π Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) β 1885
The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 and became the most influential political organization in Indiaβs 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.
πΉ Background & Causes of Formation
π 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.
π 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.
π 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.
π 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.
π 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 βsafety valveβ to prevent a large-scale uprising like the Revolt of 1857.
π Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
π Date of Formation: December 28, 1885
π First Session Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
π First President: W.C. Bonnerjee
π 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
π Number of Delegates in the First Session: 72 representatives from all over India
π Objectives of the INC
π 1. Promote Unity Among Indians
β
The INC aimed to bring together people from different regions, religions, and backgrounds into a single political platform.
π 2. Voice Indian Grievances
β
It sought to address the problems of Indians under British rule, such as high taxation, racial discrimination, and economic exploitation.
π 3. Demand Political & Administrative Reforms
β
The early leaders of INC were moderates who believed in constitutional methods and appealed for gradual political reforms.
π 4. Develop a Sense of Nationalism
β
The INC aimed to create a sense of national identity among Indians, making them aware of their political rights.
π Phases of the INC (1885-1947)
πΉ 1. Moderate Phase (1885-1905)
π Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, W.C. Bonnerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta
π Features:
β
Used petition and dialogue as political methods.
β
Demanded constitutional reforms and greater representation of Indians in administration.
β
Key achievements: Indian Councils Act, 1892 (increased Indian participation in legislative councils).
πΉ 2. Extremist Phase (1905-1919)
π Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal)
π Features:
β
Advocated aggressive nationalism and mass movements.
β
Slogan: βSwaraj is my birthright, and I shall have itβ β Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
β
Led to Swadeshi Movement & Boycott of British goods after the Partition of Bengal (1905).
πΉ 3. Gandhian Era (1919-1947)
π Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
π Features:
β
Led Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942).
β
Used Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) as the main weapon against British rule.
β
Resulted in Indiaβs independence in 1947.
π Impact & Significance of the INC
β First National Political Party
- INC united Indians from different backgrounds under a common platform for independence.
β Raised Political Awareness
- Helped Indians understand their rights and demand self-governance.
β Led to Indiaβs Freedom Movement
- Transformed from a reformist group into a revolutionary force demanding complete independence.
β Inspired Future Leaders
- Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose emerged from the INC.
π 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.