Question

When was the Indian National Congress established?

• A. 1882
• B. 1885
• C. 1887
• D. 1880

Hint:

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 to represent Indian interests within British rule. Over time, it became the central force in the Indian independence movement, evolving from moderate reforms to calls for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 188
5. It was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, who was instrumental in bringing together Indians from various regions and communities to form a platform for discussing their grievances with the British colonial government. Objectives of the Indian National Congress:
- The primary objective at its inception was to seek reforms and represent Indian interests within the British Empire. The initial goal was to moderate and channelize the demands for Indian representation in government and the civil services. - The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1885 with Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee as the first president. The session was attended by 72 delegates. Early Years of the INC:
- The early Congress was a moderate organization, with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee advocating for constitutional reforms, increased Indian representation, and a gradual shift towards self-governance. - During this period, the INC's primary focus was on political reforms, education, and economic policies that would benefit Indians under British rule. It was also concerned with issues such as economic exploitation, the drain of wealth, and the need for Indian participation in the administrative processes of the country. Transition to a Mass Movement:
- As the years progressed, particularly in the early 20th century, the INC gradually transformed from a platform for moderate reform into a mass-based organization. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi after 1915, the INC evolved to take a more assertive stance, calling for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) from British rule. - The Congress became more radical and mass-based after the arrival of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and others. By the 1930s, the INC had become the principal organization advocating for full political independence, leading mass movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930). Conclusion:
The establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885 marked the beginning of a formal organized effort to challenge British rule. Over the decades, it evolved from a platform for moderate reforms to the driving force behind India’s struggle for independence.