Why and how was the Indian National Congress formed in 1885? What were its objectives?

Points to Remember:

Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885.
Reasons behind its formation.
Initial objectives and goals of the INC.
Evolution of the INC’s role over time (briefly touched upon).

Introduction:

The Indian National Congress (INC), founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai), played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. Its formation wasn’t a spontaneous event but rather the culmination of various socio-political factors prevalent in British India. While initially a moderate organization advocating for gradual reforms within the existing British framework, the INC eventually evolved into a mass movement demanding complete self-rule. Understanding its genesis and initial objectives is crucial to comprehending the trajectory of India’s freedom struggle.

Body:

1. Reasons for the Formation of the INC:

Several factors contributed to the establishment of the INC:

Growing Nationalist Sentiment: The late 19th century witnessed a burgeoning sense of Indian nationalism, fueled by factors like the economic exploitation under British rule, discriminatory policies, and a growing awareness of Western liberal ideals. Indians began to feel the need for a unified voice to articulate their grievances and aspirations.
Need for a Platform for Moderates: A section of educated Indians, largely comprising lawyers, intellectuals, and professionals, believed in working within the existing system to achieve reforms. They felt the need for a platform to express their concerns to the British government in a structured and organized manner. This group, led by figures like Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Ferozeshah Mehta, played a crucial role in the INC’s formation.
Influence of Western Liberal Thought: The exposure to Western liberal ideas, including concepts of representative government and self-rule, inspired many Indians to demand greater participation in the governance of their own country.
Lack of Effective Indian Representation: The existing administrative structures offered minimal avenues for Indians to voice their concerns effectively. The INC aimed to fill this void by providing a platform for collective action and representation.

2. Objectives of the INC (Initial Phase):

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The initial objectives of the INC were primarily moderate and focused on:

Promoting National Unity: The Congress aimed to unite diverse sections of Indian society, transcending regional, religious, and caste differences, under a common banner of national aspirations.
Securing Greater Indian Participation in Governance: The early Congress sought to achieve greater representation for Indians in legislative councils and administrative bodies. They advocated for reforms within the existing British system, rather than outright independence.
Improving the Economic Condition of Indians: The INC addressed issues like poverty, unemployment, and the exploitative economic policies of the British government. They advocated for measures to improve the economic well-being of the Indian population.
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Promoting Education and Social Reform: The Congress recognized the importance of education and social reform in national progress. They advocated for improvements in the education system and worked towards addressing social issues like caste discrimination and gender inequality.

3. The Role of Allan Octavian Hume:

A retired British civil servant, Allan Octavian Hume played a crucial role in the INC’s formation. He believed that a moderate, organized Indian voice could help prevent more radical movements from emerging. His efforts in convening the first session of the Congress were instrumental in its establishment.

Conclusion:

The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 as a result of a confluence of factors, including growing nationalist sentiment, the need for a platform for moderate voices, and the influence of Western liberal thought. Its initial objectives were primarily focused on securing greater Indian participation in governance, improving the economic condition of Indians, and promoting national unity and social reform. While initially advocating for gradual reforms within the British system, the INC’s role and objectives evolved significantly over time, eventually leading to the demand for complete independence. The legacy of the INC remains a testament to the power of organized collective action in achieving national self-determination and underscores the importance of sustained efforts towards a just and equitable society. The path to independence, however, was long and arduous, marked by both cooperation and conflict, highlighting the complexities of nation-building.

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