Points to Remember:
- Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)
- Early objectives of the INC
- Evolution of INC’s objectives
- Key figures and their contributions
- Impact of INC on India’s freedom struggle
Introduction:
The Indian National Congress (INC), often simply called Congress, is one of the oldest political parties in India. Founded in 1885, it played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Its birth was a response to the growing nationalist sentiment among educated Indians and a desire for greater participation in the governance of the country. While initially moderate in its approach, the Congress evolved significantly over time, eventually becoming a powerful force driving the movement for self-rule. The initial objectives were primarily focused on constitutional means, but the party’s goals and strategies shifted dramatically as the struggle progressed.
Body:
1. The Birth of the Indian National Congress:
The INC was founded on December 28, 1885, at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (now Mumbai). A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a crucial role in its establishment. He believed that providing a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns to the British government in a constitutional manner would be beneficial for both sides. The initial membership comprised primarily of upper-caste, English-educated Indians. The first session was attended by 72 delegates.
2. Early Objectives:
The early objectives of the INC were primarily moderate. They focused on:
- Promoting greater Indian participation in the legislative councils: The Congress aimed to secure a larger voice for Indians in the governance of the country through reforms within the existing British administrative structure.
- Improving the economic conditions of Indians: Issues like poverty, agrarian distress, and unfair trade practices were highlighted.
- Advocating for civil rights and liberties: The Congress sought to protect and expand the rights of Indian citizens.
- Creating a platform for national unity: The Congress aimed to bring together diverse groups and regions within India under a common banner of nationalism.
3. Evolution of Objectives:
The INC’s objectives evolved significantly over time. The early moderate phase gradually gave way to a more assertive and radical approach. Factors such as the partition of Bengal (1905), the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919), and the growing influence of nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Mahatma Gandhi led to a shift in the party’s strategy. The Congress adopted a more aggressive stance, demanding complete independence (Purna Swaraj) from British rule. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and the Quit India Movement (1942) were pivotal moments in this evolution.
4. Key Figures and their Contributions:
Several prominent figures shaped the INC’s trajectory. Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Ferozeshah Mehta represented the early moderate phase. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal) spearheaded the more radical nationalist movement. Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership transformed the Congress into a mass movement, mobilizing millions of Indians in the struggle for independence. Jawaharlal Nehru played a crucial role in shaping the post-independence policies of India.
Conclusion:
The Indian National Congress, born out of a desire for greater Indian participation in governance, evolved from a moderate organization to a powerful force that spearheaded India’s struggle for independence. Its initial objectives, focused on constitutional reforms and economic improvements, gradually transformed into a demand for complete self-rule. The contributions of numerous leaders, from the early moderates to the radical nationalists and finally Mahatma Gandhi, shaped the Congress’s journey. While the party’s role in post-independence India has been complex and debated, its contribution to India’s freedom remains undeniable. The legacy of the INC serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of striving for a just and equitable society, upholding constitutional values and promoting holistic development for all citizens.
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