 Because of its origins in the Indian independence movement, it was known also as the "Tiger Legion", and the "Azad Hind Fauj".Initially raised as part of the German Army, it was officially assigned to the "Waffen-SS" from August 1944.Indian independence leader Subhas Chandra Bose initiated the legion's formation, as part of his efforts to win India's independence by waging war against Britain, when he came to Berlin in 1941 seeking German aid.