Formation of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai). It was created to provide a common platform where Indians could peacefully express their political views and discuss national issues under British rule. But Later, the Congress became the most important political organization in India and played a central role in the Indian freedom struggle. And this party is symbolised by "Hand".
The organization was founded by A. O. Hume (Allan Octavian Hume), a retired British civil servant, with the cooperation and support of Indian leaders.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay. It was attended by 72 delegates from different parts of India. W. C. Bonnerjee (Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee) was the first President of the Indian National Congress.
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Background :
Before 1885, India was under British control. Indians had no role in the governance, and Many educated Indians felt that British policies were unfair and harmful to Indian interests. There was no single national organization that could represent Indian opinions or raise their issues in a peaceful or United way.
This situation created a strong need for an all-India political organization that could unite Indians, discuss their problems, and present their demands to the British government in a constitutional way. This need ultimately led to the formation of the Indian National Congress.
The growth of political associations like the Indian Association (1876) and Poona Sarvajanik Sabha also contributed to the formation of the INC.
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Aims and Objectives of the Indian National Congress
The aims and objectives of the Indian National Congress were clearly explained by its first President, W. C. Bonnerjee. The main objectives were:
• To create unity among Indians from different regions and communities.
• To provide a platform to discuss Indian problems peacefully.
• To increase political awareness among the people of India.
• To lay down guidelines for future national actions.
• To work for public welfare through peaceful methods.
• To train Indians in democratic and constitutional methods of struggle.
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Theory Related to Formation of the INC
There were three main theories related to the formation of the Indian National Congress (lNC), These are:
1. SAFETY VALVE THEORY :-
One of the most famous ideas about the formation of the Indian National Congress is the Safety Valve Theory.
According to this theory, Allan Octavian Hume formed the Congress as a “safety valve” to reduce the growing anger and dissatisfaction among educated Indians under British rule.
After the Revolt of 1857, the British government feared another violent uprising. Many educated Indians were unhappy with British policies and governance. To prevent anger from turning into violence, the British felt the need for a peaceful and constitutional platform where Indians could express their grievances.
The Indian National Congress provided such a platform. It allowed Indians to raise their problems, discuss political issues, and demand reforms peacefully and legally. In this way, the Congress helped release public anger in a controlled manner and reduced the chances of rebellion. That is why it was called a “safety valve”.
However, many Indian leaders later rejected this theory. They believed that the Indian National Congress was not created by the British to serve their interests, but was instead the result of India’s growing political awareness and national consciousness.
Features of the Safety Valve Theory
According to the Safety Valve Theory, certain features were associated with the Congress and its members:
- The persons involved should not be dangerous or harmful to society.
- They should be educated, thoughtful, and capable of expressing ideas peacefully.
- They should not have a criminal background or criminal intentions.
- They should not use violence or support violent methods.
- The main aim was to allow such people to express their problems openly and legally, so that public unrest could be controlled.
2. LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR THEORY :-
The Lightning Conductor Theory was proposed by Gopal Krishna Gokhale. According to this theory, the Indian National Congress acted like a lightning conductor between the Indian people and the British government.
This theory explains that the Congress helped Indians express their political, economic, and social demands in a peaceful and organized way. It provided a platform where public opinion could be formed and then conveyed to British authorities without violence.
By allowing people to raise their problems constitutionally, the Congress helped prevent unrest and violent movements. Gokhale believed that educated Indian leaders guided the people properly and communicated their grievances to the government through peaceful and lawful methods.
Thus, the Indian National Congress worked as a link between the rulers and the people and played an important role in the growth of Indian nationalism.
3. CONSPIRACY THEORY :-
The Conspiracy Theory was proposed by Rash Behari Ghosh. According to this theory, the Indian National Congress was formed as part of a planned political strategy to create awareness and unity among Indians.
This theory suggests that educated Indian leaders were actively involved in organizing people against British rule. The Congress was not created accidentally or only for British convenience. Instead, it was a deliberate effort by Indian leaders to mobilize public opinion and prepare the ground for the national movement.
According to this view, the INC was a tool used by Indians themselves to spread political consciousness and strengthen the freedom struggle.
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Summary of the Three Theories
There are three main theories that explain how the Indian National Congress (INC) was formed. Each theory gives a different point of view:
1.Safety Valve Theory – It says that the INC was created by the British to control the growing anger of Indians.
2. Lightning Conductor Theory – It says the INC acted as a peaceful link between the people and the British government.
3. Conspiracy Theory – It says Indian leaders carefully planned the formation of the INC to spread nationalism and unite the country.
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Important Presidents of the Indian National Congress :-
- First President of INC: W. C. Bonnerjee
- First Muslim President of INC: Badruddin Tyabji (1887)
- First English President of INC: George Yule (1888)
- First Woman President of INC: Annie Besant (1917)
- Youngest President of INC: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Quick Facts about INC Formation
Conclusion
The Indian National Congress played a historic role in uniting Indians and giving direction to the freedom movement. Whether seen as a safety valve, a lightning conductor, or a planned national effort, the INC became the strongest platform for expressing national aspirations and ultimately led India towards independence.
Thank you..
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