The Indian National Congress, often referred to simply as the Congress Party, holds a significant place in the political history of India. Its establishment marked the beginning of a structured political movement against colonial rule and eventually played a central role in India’s struggle for independence. Understanding when and how the Congress was founded provides insight into the political awakening of India under British colonialism. The foundation of the Congress was not a spontaneous event, but a culmination of social, economic, and political currents that had been building in the Indian subcontinent for decades.
Establishment of the Indian National Congress
Foundation Year and First Session
The Indian National Congress was officially founded in the year 1885. The first session of the Congress was held from December 28 to 31 of that year in Bombay (now Mumbai). The session was attended by 72 delegates representing various provinces of India. This marked a significant shift in Indian political activity, from isolated protests to a more organized and collective form of expression.
Founding Members and Key Figures
Although the Congress was initially conceptualized with the support of British civil servant Allan Octavian Hume, its leadership and support quickly grew to include a wide range of Indian intellectuals and professionals. Key figures associated with its founding include:
- Allan Octavian Hume often credited as the founder
- Dadabhai Naoroji later known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’
- Dinshaw Wacha an early Congress leader and economist
- Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee the first president of the Indian National Congress
Purpose and Early Objectives
Political Awareness and Unity
The initial aim of the Congress was to bring educated Indians from various parts of the country onto one platform. The founders hoped to promote dialogue between Indians and the British administration. The Congress provided a space for airing public grievances and requesting constitutional reforms, but it was not initially revolutionary in nature.
Petitioning the British Government
In its early years, the Congress adopted a moderate approach. Leaders sought to work within the framework of British colonial governance, using petitions, speeches, and meetings to express the political and economic needs of Indians. They asked for:
- Greater Indian representation in government
- Reduction in military spending
- Freedom of the press
- Better education and job opportunities for Indians
Evolution of the Congress Movement
Rise of the Extremists
By the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, a new group of leaders began to emerge within the Congress who believed that moderate methods were not sufficient. Known as the ‘extremists,’ they advocated for more direct action and mass mobilization. Prominent figures among them included:
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Lala Lajpat Rai
- Bipin Chandra Pal
They popularized slogans like ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,’ encouraging the Indian population to assert its right to self-governance.
Shift Toward Mass Movement
With the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi in the early 20th century, the Congress underwent a major transformation. Gandhi turned the Congress into a mass-based organization, involving farmers, laborers, and women in the freedom movement. His methods of non-violence and civil disobedience gave the Congress a new identity and greater influence among the common people.
Major Milestones in Congress History
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
This was one of the first large-scale campaigns led by the Congress under Gandhi’s leadership. Indians were encouraged to boycott British goods, schools, and services to demonstrate their desire for independence.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
The Salt March, a part of the civil disobedience campaign, gained global attention. Gandhi’s symbolic act of making salt challenged British laws and mobilized millions across the country.
Quit India Movement (1942)
During World War II, the Congress demanded an immediate end to British rule. The Quit India Movement called for mass protests and non-violent resistance. Despite the arrest of major Congress leaders, the movement intensified the push for independence.
Congress and Indian Independence
Role in Constitutional Reforms
The Congress was instrumental in negotiating with British officials for constitutional changes. It participated in the Round Table Conferences and advocated for full dominion status and eventually complete independence.
Partition and Independence
In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. However, it came with the tragic partition of the country into India and Pakistan. While the Congress was successful in achieving its primary goal of independence, the partition left a deep scar in the nation’s history. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who later became the first Prime Minister of independent India, played a key role during this transition.
Post-Independence Contributions
Shaping Modern India
After independence, the Indian National Congress transformed from a freedom movement to a governing political party. Under Nehru’s leadership, the Congress focused on building democratic institutions, promoting industrial development, and ensuring social justice. The party laid the foundation for India’s parliamentary democracy and secular constitution.
Continued Political Relevance
Though the Congress has faced political challenges and declining popularity in recent decades, it remains one of India’s major political parties. Its historical legacy continues to shape political discourse and public policy in the country.
The Congress ki sthapna in 1885 was a defining moment in India’s political history. What began as a platform for educated elites to voice their concerns eventually grew into a powerful national movement that led India to independence. The Indian National Congress played a central role in uniting people across regions, religions, and languages under a common goal of freedom. Its founding represents the awakening of modern political consciousness in India and remains a key chapter in the story of the nation’s democratic journey.