The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 as a platform for the Indian citizens to express their grievances against the British colonial rule. The congress was formed by a group of prominent and influential Indians who were dedicated to bringing about political reforms and improvement in the lives of the common people. The formation of the congress marked the beginning of India’s journey towards independence.

The founding members of the Indian National Congress were A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee, among others. Hume was a retired British civil servant who was passionate about Indian nationalism and believed that India should be self-governing. Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the “Grand Old Man of India,” was a leading figure in the Indian independence movement and the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament. Surendranath Banerjee was a prominent lawyer and writer who was a vocal critic of British rule in India.

The first meeting of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 28 December 1885. The congress was initially dominated by the educated and wealthy middle-class, but over time it expanded to include people from all walks of life, including workers, peasants, and women. The congress provided a platform for Indian leaders to come together and discuss the pressing issues of the day, including poverty, inequality, and the need for political reforms.

The congress played a vital role in the Indian independence movement by raising awareness about the oppressive nature of British rule and by demanding greater political representation for the Indian people. The congress organized several campaigns and protests, including the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-1922 and the Salt March of 1930, which were instrumental in galvanizing public opinion against British rule.

The congress also played a major role in shaping the future of India after independence. In 1947, when India achieved independence from British rule, the congress emerged as the dominant political party, and Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister. Over the years, the congress has continued to play an important role in Indian politics, although its influence has waned in recent years.

Key points on the formation of the Indian National Congress

  1. The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 as a platform for the Indian citizens to express their grievances against the British colonial rule.
  2. The founding members of the congress were A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee, among others.
  3. The first meeting of the congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 28 December 1885.
  4. The congress was initially dominated by the educated and wealthy middle-class but expanded to include people from all walks of life.
  5. The congress provided a platform for Indian leaders to come together and discuss pressing issues of the day, including poverty, inequality, and the need for political reforms.
  6. The congress played a vital role in raising awareness about the oppressive nature of British rule and demanding greater political representation for the Indian people.
  7. The congress organized several campaigns and protests, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March, which were instrumental in galvanizing public opinion against British rule.
  8. The congress played a major role in shaping the future of India after independence and emerged as the dominant political party.
  9. Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister and the congress continued to play an important role in Indian politics.
  10. The congress remains a significant political force in India today, although its influence has waned in recent years.

MCQs on Formation of the Indian National Congress

  1. Who were the founding members of the Indian National Congress (INC)?
    A. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru
    B. A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee
    C. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
    D. Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
    Correct Answer: B. A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee
    Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee, among others. They were the founding members of the congress.
  2. What was the main objective of the Indian National Congress (INC)?
    A. To celebrate science by all and engage the common people with science in a joyful and entertaining manner
    B. To voice the grievances and demands of the Indian citizens against British colonial rule
    C. To provide a platform for Indian leaders to showcase their talent
    D. To encourage Indian citizens to participate in sports and games
    Correct Answer: B. To voice the grievances and demands of the Indian citizens against British colonial rule
    Explanation: The main objective of the Indian National Congress (INC) was to provide a platform for the Indian citizens to express their grievances against the British colonial rule and voice their demands for political reforms and greater representation.
  3. When was the first meeting of the Indian National Congress (INC) held?
    A. 1882
    B. 1884
    C. 1885
    D. 1886
    Correct Answer: C. 1885
    Explanation: The first meeting of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held on 28 December 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai).

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