Introduction
The late 19th century in India was marked by growing political awareness among its people, especially the educated middle class. Under nearly a century of British colonial rule, India was undergoing social, economic, and political changes that created new aspirations as well as frustrations. The spread of Western education and liberal political ideas had sparked an urge among Indians to demand a greater role in governing their own country. However, this desire for political participation found no formal outlet until the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
The creation of the INC was a defining moment in modern Indian history. It provided a platform for Indians from different regions, religions, and social backgrounds to come together and voice their collective concerns to the British government. The early Congress was largely moderate in its demands, seeking reforms within the existing colonial framework rather than outright independence. Nevertheless, it ignited the political awakening that would eventually grow into a full-fledged mass movement for freedom.
In this detailed exploration, we will examine the socio-political conditions that necessitated the formation of the Congress, the key individuals who contributed to its inception, the nature of its first session, and the initial goals that shaped its character in the years that followed.
Socio-Political Context Before the Formation
The latter half of the 19th century saw significant changes in Indian society under British colonial rule. The British administration controlled almost every aspect of governance, from law and order to taxation and trade policies. Indians, especially the educated elites who emerged through the British-established school and university systems, began to question their lack of political power and voice. Although some Indians had entered the Indian Civil Services, these opportunities were limited and highly competitive, with most senior positions held by British officials.
Economic grievances also fueled discontent. British economic policies prioritized the interests of the empire, leading to the decline of traditional Indian industries, hardships for farmers due to high taxes, and the drainage of wealth to Britain. Social reforms and the introduction of English education created a new middle class of lawyers, teachers, and journalists, many of whom were deeply influenced by liberal ideas about democracy, rights, and self-rule.
This educated class felt the pressing need for a political organization that could represent Indian interests collectively, rather than fragmented appeals from isolated groups. Political consciousness began to rise, calling for reforms in administration, more Indian participation in legislative councils, and respect for Indian rights and culture. This growing political awareness set the stage for a national forum.
The Role of Allan Octavian Hume
One of the most critical figures behind the formation of the Indian National Congress was Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant who served in the Indian Civil Service and later became a political reformist. Hume had a deep interest in Indian affairs and sympathized with the Indian intelligentsia’s desire for political representation. He saw the formation of a political platform as a way to channel Indian grievances constructively, thereby stabilizing British rule and preventing revolutionary unrest.
In 1883, Hume took the initiative to write letters to influential Indians across provinces, urging them to convene a political meeting that could serve as a national forum. His goal was to create a peaceful platform where Indians could voice their concerns and work with the British administration for reforms. Hume’s efforts were critical in organizing the logistics and sending out invitations to representatives from all over India.
Though his involvement was significant, it was also somewhat controversial. Some Indians initially viewed the Congress as a British creation or a government-controlled organization. However, Hume’s role as a facilitator helped bring together disparate groups that had not previously worked together on a national scale.
The First Session of the Indian National Congress
The inaugural session of the Indian National Congress took place from December 28 to 31, 1885, at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (modern-day Mumbai). It was attended by 72 delegates who represented a cross-section of Indian society, including lawyers, teachers, landowners, and retired civil servants. These delegates came from various provinces, reflecting the Congress’s ambition to be a pan-Indian organization.
The session was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, a prominent Bengali barrister and one of the respected leaders of the time. The meeting focused on discussing issues that were common across the country: demands for more Indian participation in the civil services, reforms in the legislative councils, reduction in military expenditure (which was seen as a heavy burden on Indian finances), and elimination of racial discrimination in administration.
The resolutions passed were moderate and respectful in tone, affirming loyalty to the British Crown but also requesting reforms that would provide Indians with a greater say in their governance. The session did not advocate independence but sought to influence policy through petitions, dialogue, and constitutional means.
Despite its moderate approach, this first session was historic as it was the first time representatives from diverse regions of India came together on a national platform. It marked the beginning of political nationalism in India and the birth of an organization that would grow into the foremost vehicle for Indian independence.
Early Objectives and Leadership
In its formative years, the Indian National Congress was dominated by leaders known as the "Moderates." These included figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta, who believed in constitutional methods, dialogue with the British government, and gradual reforms. They aimed to address specific administrative grievances and sought increased Indian representation in legislative councils created under the British colonial system.
The early Congress primarily focused on issues such as improving education, promoting agriculture, reducing land revenue, and eliminating racial discrimination. It did not initially have mass support and was largely an organization of the educated elite. Meetings were relatively small, and decisions were made through petitions and formal memoranda sent to British authorities.
However, by providing a unified platform, the Congress fostered a sense of Indian identity and political consciousness that transcended regional, religious, and linguistic differences. It also helped nurture future leaders who would later transform the Congress into a mass movement for full independence.
The Growth of Political Awareness
Although the Indian National Congress started as a forum for political dialogue, its formation encouraged Indians to think collectively about their future. The organization’s annual sessions became important events that attracted greater participation and wider public attention over time.
The Congress also played a role in educating Indians about their rights and in spreading nationalist ideas through speeches, newspapers, and debates. It laid the groundwork for subsequent political activism, including demands for swaraj (self-rule), civil disobedience, and ultimately complete independence from British rule.
The initial years after its formation saw the Congress as a voice for reform rather than revolution, but the foundation it established was crucial. It transformed India’s political landscape by bringing political discourse out of localized, caste or region-based groupings and into a national movement.