The Indian National Congress (INC) played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. As the first major political organization in British India, the INC served as a platform for expressing nationalist aspirations, fostering unity among Indians, and ultimately leading the country toward independence. But who founded the INC, and under what circumstances was it established? This article delves into the details of its founder, formation, objectives, and impact on the Indian freedom movement.
Who Founded the Indian National Congress?
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, in 1885.
Who Was Allan Octavian Hume?
- Born: June 6, 1829, in England.
- Occupation: Civil servant in British India, ornithologist, and reformist.
- Contribution: Worked in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) and was known for his liberal views and sympathy towards Indians.
- Role in Indian National Congress: He initiated the formation of the INC to provide a platform for Indians to express their political demands.
Why Did Hume Establish the INC?
- To create a “safety valve”: Hume and other British officials feared that the growing discontent among Indians might lead to another rebellion like the Revolt of 1857. He believed that if Indians were given a political outlet, they would channel their grievances through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence.
- To unite educated Indians: Hume wanted to bring together educated Indians from different regions and communities to discuss political reforms and present their demands to the British government.
- To introduce constitutional reforms: The INC was initially meant to petition the British for political rights, fair representation, and economic reforms.
The Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)
Where and When Was It Founded?
The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra.
Who Attended the First Session?
- The first session was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, who became the first President of the INC.
- 72 delegates from different parts of India attended, including Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
- The session was initially planned to be held in Poona (Pune), but due to a cholera outbreak, it was shifted to Bombay.
Objectives of the Indian National Congress
The initial goals of the INC were moderate and aimed at securing reforms within British rule. The key objectives were:
- To Promote Political Unity:
- INC aimed to bring together educated Indians from different regions and religions to work towards common political goals.
- It sought to create a sense of national unity among Indians.
- INC aimed to bring together educated Indians from different regions and religions to work towards common political goals.
- To Create a Platform for Political Dialogue:
- INC provided a structured political platform where Indians could voice their concerns and petition the British government for reforms.
- It focused on gradual constitutional changes rather than immediate independence.
- INC provided a structured political platform where Indians could voice their concerns and petition the British government for reforms.
- To Demand Civil Rights and Reforms:
- The INC demanded equal opportunities for Indians in government jobs.
- It sought freedom of speech, press, and an independent judiciary.
- The INC demanded equal opportunities for Indians in government jobs.
- To Encourage Representation of Indians in the Government:
- The Congress initially asked for greater Indian participation in legislative councils.
- It advocated for self-governance under British rule.
- The Congress initially asked for greater Indian participation in legislative councils.
- To Reduce Economic Exploitation:
- INC highlighted issues such as high land taxes, unfair trade policies, and the drain of wealth to Britain.
- It demanded economic reforms to improve the condition of Indian farmers and industries.
- INC highlighted issues such as high land taxes, unfair trade policies, and the drain of wealth to Britain.
Early Leadership of the INC (1885-1905)
In its early years, the INC was dominated by Moderate leaders who believed in petitioning and negotiating with the British government. Some key leaders included:
- Dadabhai Naoroji – Known as the Grand Old Man of India, he exposed the economic drain of India by the British.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale – Advocated for constitutional methods and reforms.
- Pherozeshah Mehta – Focused on legal and administrative reforms.
- Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee – The first President of INC who set the tone for early political discussions.
Transformation of INC: From Moderates to Extremists (1905-1919)
The Rise of Extremist Leaders
By the early 1900s, many Indians became dissatisfied with the slow progress of constitutional reforms. This led to the rise of Extremists who believed in direct action and self-rule. Prominent extremist leaders included:
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Popularized the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
- Bipin Chandra Pal – Advocated for Swadeshi and boycott of British goods.
- Lala Lajpat Rai – Emphasized protests and nationalistic education.
Surat Split (1907)
The Moderates and Extremists clashed over the approach to independence, leading to the Surat Split of 1907, weakening the Congress for a few years.
INC’s Role in India’s Independence Movement
The INC evolved over time and played a major role in India’s freedom struggle.
1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
- Led by Mahatma Gandhi, INC organized mass boycotts of British institutions.
2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
- Gandhi launched the Salt March in protest against British taxation policies.
3. Quit India Movement (1942)
- INC, under Gandhi’s leadership, called for an immediate end to British rule, leading to mass protests.
4. Indian Independence (1947)
- After years of struggle, the INC finally achieved its goal when India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
Legacy of the Indian National Congress
- Foundation of Indian Democracy:
- INC played a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic institutions.
- INC played a crucial role in shaping India’s democratic institutions.
- Promotion of National Unity:
- It united people across caste, religion, and region under a common cause.
- It united people across caste, religion, and region under a common cause.
- Father of Many Movements:
- Inspired various national and regional movements for freedom.
- Inspired various national and regional movements for freedom.
- Influence on Indian Politics:
- Even after independence, the INC remained the dominant political party in India.
Conclusion
The foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume marked the beginning of organized political resistance against British rule. Initially formed as a moderate political platform, the INC later transformed into a mass movement demanding complete independence.
From petitioning the British to leading mass movements, the INC’s journey reflected the evolution of Indian nationalism. The legacy of its leaders and their struggles remains a significant chapter in India’s history, making it one of the most influential political organizations of its time.
The INC’s establishment was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, laying the foundation for India’s eventual independence in 1947.
