Question

When and where was the Annual Convention of the Indian National Congress party held?

• A. December 1916, Mumbai
• B. January 1917, Bangalore
• C. December 1916, Lucknow
• D. January 1917, Varanasi

Hint:

The Lucknow Session of 1916 is remembered for two major developments: (1) The reunification of the Moderates and Extremists within Congress, and (2) The Lucknow Pact between Congress and the Muslim League, which demanded self-government for India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Annual Convention of the Indian National Congress referred to here was held in December 1916 at Lucknow. This session is historically significant for several important reasons.

Key Details of the Session:

1. Date:
The 31st Annual Session of the Indian National Congress was held from 26 December to 29 December 1916.

2. Location:
The session took place in Lucknow, now the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

3. President:
The session was presided over by Ambica Charan Mazumdar.

4. Lucknow Pact:
One of the most significant outcomes of this session was the signing of the Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. This agreement marked an important phase of Hindu-Muslim unity during the freedom struggle.

5. Reunion of Factions:
The session witnessed the reunion of the Moderates and Extremists within the Congress, who had been divided since the Surat Session of 1907.

6. Gandhi’s Participation:
This was also the first Congress session attended by Mahatma Gandhi after his return to India from South Africa in 1915.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

December 1916, Mumbai: The first Congress session (1885) was held in Bombay (Mumbai), not the 1916 session.
January 1917, Bangalore: No major Congress session of this significance was held there during this period.
January 1917, Varanasi: Although an earlier session was held in Benaras (Varanasi), it was not in 1917.

Final Answer: December 1916, Lucknow