Question

When Japan handed over Andaman and Nicobar Islands to India?
A) 21 December 1943
B) 6 November 1943
C) 26 July 1943
D) 16 August 1943

Answer 1

Hint: Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an Indian union territory that comprises 572 islands, of which 38 are inhabited, at the intersection of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. On March 23, 1942, the forces of Japan landed and gained complete control over the entire region.

Complete answer:
Located in the Eastern shores of the country are the ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India’s only part to have been occupied by a non-European power, that being the Japanese. Perhaps one of the least talked about episodes of the Second World War is the Japanese occupation of the Andamans.

On March 23, 1942, the forces of Japan landed in South Andamans and in the next three to four hours gained complete control over the entire region. The control of the Japanese over the Andamans coincided with the occupation of the Indian National Army (INA) over the area. The internal understanding among the two ensured that no resistance would be faced by the Japanese while trying to take over the Andamans.

Since the time the foot of the Japanese were set on the islands, they went on a rampage, murdering and looting whatever they could lay their hands on. It is estimated that approximately 2000 Indians were killed as a result of Japanese brutality in the Andamans.

On 6 November 1943, Japan finally handed over Andaman and Nicobar Islands to India. The islands were passed to the government of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who suggested back then to rename the Andaman island as ‘Shaheed’ and Nicobar island as ‘Swaraj’ Island respectively.

Thus, the correct answer is Option ‘B’ i.e, 6 November 1943.

Note: On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the three Andaman Islands, namely Havelock, Ross, and Neil Island, was renamed. Havelock Island was given the name “Swaraj Dweep”, Ross Island was renamed “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island” and Neil island was given the name “Shaheed Dweep”.