📜 Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) – 1885
The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 and became the most influential political organization in India’s struggle for independence. Initially founded as a moderate platform to discuss political and administrative reforms, it later evolved into a mass movement demanding complete independence from British rule.
🔹 Background & Causes of Formation
📌 Rise of Nationalism in India
- The economic exploitation, racial discrimination, and political suppression by the British created widespread resentment.
- Educated Indians realized the need for a unified political platform to demand reforms.
📌 Western Education & Role of the English Language
- The British had introduced Western education, which helped in spreading modern political ideas.
- English became a common language for communication among educated Indians from different regions.
📌 Role of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
- Reform movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and Aligarh Movement spread ideas of self-reliance and social justice.
- They indirectly contributed to the rise of political consciousness.
📌 Failure of Early Political Associations
- Before INC, many regional political associations like The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association (1876), Bombay Presidency Association existed.
- However, they lacked a national platform to unite Indians.
📌 The Role of A.O. Hume & British Interests
- Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British officer, is credited as the founder of INC.
- The British initially supported its formation, hoping it would serve as a “safety valve” to prevent a large-scale uprising like the Revolt of 1857.
📜 Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
📌 Date of Formation: December 28, 1885
📌 First Session Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
📌 First President: W.C. Bonnerjee
📌 Founding Members:
- A.O. Hume (British civil servant, founder)
- Dadabhai Naoroji (Grand Old Man of India)
- W.C. Bonnerjee (First President)
- Surendranath Banerjee
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Ferozeshah Mehta
- Badruddin Tyabji
📌 Number of Delegates in the First Session: 72 representatives from all over India
📜 Objectives of the INC
📍 1. Promote Unity Among Indians
✅ The INC aimed to bring together people from different regions, religions, and backgrounds into a single political platform.
📍 2. Voice Indian Grievances
✅ It sought to address the problems of Indians under British rule, such as high taxation, racial discrimination, and economic exploitation.
📍 3. Demand Political & Administrative Reforms
✅ The early leaders of INC were moderates who believed in constitutional methods and appealed for gradual political reforms.
📍 4. Develop a Sense of Nationalism
✅ The INC aimed to create a sense of national identity among Indians, making them aware of their political rights.
📜 Phases of the INC (1885-1947)
🔹 1. Moderate Phase (1885-1905)
📌 Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, W.C. Bonnerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta
📌 Features:
✅ Used petition and dialogue as political methods.
✅ Demanded constitutional reforms and greater representation of Indians in administration.
✅ Key achievements: Indian Councils Act, 1892 (increased Indian participation in legislative councils).
🔹 2. Extremist Phase (1905-1919)
📌 Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal)
📌 Features:
✅ Advocated aggressive nationalism and mass movements.
✅ Slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” – Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
✅ Led to Swadeshi Movement & Boycott of British goods after the Partition of Bengal (1905).
🔹 3. Gandhian Era (1919-1947)
📌 Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
📌 Features:
✅ Led Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942).
✅ Used Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) as the main weapon against British rule.
✅ Resulted in India’s independence in 1947.
📜 Impact & Significance of the INC
✅ First National Political Party
- INC united Indians from different backgrounds under a common platform for independence.
✅ Raised Political Awareness
- Helped Indians understand their rights and demand self-governance.
✅ Led to India’s Freedom Movement
- Transformed from a reformist group into a revolutionary force demanding complete independence.
✅ Inspired Future Leaders
- Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose emerged from the INC.
📜 Conclusion
The formation of the Indian National Congress (1885) marked the beginning of organized nationalism in India. Though it started as a moderate political body, it gradually evolved into a mass movement that led India to independence in 1947.