0Indian National Congress (INC)
The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, was the pivotal organization in India’s struggle for independence. It evolved from a modest platform for educated Indians to voice political concerns into a mass nationalist movement that eventually led India to freedom in 1947.
1. Foundation and Background
•The INC was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant.
•The first session was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, attended by 72 delegates.
•The early purpose was to provide a “safety valve” for growing Indian political aspirations—an idea some historians attribute to British motives, but Indian leaders used it to build national political consciousness.
2. Objectives of INC
Initially, the Congress had moderate aims, including:
•Greater representation of Indians in government.
•Expansion of the Legislative Councils.
•Civil rights and equality before law.
•Reduction of military expenditure and economic exploitation.
Over time, its objectives broadened to:
•Attainment of self-government (Swaraj).
•Promotion of national unity, irrespective of religion and caste.
•Encouragement of industrial and educational development.
3. Phases of the Indian National Congress
(A) Moderate Phase (1885–1905)
•Key Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, M.G. Ranade.
•Methods: Constitutional means—petitions, resolutions, meetings, and deputations.
•Achievements:
•Spread of political awareness.
•Creation of an all-India platform.
•Economic critique of colonialism (Drain Theory by Naoroji).
•Limitation: Lack of mass participation and faith in British justice.
(B) Extremist Phase (1905–1919)
•Key Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh.
•Events: Partition of Bengal (1905) became the trigger for extremism.
•Slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” – Tilak.
•Methods: Boycott, Swadeshi, National Education, Passive resistance.
•Split: Surat Session (1907) – division between Moderates and Extremists.
•Reunification: Lucknow Session (1916), where Congress and the Muslim League signed the Lucknow Pact.
(C) Gandhian Phase (1919–1947)
•Leader: Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Congress into a mass-based movement.
•Major Movements:
•Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
•Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)
•Quit India Movement (1942)
•Gandhi introduced Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) as tools of protest.
•Congress became the main vehicle for national integration and mobilization of peasants, workers, women, and students.
4. Role in Indian Independence
•The Congress gave political leadership to India’s freedom struggle.
•It negotiated constitutional reforms (Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, Simon Commission boycott, Nehru Report).
•Played a crucial role in Round Table Conferences and the Cabinet Mission Plan.
•Congress ministries formed in 1937 under the Government of India Act, 1935, provided experience in governance.
•Under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Maulana Azad, it guided India through the freedom and partition phases.
5. Important Sessions
•Bombay (1885): First session under W.C. Bonnerjee.
•Calcutta (1906): Demand for Swaraj first adopted.
•Lucknow (1916): Congress-League Pact; unity of Hindus and Muslims.
•Lahore (1929):Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution passed; 26 January declared Independence Day.
•Karachi (1931): Adopted resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy.
•Tripuri (1939): Subhas Chandra Bose re-elected President; conflict with Gandhians.
6. Post-Independence Role
•After 1947, the INC transformed into the dominant political party of independent India.
•Under Jawaharlal Nehru, it laid the foundation of India’s democratic and socialist framework.
•However, internal divisions and rise of regional parties gradually reduced its monopoly.
7. Significance and Legacy
•Created national unity across linguistic, religious, and regional lines.
•Developed democratic political culture and leadership.
•Articulated the economic critique of colonialism and inspired social reforms.
•Played the decisive role in India’s freedom and nation-building.
Conclusion
The Indian National Congress was not just a political party but a national movement that embodied India’s collective will for freedom, justice, and equality. From petitions to mass movements, it evolved through phases of moderation, extremism, and Gandhian mass action—ultimately becoming the architect of India’s independence and democratic identity.
