Indian National Congress: Foundation and Early Years Explained for UPSC SSC

Birth of the Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885, at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. The initiative for its formation came from Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. He aimed to create a platform for educated Indians to voice their political aspirations and to act as a 'safety valve' for growing discontent against British rule. The first session was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India, representing different communities and professions. W.C. Bonnerjee presided over this inaugural session, marking a significant step in the organized political awakening of India.

The idea for a national political body had been discussed for some time. Earlier organizations like the Indian Association of Calcutta (founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Anandamohan Bose in 1876) and the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (founded in 1867) had laid some groundwork. However, the INC was the first truly national organization with a broad base. Its formation was a response to various factors, including the discriminatory policies of the British, the economic exploitation of India, and the growing sense of national identity among Indians. Hume's role is often debated, with some historians viewing him as a genuine sympathizer and others as an agent of the British government.

Early Objectives and Demands

In its initial years, the Indian National Congress was dominated by 'Moderates.' These leaders believed in constitutional agitation and peaceful methods to achieve their goals. They had faith in the British sense of justice and fair play. Their primary demands were not for complete independence but for administrative reforms, greater Indian representation in legislative councils, and a larger share in the governance of the country. They sought reforms within the existing British framework, advocating for 'Indianisation' of civil services, reduction in military expenditure, and the right to hold legislative councils in India.

Key demands included the expansion of the Legislative Councils, an increase in the powers of these councils, and the right to discuss the budget. They also pressed for the separation of the judiciary from the executive and the repeal of oppressive acts like the Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act. The Moderates used petitions, resolutions, public meetings, and articles in newspapers to articulate their demands. Prominent Moderate leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and M.G. Ranade. Their approach was characterized by patience and a gradualist outlook, believing that sustained pressure would eventually lead to reforms.

Moderate Phase Leaders

The Moderate phase of the INC, roughly from 1885 to 1905, saw the rise of several influential leaders who shaped the early direction of the nationalist movement. Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' was a key figure who served as INC President three times (1886, 1893, 1906). He famously articulated the 'Drain of Wealth' theory, highlighting the economic exploitation of India by the British. Surendranath Banerjee, a brilliant orator and journalist, was another prominent Moderate who founded the Indian Association and played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion. He was also one of the first Indians to qualify for the Indian Civil Service.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, considered the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi, was a strong advocate for social reform and education. He founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train national missionaries for the service of India. Pherozeshah Mehta, a lawyer and politician, was known for his strong opposition to British policies and his contributions to municipal administration in Bombay. These leaders, through their intellect and dedication, laid the intellectual and organizational foundation for the future nationalist movement, even though their methods were often criticized by the later 'Extremists' for being too mild.

Impact and Limitations

Despite their limited immediate successes, the Moderates made significant contributions to the Indian nationalist movement. They created a national platform for political discourse and fostered a sense of national unity among diverse groups. Their persistent demands for reforms led to some constitutional changes, such as the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which increased the number of non-official members in the legislative councils, though their powers remained limited. They also exposed the exploitative nature of British rule, particularly through the 'Drain of Wealth' theory, which educated Indians about the economic impact of colonialism.

However, the Moderate phase also had its limitations. Their reliance on constitutional methods and their faith in British justice often yielded slow results, leading to frustration among a section of the population. Their base was largely confined to the educated elite and urban areas, failing to mobilize the masses. They did not demand complete independence, which became a point of contention with the rise of Extremist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. The Moderates' inability to achieve substantial political concessions eventually paved the way for a more assertive and radical phase of the nationalist movement, but their foundational work was undeniable.

Important Keywords Explained

Allan Octavian Humeperson

A retired British Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer who is credited with the initiative to form the Indian National Congress in 1885. He served as its General Secretary from 1885 to 1906. His role is often seen as a 'safety valve' to channel Indian political discontent.

Moderatesconcept

The early leaders of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905) who believed in constitutional methods, petitions, and peaceful agitation to achieve political reforms within the British Empire. They sought gradual changes and had faith in British justice. Key figures include Dadabhai Naoroji and G.K. Gokhale.

Drain of Wealth Theoryconcept

Propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji, this theory argued that a significant portion of India's wealth and resources was being siphoned off to Britain without adequate returns. This economic exploitation was a major cause of India's poverty and was highlighted by Moderates to expose the true nature of British rule.

Indian Councils Act of 1892act

An act passed by the British Parliament that increased the number of non-official members in the central and provincial legislative councils. It also allowed for the discussion of the budget and questioning of the executive, though powers remained limited. It was a partial fulfillment of Moderate demands.

Additional Facts & Context

• The second session of INC was held in Calcutta in 1886, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji.
• The first woman President of the INC was Annie Besant in 1917 (Calcutta session).
• The first Indian woman President of the INC was Sarojini Naidu in 1925 (Kanpur session).
• The first Muslim President of the INC was Badruddin Tyabji in 1887 (Madras session).
• The first English President of the INC was George Yule in 1888 (Allahabad session).