Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)

Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)

Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction
  2. Background and Causes for the Formation of INC
    2.1. Socio-Economic Factors
    2.2. Political Factors
    2.3. Influence of Western Education and Liberal Ideas
  3. Founders and Early Leadership
  4. Objectives of INC at the Time of Formation
  5. Initial Methods and Strategies
  6. Impact of INC Formation
  7. Criticism and Limitations
  8. Conclusion
  9. Summary

1. Introduction

The Indian National Congress (INC), formed in 1885, became the pioneering political organization of Indian nationalism. It was a platform for educated Indians to express their political grievances, seek reforms, and interact with the British administration. Initially, the Congress was moderate in outlook, focusing on constitutional methods and dialogue with the colonial government, laying the foundation for future mass movements.

2. Background and Causes for the Formation of INC

The formation of INC was influenced by a combination of political, socio-economic, and cultural factors:

2.1. Socio-Economic Factors

  • Economic exploitation under British policies, including high land revenue, deindustrialization, and famines.
  • Discontent among urban middle class, professionals, lawyers, and businessmen, who faced restrictions in political participation.
  • Growth of Western-educated Indians, who were exposed to liberal and democratic ideas.

2.2. Political Factors

  • Limited political representation in the colonial administration: Indians had no say in legislative councils until the late 19th century.
  • Discontent over racial discrimination, employment policies, and arbitrary British authority.
  • Influence of previous reform movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, which had created a politically aware class.

2.3. Influence of Western Education and Liberal Ideas

  • Western-educated Indians were inspired by liberalism, constitutionalism, and democracy.
  • Leaders wanted political reforms through dialogue and petitions rather than violent confrontation.
  • Exposure to British parliamentary institutions motivated Indians to demand similar participation in governance.

3. Founders and Early Leadership

  • A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a key role in organizing the Congress.
  • The first session (1885) was held in Bombay, presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
  • Other notable early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Badruddin Tyabji.
  • The early leadership largely consisted of professionals, lawyers, teachers, and journalists from urban areas.

4. Objectives of INC at the Time of Formation

The INC was initially moderate and reform-oriented with objectives such as:

  1. Greater representation of Indians in legislative councils.
  2. Economic reforms and reduction of taxes.
  3. Promotion of civil rights and justice for Indians.
  4. Improvement in administration and reduction of racial discrimination.
  5. Encouragement of dialogue with the British government rather than confrontation.

5. Initial Methods and Strategies

  • Petitions and Memorials: Leaders submitted requests to the Viceroy and Secretary of State for reforms.
  • Political debates and resolutions: Annual sessions were used to discuss grievances and pass resolutions.
  • Formation of branches across major cities to mobilize the educated class.
  • Use of the press: Newspapers and journals were used to spread awareness and create political consciousness.

6. Impact of INC Formation

  • Provided a platform for political dialogue with the British government.
  • Helped unite Indians across regions, religions, and communities through shared political objectives.
  • Marked the beginning of organized nationalist politics in India.
  • Laid the foundation for future movements, including the rise of Moderates, Extremists, and mass movements led by Gandhi.

7. Criticism and Limitations

  • The early Congress was elitist and limited to the urban educated middle class.
  • Initially, it lacked mass support from peasants, workers, and tribal communities.
  • Its moderate methods were criticized later for being too conciliatory towards the British.
  • Regional and communal representation was limited in early years.

8. Conclusion

The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was a landmark in Indian political history. It institutionalized political dialogue and constitutional agitation, providing the urban middle class with a national platform. While initially moderate, it became the nucleus of India’s nationalist movement, paving the way for more radical and mass-based struggles in the 20th century.

9. Summary

  • INC founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume and Indian leaders like W.C. Bonnerjee.
  • Motivated by economic exploitation, political marginalization, and Western liberal ideas.
  • Objectives: Representation in governance, economic reforms, civil rights, and dialogue with the British.
  • Methods: Petitions, debates, newspapers, and formation of local branches.
  • Impact: Unified educated Indians, initiated organized nationalism, and laid the foundation for future mass movements.
  • Limitations: Elitist, urban-centered, moderate approach, limited mass participation.

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