The Indian National Congress (INC) played a central role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Founded in 1885.
NDA & CDS 2 2026 Exam GK- Modern History – Class 3
The Indian National Congress (INC) played a central role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Founded in 1885, the Congress initially sought greater participation of Indians in governance through constitutional methods. Over time, it evolved into a mass political organization that led the national movement and eventually guided India to independence on 15 August 1947.
Formation of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress was established on 28 December 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- Founder: Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant.
- First President: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
- Venue of the First Session: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
- Number of Delegates: 72 representatives from different parts of India.
The Congress aimed to create a platform where educated Indians could discuss political issues and present their demands to the British Government.
Objectives of the Indian National Congress
The early objectives of the Congress included:
- Promoting unity among Indians from different regions.
- Providing a common platform for political discussion.
- Expanding the participation of Indians in administration.
- Protecting civil rights and political freedoms.
- Achieving constitutional reforms through peaceful means.
Phases of the Indian National Congress
1. Moderate Phase (1885–1905)
During this period, Congress leaders believed in constitutional methods such as petitions, prayers, and peaceful protests.
Major Leaders
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Surendranath Banerjee
- Pherozeshah Mehta
Major Demands
- Indian representation in legislative councils.
- Reduction in military expenditure.
- Expansion of education.
- Indianisation of civil services.
- Economic reforms to reduce exploitation.
Achievements
- Created political awareness.
- Introduced the idea of nationalism.
- Exposed British economic exploitation through the “Drain of Wealth Theory.”
2. Extremist Phase (1905–1919)
The Partition of Bengal (1905) gave rise to aggressive nationalism.
Major Leaders
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Bipin Chandra Pal
- Lala Lajpat Rai
These leaders were popularly known as Lal-Bal-Pal.
Methods Adopted
- Swadeshi Movement
- Boycott of British goods
- National education
- Passive resistance
- Promotion of indigenous industries
Surat Split (1907)
The Congress split into Moderates and Extremists during the Surat Session due to differences over methods of protest.
Home Rule Movement (1916)
The Home Rule Movement demanded self-government within the British Empire.
Leaders
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Annie Besant
The movement generated political awareness across the country and prepared the ground for future mass movements.
Lucknow Session (1916)
The Lucknow Session was significant because:
- Moderates and Extremists reunited.
- Congress and the Muslim League signed the Lucknow Pact, agreeing to cooperate for constitutional reforms.
Gandhian Era (1919–1947)
The arrival of Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Congress into a mass movement involving peasants, workers, women, students, and ordinary citizens.
1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
Launched in response to:
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- Rowlatt Act
- Khilafat Movement
Programme
- Boycott of government schools and colleges.
- Boycott of law courts.
- Boycott of foreign goods.
- Promotion of Khadi and village industries.
The movement was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)
The movement began with the historic Dandi March.
Dandi March
- Started: 12 March 1930
- Ended: 6 April 1930
- Distance: About 390 km
- From: Sabarmati Ashram
- To: Dandi, Gujarat
The Salt Law was broken as an act of civil disobedience.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
The agreement led to the temporary suspension of the movement and Gandhi’s participation in the Second Round Table Conference.
Lahore Session (1929)
The Lahore Session, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, marked an important turning point.
Major Decisions
- Adoption of the demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
- Celebration of 26 January 1930 as Independence Day.
3. Quit India Movement (1942)
The Quit India Movement was launched on 8 August 1942 during the Bombay Session of the Congress.
Main Slogan
“Do or Die.”
The movement demanded the immediate withdrawal of British rule from India. Most national leaders were arrested, but the movement spread rapidly across the country.
Role of Women in the Freedom Movement
Women actively participated in the national movement.
Prominent women leaders included:
- Sarojini Naidu
- Aruna Asaf Ali
- Kasturba Gandhi
- Vijayalakshmi Pandit
- Sucheta Kripalani
- Annie Besant
Their participation strengthened the mass character of the freedom struggle.
Important Congress Sessions
| Year | Session | President | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | Bombay | W.C. Bonnerjee | Formation of INC |
| 1906 | Calcutta | Dadabhai Naoroji | Swaraj declared as the goal |
| 1907 | Surat | Rash Behari Ghosh | Split between Moderates and Extremists |
| 1916 | Lucknow | Ambika Charan Mazumdar | Congress-League Pact |
| 1924 | Belgaum | Mahatma Gandhi | Only session presided over by Gandhi |
| 1929 | Lahore | Jawaharlal Nehru | Purna Swaraj Resolution |
| 1931 | Karachi | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | Resolution on Fundamental Rights |
| 1938 | Haripura | Subhas Chandra Bose | National Planning Committee proposed |
| 1939 | Tripuri | Rajendra Prasad | Bose resigned after differences |
| 1942 | Bombay | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | Quit India Resolution |
Contribution of the Indian National Congress
The Congress made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle:
- Developed political consciousness among Indians.
- United people across regions, religions, and languages.
- Organized nationwide mass movements.
- Promoted democratic values and constitutional governance.
- Inspired millions to participate in the struggle for independence.
- Negotiated constitutional reforms with the British Government.
- Led India to independence on 15 August 1947.
