Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

  1. The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 as a platform to voice Indian aspirations under British rule.
  2. It was founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, to create a dialogue between Indians and the British government.
  3. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay from December 28–31, 1885.
  4. The session was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee, making him the first president of the INC.
  5. The INC initially had 72 delegates, representing various regions and communities of India.
  6. The primary objective was to seek constitutional reforms and greater representation for Indians in the administration.
  7. The INC adopted a moderate approach in its early years, avoiding radical demands.
  8. The idea of the INC was influenced by earlier organizations like the Indian Association (1876) founded by Surendranath Banerjee.
  9. Other precursors included the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and the Madras Mahajan Sabha.
  10. The INC aimed to create a sense of national unity among diverse Indian communities.
  11. The INC became a platform to raise issues like taxation, civil liberties, and the economic exploitation of India.
  12. Prominent early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Feroz Shah Mehta.
  13. The INC emphasized the need for education and political awareness among Indians.
  14. The British initially supported the formation of the INC, viewing it as a safety valve for Indian grievances.
  15. Dadabhai Naoroji’s concept of the "Drain of Wealth" highlighted the economic exploitation by the British.
  16. The INC served as a platform to build a sense of political identity and a unified Indian voice.
  17. The initial demands of the INC included the reduction of military expenditure and the promotion of Indian industries.
  18. The INC sought the appointment of Indians to higher administrative posts through competitive examinations.
  19. Women’s participation in the INC was encouraged, with figures like Annie Besant playing pivotal roles in later years.
  20. The INC provided a foundation for the growth of Indian nationalism in the 20th century.
  21. Critics of the INC labeled it as an elite organization focused on the interests of the English-educated class.
  22. The INC sessions became annual events, fostering discussions on critical political and social issues.
  23. The partition of Bengal in 1905 galvanized the INC to adopt a more assertive approach.
  24. The early INC leaders emphasized moderation and sought reforms within the British framework.
  25. The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 was supported by the INC, promoting indigenous industries and goods.
  26. Later leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal advocated for more radical methods.
  27. The INC played a key role in the passage of the Indian Councils Act of 1892, allowing limited Indian representation.
  28. The growth of the INC led to the rise of regional political organizations that aligned with its objectives.
  29. The INC sessions were a space for fostering political debates and cultivating leadership among Indians.
  30. The INC’s formation marked the beginning of organized political movements in colonial India.
  31. The INC contributed to the eventual development of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the demand for Swaraj.
  32. Despite initial limitations, the INC laid the groundwork for mass participation in India’s freedom struggle.
  33. The INC evolved from a moderate reformist body into a mass movement advocating for complete independence.
  34. Early INC leaders promoted the use of petitions, resolutions, and discussions as methods of political engagement.
  35. The INC provided a space for addressing communal harmony and reducing religious tensions.
  36. By the early 20th century, the INC had become a symbol of resistance against British colonial policies.
  37. The INC’s success inspired the formation of similar political organizations across British colonies.
  38. The British government’s response to the INC fluctuated between support, suspicion, and repression.
  39. The INC’s early sessions were instrumental in creating a pan-Indian network of political activists.
  40. The INC’s demands included the reform of the judicial system and greater autonomy for provincial governments.
  41. The leadership of the INC reflected India’s diverse cultural and regional identities.
  42. The INC became a training ground for future leaders of the Indian independence movement, including Mahatma Gandhi.
Category
British Rule and Indian Nationalism (1858–1947)
History of India