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan through familial ties, Shah Nawaz Khan’s own legacy was carved in the battlegrounds of war and halls of Parliament.
From Soldier to Revolutionary
Military Training and British Service
Khan received military training at the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College and was commissioned into the 14th Punjab Regiment. He rose to the rank of Captain during WWII and served under the British until his capture by Japanese forces following the fall of Singapore in 1942.
Influence of Subhas Chandra Bose
While a prisoner of war in Singapore, Khan was deeply moved by Subhas Chandra Bose’s impassioned calls for Indian freedom. Enchanted by Bose’s vision and charisma, he joined the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943 and swiftly rose to prominence.
“I was hypnotized by his personality and his speeches… I saw India through the eyes of an Indian,” Khan later recalled.
A Commander in the Indian National Army
As a key leader in the INA, Khan led military operations in the Burma campaign, including the Battle of Imphal and Kohima, under Japanese support. By December 1944, he had been appointed Commander of the 1st Division at Mandalay, Burma.
Although short-lived, these offensives symbolized Indian resistance and inspired millions across the subcontinent.
The Red Fort Trials: A Turning Point
After the INA’s defeat, Khan, along with Prem Sahgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, was tried at the Red Fort by the British Indian Army for waging war against the King Emperor. The historic trial ignited a wave of nationalist fervor.
Defended by legal giants like Jawaharlal Nehru, Asaf Ali, and Bhulabhai Desai, the trio was sentenced to death, later commuted following mass protests. The trial became a powerful symbol of India’s demand for sovereignty.
A New Chapter: From Armed Struggle to Democratic Service
Joining Gandhi’s Path
After the trial, Khan embraced Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology of non-violence and joined the Indian National Congress. In 1946, he accompanied Gandhi to Noakhali, helping victims of communal riots and further cementing his commitment to peace.
Political Career: A Decade of Public Service
Shah Nawaz Khan was elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Meerut (1951, 1957, 1962, 1971) and held several key portfolios:
- Deputy Minister of Railways & Transport (1952–1964)
- Minister of Food & Agriculture (1965)
- Minister of Labour & Employment (1966)
- Minister of Steel & Mines and Petroleum (1971–1973)
- Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation (1974–1977)
Despite facing criticism during the 1965 Indo-Pak war due to his son serving in the Pakistan Army, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri stood by him, recognizing his dedication to the Indian cause.
The Shah Nawaz Committee on Bose’s Death
In 1956, Khan headed the Shah Nawaz Committee to investigate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s mysterious death. The committee concluded that Bose had died in a plane crash in Taihoku, Formosa (modern-day Taipei, Taiwan), with his ashes interred in Japan’s Renkoji Temple.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- Shah Nawaz Khan was portrayed by Sonu Sood in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005) and by Kunal Kapoor in Raagdesh (2017), which dramatized the INA trials.
- A documentary titled Shah Nawaz Khan (1987) chronicles his life and contributions.
- He contributed to the making of Subhas Chandra (1966), a biographical film on Bose.
Final Years and Death
Remaining active in politics and public service, Khan led the Congress Sewa Dal until his passing. He died on 9 December 1983 in Delhi and was buried with state honors near the Red Fort—a fitting resting place for a patriot who once stood trial within its walls.
Conclusion
Shah Nawaz Khan’s life is a remarkable tale of transformation—from a British Army officer to a revolutionary freedom fighter, and later, a dedicated public servant in independent India. His story bridges the subcontinent’s complex colonial past with its independent aspirations, underscoring the sacrifices made for India’s freedom. A proud son of the Pashtun heritage and a true nationalist, Khan’s legacy lives on in history, in Parliament, and in the hearts of those who still dream of justice, equality, and freedom.