Question

Under what circumstances was the Indian National Congress established ?

Hint:

Think of the founding of the INC as a result of a "perfect storm": a rising educated class, economic hardship, repressive British policies, and the desire for a unified national voice, all facilitated by A.O. Hume's initiative.

Answer 1

The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in December 1885 under a specific set of circumstances arising from the political, economic, and social climate of British India in the late 19th century.
\begin{enumerate} \item Growing Political Consciousness: A new, educated Indian middle class had emerged, which was well-versed in Western political ideas of liberty, democracy, and nationalism. They felt the need for a national platform to voice their grievances and aspirations.
\item Economic Exploitation: The economic policies of the British, which led to the drain of wealth, de-industrialization, and rural poverty, created widespread discontent among all sections of Indian society.
\item Reactionary Policies of the British: Policies of viceroys like Lord Lytton, such as the Vernacular Press Act (1878) which curbed the freedom of the Indian press, and the Arms Act (1878) which disarmed Indians, caused deep resentment. The controversy over the Ilbert Bill (1883), which exposed the racial arrogance of the British, further fueled the need for an organized national body.
\item Need for a Pan-India Organization: Various regional political associations had already been formed, but there was a growing realization that a pan-India organization was necessary to effectively represent Indian interests to the British government.
\item The 'Safety Valve' Theory: One view is that the British themselves, particularly the retired civil servant Allan Octavian (A.O.) Hume, encouraged the formation of the INC to provide a peaceful and constitutional outlet (a "safety valve") for the rising discontent among Indians, thereby preventing another major uprising like the Revolt of 1857.
\end{enumerate}