Rise of Indian National Congress: History & Impact
The Indian National Congress, established in 1885, marked a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence. It emerged from earlier regional associations, providing a unified platform for nationalist aspirations. Key figures like Dadabhai Naoroji shaped its early agenda, focusing on political reforms and economic critique. Its formation and subsequent sessions laid the foundation for a nationwide movement against British rule, uniting diverse voices under a common goal.
Key Takeaways
Early associations laid groundwork for national political consciousness.
Dadabhai Naoroji pioneered economic critique and nationalist thought.
INC formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume, uniting diverse Indian voices.
Early sessions established INC's role and addressed key national issues.
What were the significant early nationalist associations before the Indian National Congress?
Before the formal establishment of the Indian National Congress, various regional and national associations emerged, laying crucial groundwork for organized political activity and fostering a sense of national consciousness. These groups, formed by prominent Indian intellectuals and leaders, addressed local grievances and gradually articulated broader demands for administrative reforms and greater Indian representation. Their efforts helped to mobilize public opinion and create a fertile ground for a unified national movement, demonstrating a growing desire for self-governance and a critique of British policies across different parts of India. These associations were vital in shaping the political landscape.
- Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha (1836): Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy's associates.
- East India Association (1866): Established by Dadabhai Naoroji in London.
- Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870): Formed by M.G. Ranade to represent peasant grievances.
- Indian League (1875): Founded by Sisir Kumar Ghosh, published Amrita Bazar Patrika.
- Indian National Association (1876): Formed by Surendranath Banerjee and Anand Mohan Bose.
- Bombay Presidency Association (1885): Founded by Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji.
- Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884): Established by M. Viraraghavachari, G. Subramanian Iyer, and P. Ananda Charlu.
What were Dadabhai Naoroji's significant contributions to the Indian nationalist movement?
Dadabhai Naoroji, revered as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' made indelible contributions to the Indian nationalist movement through his pioneering economic critique and political activism. He was instrumental in exposing the exploitative nature of British rule, articulating the 'Drain Theory' which highlighted the economic impoverishment of India due to colonial policies. His efforts extended to advocating for Indian rights within the British Parliament, where he served as the first British Indian Member. Naoroji's intellectual leadership and consistent advocacy for Indian self-rule significantly influenced the early direction of the Indian National Congress, which he presided over multiple times.
- First British Indian Member of Parliament, elected to the House of Commons.
- First to calculate India's national income and poverty line, exposing economic exploitation.
- Published 'Rast Goftar,' a weekly newspaper for the Parsi community.
- Authored 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,' introducing the influential Drain Theory.
- First to use the term 'Swaraj' (self-rule) in a political context.
- Served as Congress President three times: 1886, 1893, and 1906.
- Known widely as the 'Grand Old Man of India' for his lifelong dedication.
How and when was the Indian National Congress formed, and what were the theories surrounding its establishment?
The Indian National Congress was formally established in December 1885, primarily through the initiative of Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. The inaugural session, originally planned for Poona, was relocated to Bombay due to a plague outbreak, convening at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. It was attended by 72 delegates, marking the beginning of a unified national political platform. The formation occurred in the backdrop of growing Indian discontent, exemplified by the controversial Ilbert Bill of 1884. Various theories explain its origin, including the 'Safety Valve Theory' by Lala Lajpat Rai, the 'Conspiracy Theory' by R.P. Dutt, and the 'Lightning Conductor Theory' by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, reflecting different perspectives on British motives and Indian agency.
- Founder: Allan Octavian Hume, a qualified ICS officer and 'Father of Indian Ornithology'.
- First Session: Held in Bombay at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, not Poona due to plague.
- Attendance: 72 delegates, notably including no women and only two Muslims.
- Context: The Ilbert Bill (1884) controversy highlighted racial discrimination in the judiciary.
- Safety Valve Theory: Proposed by Lala Lajpat Rai, suggesting British intent to prevent rebellion.
- Conspiracy Theory: Advanced by R.P. Dutt, viewing it as a British scheme.
- Lightning Conductor Theory: Suggested by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, seeing Hume as a catalyst for Indian aspirations.
- Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy, critically called Congress a 'Factory of Sedition'.
Which early Indian National Congress sessions were particularly significant?
The early sessions of the Indian National Congress were crucial in solidifying its structure, expanding its reach, and articulating its initial demands. These annual gatherings provided a platform for Indian leaders from diverse regions to converge, discuss national issues, and formulate strategies against colonial rule. Each session contributed to building a collective national identity and strengthening the organization's foundation. They also saw the election of prominent presidents, including the first Muslim and British presidents, demonstrating the Congress's inclusive aspirations and growing influence across different communities and backgrounds, setting precedents for future political discourse and action.
- 1885 (Bombay): W.C. Banerjee presided over the inaugural session with 72 delegates.
- 1886 (Calcutta): Dadabhai Naoroji served as President, with attendance growing to 434 delegates.
- 1887 (Madras): Badruddin Tyabji became the first Muslim President of the INC.
- 1888 (Allahabad): George Yule was elected as the first British President.
- 1896 (Calcutta): 'Vande Mataram,' written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was sung for the first time by Rabindranath Tagore.
What were the pivotal moments and key decisions made during Indian National Congress sessions from 1901 to 1939?
The period from 1901 to 1939 witnessed significant transformations within the Indian National Congress, reflecting the evolving nature of the nationalist movement. These sessions were marked by the formal adoption of key strategies like Swadeshi, the emergence of new leadership, and crucial internal divisions and reconciliations. They saw the introduction of iconic national songs, the first appearances and presidencies of influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu, and the declaration of significant national goals such as complete independence. These decades were instrumental in shaping the Congress into a formidable force, leading India towards self-rule and defining its political future.
- 1901 (Calcutta): Mahatma Gandhi made his first appearance at a Congress session.
- 1905 (Benaras): The Swadeshi Movement was formally adopted as a national strategy.
- 1906 (Calcutta): Dadabhai Naoroji presided, passing four key resolutions: Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education.
- 1907 (Surat): R.B. Ghosh presided over the session where Congress split into Extremists and Moderates.
- 1911 (Calcutta): 'Jana Gana Mana,' written by Rabindranath Tagore, was sung for the first time.
- 1916 (Lucknow): Ambika Charan Mazumdar presided over the Lucknow Pact, merging Congress and the Muslim League.
- 1917 (Calcutta): Annie Besant became the first woman President of the INC.
- 1924 (Belgaum): Mahatma Gandhi presided over his only session as Congress President.
- 1925 (Kanpur): Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President, later Uttar Pradesh's first woman Governor.
- 1929 (Lahore): Jawaharlal Nehru presided, declaring January 26th as Independence Day.
- 1931 (Karachi): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel presided over this significant session.
- 1937 (Faizpur): Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the first session held in a village.
- 1938 (Haripura): Subhas Chandra Bose was elected President.
- 1939 (Tripuri): Subhas Chandra Bose was re-elected, but resigned due to Gandhi's opposition; Dr. Rajendra Prasad then became President.
Who were other notable figures and what were significant facts related to the Indian National Congress?
Beyond the prominent leaders and pivotal sessions, several other individuals and historical facts played crucial roles in the narrative of the Indian National Congress and the broader Indian independence movement. These details highlight the diverse contributions and milestones that collectively shaped the path to freedom. From pioneering achievements in civil service to leadership during critical junctures, these figures and events underscore the depth and breadth of the nationalist struggle. Understanding these additional notes provides a more comprehensive perspective on the complex tapestry of modern Indian history and the evolution of the Congress.
- Satyendranath Tagore: First Indian to qualify for the prestigious Indian Civil Service (ICS).
- Madan Mohan Malaviya: Presided over the most number of INC sessions, a significant leader.
- J.B. Kripalani: Served as President during India's independence and the last pre-independence session.
- Abul Kalam Azad: Recognized as the youngest President of the Indian National Congress.
- January 23rd: Celebrated as Parakram Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Indian National Congress and when?
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. Its first session was held in Bombay with 72 delegates, marking a pivotal moment in India's nationalist movement.
What was the 'Drain Theory' and who proposed it?
The 'Drain Theory' was proposed by Dadabhai Naoroji in his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'. It argued that British rule systematically drained India's wealth and resources to Britain, contributing to India's impoverishment.
Which significant songs were first sung at early Congress sessions?
'Vande Mataram,' written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was first sung at the 1896 Calcutta session. 'Jana Gana Mana,' written by Rabindranath Tagore, was first sung at the 1911 Calcutta session.
