Indian National Congress History

Inception of Indian National Congress history: 1885 Bombay Convention and Early Elite Leadership

The Indian National Congress History which played a dominant role in India’s struggle for independence, was formed in December 1885 at a national convention held in Bombay. Allan Octavian Hume, a retired English civil servant was instrumental in the formation of this national body. W.C. Banerjee was the president of the first session of the Indian national congress. After it, every year an annual meeting of the congress was conducted under the presidentship of any prominent personality. The Early phase of INC was dominated by an elite Western-educated professional group.

Indian National Congress History: Demanding Change, and Anti-Colonial Drive (1885-1905)

In its early phase, congress was dominated by the moderate ideology. The Early phase or the moderate phase of Congress spanned from 1885 to 1905. The objectives of Congress during this period were as follows:

• Political Unification: It aimed to create a forum through which the politically conscious people of different regions of India could unite. 
• Promote national unity: To instill a feeling of national unity among the people irrespective of caste, religion, or region.
• Presentation of demands: INC in its early days functioned as a platform to present the people’s demands before the British authorities.
• Anti-Colonial ideology: To develop and spread anti-British ideology among the people.
• Start Nationalist movement: INC in its early phase worked to politicize people and develop a democratic nationalist movement in the country.

Conclusion

In its early phase, the Indian National Congress History was not a radical organization. The open opposition of the government was never seen in its early phase. INC since its inception succeeded in mainstreaming Indian nationalist politics. The Congress started its movement as a limited elitist politics in India for limited reforms. Nevertheless, it started a new and modern wave in the Indian polit­ical scenario. Despite its limitations, it succeeded to develop an overarch­ing national unity.

The Early Phase Of Congress FAQs

Q1. When was the first session of the Indian National Congress take place?

Ans. The First session of the Indian National Congress took place in 1885. The first session which was held in Bombay was presided over by W.C Banerjee and 72 delegates participated the same.

Q2. What were the objectives behind the formation of INC?

Ans. The Indian National Congress was formed to provide a democratic pan-India organization to politicize and politically educate Indians.

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