Formation of Indian National Congress UPSC Notes: Reasons, Theories, & More

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC in 1885 marked a significant milestone in the history of India's struggle for independence. The INC was established to introduce well-educated and affluent Indians to politics. Founder of the Indian national congress was Allan Octavian Hume. He was a retired British Indian Civil Service employee. He founded INC to offer educated Indians a place for civil and political conversation. With the Indian Rebellion of 1857, control of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Empire. By enlisting the aid of English-educated Indians, who were more familiar with and sympathetic to British culture and political philosophy, the British Raj, or simply the Raj, strove to legitimize and defend its control over India. With the monopoly of British authorities and the expanding class of Indians and Anglo-Indians trained in the English language-based British heritage, Congress grew alongside and survived, notably in the 19th century era of undeniable British domination.

Formation of Indian National Congress Notes is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Modern History subject in the General Studies Paper-1 syllabus and UPSC Prelims Syllabus General Studies Paper-1.

The Formation of Indian National Congress notes provide valuable insights into the events and factors that led to the establishment of this influential political organization. 

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About the Formation of Indian National Congress INC

A national party called the Indian National Congress was formed on December 28th, 1885. A British government employee named Allan Octavian Hume founded the party. A total of 72 delegates from all of India’s provinces and presidencies joined forces to form the party. From December 28 to December 30, 1885, they all gathered in Bombay. Hume played a key role in forming the party when he served as its first general secretary. The party was founded specifically to unite all of the educated populace and have an impact on politics.

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History of the Formation of Indian National Congress 1885

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was the result of a growing sense of national consciousness among the educated elite in India. This consciousness had been slowly but steadily developing over the course of the 19th century. The British colonial administration introduced various reforms and policies that aimed to modernize Indian society and governance. The Formation of Indian National Congress INC in 1885 was a culmination of this sentiment. The organization was founded with the aim of uniting the diverse voices of the Indian people and advocating for their rights. The establishment of the Indian National Congress marked a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. It ushered in a new era of organized resistance and nationalist aspirations.

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Reasons for the Formation of Indian National Congress INC

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was driven by a variety of factors, including:

• The desire for political representation
• The need for economic and social reforms
• The growing discontent with the British colonial rule

The educated and influential members of Indian society, who had been increasingly exposed to Western ideas and values, were frustrated by the lack of political power and decision-making authority in their own affairs. They sought to create a platform through which they could articulate their grievances and advocate for meaningful change. Additionally, the economic policies of the British often favored their own interests over those of the Indian people. This led to widespread resentment and a desire for greater economic autonomy. The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was, therefore, a response to these multifaceted challenges and a manifestation of the growing nationalist sentiment among the Indian population.

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Foundation Theories

There are several theories that attempt to explain the Formation of Indian National Congress INC and its underlying motivations:

• The safety valve theory suggests that the British government encouraged the formation of the Congress to provide a platform for the expression of grievances, thereby channeling the growing discontent in a controlled and manageable manner.
• The conspiracy theory posits that the Congress was a deliberate ploy by the British to divide and rule the Indian people, creating an illusion of representative governance while maintaining their ultimate control.
• The lightning conductor theory proposes that the Congress was formed to divert the growing discontent and agitation in the country, acting as a "lightning conductor" to absorb and dissipate the potential for widespread unrest.

Each of these theories offers a different perspective on the complex and multifaceted factors that contributed to the establishment of the Indian National Congress.

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Role of A.O. Hume

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was also heavily influenced by the efforts of A.O. Hume. He was a British civil servant who played a crucial role in the establishment of the organization. Hume, who had served as the Secretary of the Indian National Congress for many years, was deeply committed to the cause of Indian self-governance. He believed that the Congress could serve as a platform for the expression of nationalist aspirations. He worked tirelessly to bring together the diverse voices of the Indian people. He also ensured that the organization remained focused on its core objectives of political and economic reform. Hume's vision and dedication were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Indian National Congress and shaping its early trajectory as a leading force in the independence movement.

Objectives of the Indian National Congress

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was guided by a set of objectives that included:

• The promotion of political and economic reforms
• The protection of the rights and interests of the Indian people
• The gradual attainment of self-government

The Congress sought to address the grievances of the Indian population. This included the lack of representation in the decision-making process, the inequitable distribution of economic resources, and the erosion of traditional social and cultural practices. By advocating for these reforms, the Congress aimed to create a more equitable and just society, one in which the Indian people would have a greater say in the governance of their own affairs.

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Features of the Indian National Congress

The Formation of Indian National Congress INC was characterized by several key features that contributed to its growth and impact. These features, combined with the organization's unwavering dedication to the cause of Indian nationalism, made the Indian National Congress a formidable force in the country's struggle for independence.

• Diverse membership, drawing support from a wide range of social, religious, and economic backgrounds.
• Commitment to non-violence, rejecting the use of force as a means of achieving its goals.
• Focus on the gradual attainment of self-government, recognizing the long and arduous path to independence.

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