The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) marked a significant milestone in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The INC was established in 1885 to promote the political, social, and economic rights of the Indian people. Here is an overview of the formation and early years of the Indian National Congress:
Background: The late 19th century witnessed a growing sentiment of nationalism and a desire for self-rule among educated Indians. Influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and the nationalist movements in other parts of the world, Indian intellectuals and professionals began to advocate for political reforms and the participation of Indians in the decision-making process.
The Indian National Congress was founded at a session held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from December 28 to 31, 1885. The session was attended by seventy-two delegates from different parts of India, representing various professions and communities. A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a significant role in initiating the formation of the Congress and served as its first General Secretary.
Objectives and Early Years: The early years of the Indian National Congress focused on voicing the grievances of the Indian people and advocating for their rights within the existing British colonial framework. Some of the primary objectives of the INC were:
- Political Representation: The Congress aimed to represent the political interests of the Indian people and secure greater participation of Indians in the governance of their country.
- Social Reforms: The Congress sought to address social issues such as caste discrimination, women’s rights, and the promotion of education and healthcare.
- Economic Development: The INC aimed to promote economic development in India, particularly through industrialization, agricultural reforms, and the protection of Indian industries.
In its early years, the Indian National Congress adopted a moderate and constitutional approach to achieve its objectives. It relied on peaceful methods such as petitions, resolutions, and public meetings to voice the concerns and demands of the Indian people. The Congress leaders believed in dialogue and negotiation with the British authorities to bring about gradual reforms.
Prominent leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee, and Pherozeshah Mehta played crucial roles in shaping the early years of the Indian National Congress. They articulated the grievances of the Indian people, raised awareness about political issues, and laid the foundation for a larger nationalist movement.
The Partition of Bengal (1905), the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908), and the Home Rule Movement (1916-1918) were important phases in the history of the Indian National Congress, during which the organization underwent significant changes and became more assertive in its demands for self-rule and independence.
Over time, the Indian National Congress evolved into a mass organization, representing diverse sections of Indian society and becoming the principal vehicle for the independence movement. The Congress played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence, organizing mass movements, civil disobedience campaigns, and non-cooperation movements against British rule.
In 1947, after years of relentless struggle, India finally gained independence from British rule, and the Indian National Congress became the dominant political party in post-independence India. It has since played a central role in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the country.
The formation of the Indian National Congress provided a platform for Indians to articulate their political aspirations and laid the foundation for the eventual attainment of independence. It remains an important part of India’s history and continues to be a prominent political party in the country.