INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC)
Introduction
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by a retired British civil
servant, Sir Allan Octavian Hume. Although presented as a forum for Indians
of all communities, it gradually became the most active and influential political
organization in British India.
Its creation marked a major shift in Indian political history. For the first time, an
organized national platform existed where political issues, administrative
grievances, and future reforms could be discussed.
Causes for the Foundation of Congress
1. Aftermath of the 1857 War
The revolt of 1857 alerted the British to the dangers of ignoring the concerns
and resentment of Indians. The administration wanted a body that could act as
a “safety valve” by allowing Indians to express grievances peacefully rather
than through rebellion.
2. Famine of 1877
The devastating famine exposed the inefficiency of the British government.
Millions suffered due to slow relief measures. This failure increased general
dissatisfaction and pushed Indians towards political organization.
3. Rising Racial Discrimination
British officials increasingly practiced racial segregation. Superior posts, railway
compartments, clubs, and institutions excluded Indians. This growing divide
created a sense of national humiliation and anger.
4. Economic Suffering under British Policies
Agricultural distress, high taxation, destruction of local industries, and the drain
of wealth led to widespread unrest. Indian artisans, peasants, and traders were
all affected.
5. Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883–84)
The British opposition to the Ilbert Bill, which aimed to allow Indian judges to try
European offenders, exposed deep racial prejudice. This event united educated
Indians and made clear the need for a national political platform.
, 6. Hume’s Letter to Calcutta University Graduates (1883)
Hume appealed to educated Indians to unite and work for the progress of their
country. This appeal played a key role in mobilizing early political leadership.
7. Growth of English Education and a New Middle Class
A growing group of educated Indians (lawyers, journalists, teachers) were now
capable of political thought and debate. They provided the leadership, ideas,
and communication skills needed for an organization like the INC.
8. Need for a Unified Voice
Various regional associations existed, but their influence was limited. A single
national body was needed to coordinate political efforts across India.
Foundation of the Congress (1885)
Sir A. O. Hume initially planned a social organization to help reduce the
possibility of another revolt.
However, on the advice of Lord Dufferin, the then Governor-General, he
transformed it into a political body.
The first session took place in Bombay in December 1885 with 72 delegates,
including only two Muslims.
Prominent figures included Dadabhai Naoroji, W. C. Bonnerjee, Badruddin
Tyabji, and G. Subramania Iyer.
W. C. Bonnerjee served as the first president.
This gathering marked the beginning of organized political activity in India.
Objectives of the Indian National Congress
a. Promote political unity among Indians by bringing together people from
different regions, religions, and social groups.
b. Encourage moral, social, and political development of the Indian population.
c. Work peacefully with the British to introduce incremental reforms in
governance.
d. Create a platform for expressing public opinion.
e. Educate Indians about modern political ideas such as constitutionalism and
civil rights.
Congress Turning into a Hindu-Dominated Organization
Although it claimed to represent all communities, several developments
gradually alienated Muslims:
1. Hindu leaders dominated its leadership and decision-making.
Introduction
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by a retired British civil
servant, Sir Allan Octavian Hume. Although presented as a forum for Indians
of all communities, it gradually became the most active and influential political
organization in British India.
Its creation marked a major shift in Indian political history. For the first time, an
organized national platform existed where political issues, administrative
grievances, and future reforms could be discussed.
Causes for the Foundation of Congress
1. Aftermath of the 1857 War
The revolt of 1857 alerted the British to the dangers of ignoring the concerns
and resentment of Indians. The administration wanted a body that could act as
a “safety valve” by allowing Indians to express grievances peacefully rather
than through rebellion.
2. Famine of 1877
The devastating famine exposed the inefficiency of the British government.
Millions suffered due to slow relief measures. This failure increased general
dissatisfaction and pushed Indians towards political organization.
3. Rising Racial Discrimination
British officials increasingly practiced racial segregation. Superior posts, railway
compartments, clubs, and institutions excluded Indians. This growing divide
created a sense of national humiliation and anger.
4. Economic Suffering under British Policies
Agricultural distress, high taxation, destruction of local industries, and the drain
of wealth led to widespread unrest. Indian artisans, peasants, and traders were
all affected.
5. Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883–84)
The British opposition to the Ilbert Bill, which aimed to allow Indian judges to try
European offenders, exposed deep racial prejudice. This event united educated
Indians and made clear the need for a national political platform.
, 6. Hume’s Letter to Calcutta University Graduates (1883)
Hume appealed to educated Indians to unite and work for the progress of their
country. This appeal played a key role in mobilizing early political leadership.
7. Growth of English Education and a New Middle Class
A growing group of educated Indians (lawyers, journalists, teachers) were now
capable of political thought and debate. They provided the leadership, ideas,
and communication skills needed for an organization like the INC.
8. Need for a Unified Voice
Various regional associations existed, but their influence was limited. A single
national body was needed to coordinate political efforts across India.
Foundation of the Congress (1885)
Sir A. O. Hume initially planned a social organization to help reduce the
possibility of another revolt.
However, on the advice of Lord Dufferin, the then Governor-General, he
transformed it into a political body.
The first session took place in Bombay in December 1885 with 72 delegates,
including only two Muslims.
Prominent figures included Dadabhai Naoroji, W. C. Bonnerjee, Badruddin
Tyabji, and G. Subramania Iyer.
W. C. Bonnerjee served as the first president.
This gathering marked the beginning of organized political activity in India.
Objectives of the Indian National Congress
a. Promote political unity among Indians by bringing together people from
different regions, religions, and social groups.
b. Encourage moral, social, and political development of the Indian population.
c. Work peacefully with the British to introduce incremental reforms in
governance.
d. Create a platform for expressing public opinion.
e. Educate Indians about modern political ideas such as constitutionalism and
civil rights.
Congress Turning into a Hindu-Dominated Organization
Although it claimed to represent all communities, several developments
gradually alienated Muslims:
1. Hindu leaders dominated its leadership and decision-making.
