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Formation of INC
Master the formation of the Indian National Congress (1885), its founders, early sessions, objectives, and evolution through the Moderate phase (1885-1905) for AHC RO ARO and UPSC exams.
1. Background & Causes for the Formation of INC
The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885, representing the culmination of India's growing political consciousness and the inadequacy of earlier regional associations.
Factor
Details
Administrative Unification
British rule unified India administratively and economically, creating a common political space and a uniform legal system (Indian Penal Code, Civil Procedure Code) that facilitated all-India organization.
Socio-Religious Reform Movements
The Brahmo Samaj (1828), Arya Samaj (1875), Ramakrishna Mission (1897), and Theosophical Society created a spirit of reform, rationalism, and national awakening that transcended regional boundaries.
Western Education & Press
English education introduced liberal ideas of democracy, nationalism, and self-government. Newspapers like The Hindu (1878), Times of India, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and Kesari played a crucial role in disseminating nationalist ideas.
Illiberal Policies of British
The Vernacular Press Act (1878), Arms Act (1878), Ilbert Bill controversy (1883), and increasing economic exploitation (drain of wealth theory by Dadabhai Naoroji) intensified Indian resentment against British rule.
Role of A.O. Hume
A.O. Hume, inspired by the idea of providing a 'safety valve' for growing discontent, convened a meeting of Indian leaders at the Theosophical Convention in Madras (Dec 1884) and circulated a memorandum to graduates of Calcutta University, leading to the formation of INC.
2. The First Session & Early Presidents of INC
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay from December 28-31, 1885. Here are the key details of the early sessions:
Session
Year
President
Key Facts
1st
1885
W.C. Bonnerjee
Held in Bombay at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. 72 delegates attended. Prayers and resolutions on civil rights, administrative reforms.
2nd
1886
Dadabhai Naoroji
Held in Calcutta. 436 delegates attended. Dadabhai Naoroji was the second President and later became the first Indian MP in British House of Commons (1892).
3rd
1887
Badruddin Tyabji
Held in Madras. Tyabji was the first Muslim President of INC. The session highlighted the inclusive character of the Congress.
4th
1888
George Yule
Held in Allahabad. Yule was the first English President of INC. This showed that Congress welcomed all communities and nationalities.
5th
1889
Pherozeshah Mehta
Held in Bombay. The British Indian Association of Punjab and other regional bodies began merging with the Congress.
6th
1890
Pherozeshah Mehta
Held in Calcutta. Second consecutive term for Mehta. INC began consolidating its organizational structure.
7th
1891
A. Webb
Second English President. Held in Nagpur - first time INC met in Central India.
To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of India.
To develop and consolidate the feelings of national unity regardless of caste, religion, or province.
To formulate popular demands and present them before the government through constitutional means.
To train and organize public opinion in the country for political education.
To establish a central political organization that could represent the entire nation.
Dadabhai Naoroji: 'Grand Old Man of India', author of 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', first Indian MP in British Parliament.Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Political guru of Gandhi, founder of Servants of India Society (1905).Surendranath Banerjee: 'Surrender Not' Banerjee, founded Indian Association (1876), later merged with INC.Pherozeshah Mehta: 'Uncrowned King of Bombay', co-founder of INC.M.G. Ranade: Mentor of many nationalist leaders, Judge of Bombay High Court, co-founder of INC.
3. The Moderate Phase & Methods of Politics (1885-1905)
The early phase of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905) is known as the Moderate Phase, characterized by constitutional methods and faith in British justice.
The Indian Councils Act 1892 was the most significant achievement of Moderate politics. It increased the size of legislative councils and introduced the principle of election (though indirect). However, it fell far short of Congress demands for representative government. This act was later criticized for having 'no real power' and only 'began the system of representation'.
By 1905-07, the failure of moderate methods to achieve meaningful concessions, coupled with the Partition of Bengal (1905) and the rise of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal), led to the rise of the 'Extremist' or 'Assertive Nationalist' school within the INC, culminating in the Surat Split of 1907.
4. Safety Valve Theory vs Nationalist Theory
Two major theories explain the formation of the Indian National Congress. Understanding both is crucial for RO/ARO exams where statement-based questions are frequently asked.
Aspect
Safety Valve Theory
Nationalist Theory
Proponents
British officials, Lala Lajpat Rai (initially)
Indian nationalists, R.C. Dutt, G.K. Gokhale
Core Argument
INC was created by the British to provide a 'safety valve' for Indian discontent and prevent another 1857-like rebellion.
INC was the natural outcome of India's political awakening; Indian leaders were already moving towards a national organization.
Role of Hume
Hume was the chief architect acting on behalf of the British government.
Hume merely facilitated what was already inevitable; he was a well-wisher who helped bridge gaps between Indian leaders.
Role of Dufferin
Dufferin actively supported and encouraged the formation of INC.
Dufferin was initially skeptical and later became hostile; he called INC 'a microscopic minority'.
Evidence
Hume's own writings, his meeting with Dufferin, the timing after the Ilbert Bill controversy.
Pre-INC political organizations, growing nationalist press, economic critique by Indian leaders, Ilbert Bill unity.
Modern historians take a balanced view: While Hume's role as a facilitator is undeniable, the INC was not merely a British creation. The growth of political consciousness through socio-religious reforms, the press, and earlier political associations had created fertile ground for a national organization. Hume provided the catalyst, but the reaction was already primed to occur.
5. Role of Press in National Awakening
The Indian press played a crucial role in creating political consciousness and facilitating the formation of the INC. Key newspapers and their contributions:
Newspaper
Year Started
Founder/Editor
Contribution
The Hindu
1878
G. Subramania Iyer
Championed Indian causes, criticized British policies, promoted nationalist ideas in Madras Presidency.
Amrita Bazar Patrika
1868
Sisir Kumar Ghosh
Became vociferous critic of British rule, especially after Vernacular Press Act. Shifted from moderate to radical stance.
Kesari
1881
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Marathi newspaper that spread nationalist ideas in Maharashtra. Used simple language to reach masses.
Bengalee
1862
Surendranath Banerjee
English weekly that articulated moderate nationalist views and criticized British economic policies.
Som Prakash
1859
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Bengali weekly that promoted social reform and political awareness among Bengali readers.
The Vernacular Press Act (1878) imposed by Lord Lytton sought to curb the freedom of Indian-language newspapers. This repressive legislation united Indian journalists and politicians across regions, demonstrating the need for an all-India political platform. The Act was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882, but the damage to British credibility was done.
Formation of INC: Chronological Milestones
1836-1884 — Pre-INC Political Associations : Early political organizations like the Landholders' Society (1836), Bengal British India Society (1843), Bombay Association (1852), Madras Native Association (1852), Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870), Indian Association (1876), and Bombay Presidency Association (1885) laid the groundwork for a national political platform.1882 — Retirement of A.O. Hume : A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a pivotal role in mobilizing Indian intellectuals and convincing Lord Dufferin (Viceroy) of the need for a political organization to provide a safety valve for growing Indian discontent.1883 — Ilbert Bill Controversy : The Ilbert Bill proposed to allow Indian judges to try European British subjects. Its withdrawal after European opposition awakened political consciousness and demonstrated the need for an all-India political organization.December 1884 — Theosophical Convention & INC Planning : A.O. Hume convened a meeting of Indian leaders at the Theosophical Society Convention in Madras (Adyar) in December 1884. This meeting decided to form an all-India political organization and scheduled the first session for December 1885.December 28-31, 1885 — First Session of INC : The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. W.C. Bonnerjee was elected as the first President. 72 delegates attended, representing various regions and communities of India.1885-1905 — Moderate Phase (Early Congress) : The early INC was dominated by Moderates (Early Nationalists) like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee, and Mahadev Govind Ranade who believed in constitutional agitation, prayer and petition methods.1905 — Partition of Bengal : Lord Curzon's partition of Bengal intensified nationalist sentiment and marked the beginning of the end of Moderate dominance. The Swadeshi and Boycott movements emerged as new methods of political struggle.1907 — Surat Split & Rise of Extremists : The INC split at the Surat Session (1907) between Moderates (Gokhale) and Extremists (Tilak) over the leadership of the national movement and methods of struggle. The partition of Bengal (1905) had intensified the divide.
Key Questions & Answers
Who was the founder of the Indian National Congress? **Allan Octavian Hume**, a retired British ICS officer, founded the INC in 1885. He was assisted by W.C. Bonnerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, and other Indian leaders.
Where and when was the first session of the INC held? The first session was held at **Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay** from **December 28-31, 1885**. W.C. Bonnerjee presided over it with 72 delegates attending.
Who was the first Muslim President of the INC? **Badruddin Tyabji** was the first Muslim President of the INC, presiding over the **Madras Session in 1887** (third session).
What was the 'Safety Valve Theory' regarding the formation of INC? The Safety Valve Theory suggests that A.O. Hume conceived the INC as a 'safety valve' to channel Indian discontent and prevent a rebellion like 1857. Lord Dufferin supported this idea to provide a controlled outlet for political expression.
Who was the first woman President of the INC? **Annie Besant** was the first woman President of the INC, presiding over the **Calcutta Session in 1917**. (Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President in 1925 at the Kanpur Session).
What was the Nationalist Theory of INC formation? The Nationalist Theory argues that the INC was not merely a British creation but the natural outcome of India's political awakening. Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta independently aspired for a national organization, and Hume merely facilitated an inevitable development.
What role did the Theosophical Society play in INC formation? The Theosophical Society's annual convention in Madras (Adyar) in December 1884 provided the venue where A.O. Hume convened a meeting of Indian leaders to plan the formation of an all-India political organization. The Society's emphasis on Indian spiritual heritage also contributed to national awakening.
What were the key resolutions passed in the first INC session? The first session passed resolutions on: (1) Expansion of Legislative Councils, (2) Holding ICS exams simultaneously in India and England, (3) Reduction of military expenditure, (4) Abolition of Salt Duty, (5) Protection of Indian industries, (6) Extension of education.
Who was the Viceroy when INC was formed and what was his attitude? **Lord Dufferin** (1884-1888) was the Viceroy when INC was formed. Initially skeptical, he later became hostile towards Congress, calling it 'a microscopic minority' and 'a factory of sedition'. He tried to create anti-Congress sentiment among Muslims.
What was the significance of the Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883)? The Ilbert Bill proposed giving Indian judges jurisdiction to try European British subjects. Its withdrawal after European opposition united Indians across regions and communities, demonstrating the need for an all-India political platform and accelerating the formation of INC.
Memory Aids
Mnemonic 1: Founding Presidents (First 5 Sessions) : Remember the first five INC Presidents: 1. **W** C Bonnerjee (Bombay, 1885) 2. **D**adabhai Naoroji (Calcutta, 1886) 3. **B**adruddin Tyabji (Madras, 1887) - First Muslim President 4. **G**eorge Yule (Allahabad, 1888) - First English President 5. **P**herozeshah Mehta (Bombay, 1889)Mnemonic 2: Founder of INC : **A**llan **O**ctavian **H**ume is credited as the founder of the **I**ndian **N**ational **C**ongress. He retired from the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1882 and worked tirelessly to bring Indian leaders together.Mnemonic 3: Objectives of Early Congress : The early (Moderate) Congress believed in: - **Prayer** (appeals to British sense of justice) - **Petition** (submitting written demands) - **Protest** (constitutional and peaceful demonstrations) This is also known as the 'Politics of 3 P's'.Mnemonic 4: Pre-INC Organizations Timeline : Pre-INC Political Organizations: **L**andholders' Society (1836) **B**engal British India Society (1843) **B**ombay Association (1852) - **M**adras Native Association (1852) **I**ndian Association (1876) **P**oona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870) **B**ombay **P**residency Association (1885) **M**adras Mahajana Sabha (1884)Mnemonic 5: Viceroy Timeline (INC Formation Era) : Viceroys during early Congress period: **R**ipon (1880-1884) - Liberal, Ilbert Bill **D**ufferin (1884-1888) - INC formed (1885) **L**ansdowne (1888-1894) - Indian Councils Act 1892 **C**urzon (1899-1905) - Partition of Bengal **M**into (1905-1910) - Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 **L**ord Hardinge (1910-1916) - Delhi Durbar, Capital shiftMnemonic 6: Moderate Leaders : Key Moderate Leaders: **D**adabhai Naoroji (Grand Old Man of India) **G**opal Krishna Gokhale (Gandhi's Political Guru) **P**herozeshah Mehta (Uncrowned King of Bombay) **S**urendranath Banerjee (Surrender Not) **M**ahadev Govind Ranade (Mentor) **R**omesh Chandra Dutt (Economic Critic)
Common Exam Traps
Trap 1: Confusing the first session president with the founder. W.C. Bonnerjee was the FIRST PRESIDENT of INC, but A.O. Hume was the FOUNDER of the INC.
Trap 2: Thinking that the INC was formed in 1885 with the British government's wholehearted support. In reality, Lord Dufferin was initially skeptical and the government remained suspicious of the Congress, especially after the Moderate phase gave way to more assertive nationalism.
Trap 3: Assuming only 72 delegates attended the first session. While 72 delegates were present, it is important to note they represented diverse regions including Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, and other parts of British India.
Trap 4: Believing the Safety Valve Theory is the only accepted theory about INC's formation. The Nationalist Theory argues that INC was a product of India's own political awakening, and British officials like Hume simply facilitated what was already an inevitable development.
Trap 5: Confusing the first woman President with the first Indian woman President. Annie Besant (1917) was the first woman President, but Sarojini Naidu (1925) was the first Indian woman President.
Trap 6: Assuming Moderates demanded Swaraj (complete independence). The Moderates only sought constitutional reforms and greater Indian participation in administration, not complete independence. Swaraj was first demanded by the Extremists led by Tilak.
Trap 7: Confusing the first English President with A.O. Hume. George Yule (1888) was the first English President, not Hume. Hume never served as INC President.
Trap 8: Thinking the Indian Councils Act 1892 introduced direct elections. It only introduced the principle of indirect election. Direct elections came much later with the Government of India Act 1919.
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