Modern History Events Before 1857

The Formation of the Indian National Congress:

The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai) by a group of Indian intellectuals and British administrators who were concerned about the growing discontent among Indians towards British colonial rule. The Congress was initially conceived as a platform to promote unity and cooperation among Indians, as well as to present their grievances to the British government.

Key Factors that Led to the Formation:

1. The Ilbert Bill Controversy: The Ilbert Bill, which aimed to give Indian judges the power to try British subjects in India, sparked widespread protests and boycotts among Indians. This led to a growing sense of discontent and frustration among Indians, which ultimately contributed to the formation of the Congress.
2. The Rise of Nationalist Sentiment: The mid-19th century saw a growing nationalist sentiment in India, with many Indians seeking greater autonomy and self-governance from British colonial rule.
3. The Role of British Administrators: British administrators such as Lord Ripon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884, played a significant role in promoting the idea of self-governance and encouraging Indian participation in the government.
4. The Influence of Western Education: Western education, which had been introduced by the British in India, had a profound impact on Indian society. Many Indians who had received Western education became increasingly aware of their rights and began to demand greater autonomy and self-governance.

Early Focus on Achieving Self-Governance:

1. The First Session: The first session of the Indian National Congress, held in 1885, focused on the issue of self-governance and the need for greater Indian participation in the government.
2. The Demand for Representation: The Congress demanded greater representation for Indians in the British Parliament and greater autonomy for Indians in the governance of India.
3. The Use of Constitutional Methods: The Congress opted for constitutional methods, such as petitions, protests, and boycotts, rather than violent revolution or armed resistance.
4. The Role of Leaders: Leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Romesh Chandra Dutt, and Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee played a significant role in shaping the early focus of the Congress on achieving self-governance.

Key Points:

• The Formation of the Indian National Congress was a Response to Growing Discontent: The formation of the Indian National Congress was a response to growing discontent among Indians towards British colonial rule.
• The Early Focus on Self-Governance was a Key Aspect: The early focus on achieving self-governance was a key aspect of the Congress’s formation and its early years.
• Constitutional Methods were Preferred: The Congress preferred constitutional methods, such as petitions, protests, and boycotts, rather than violent revolution or armed resistance.

The Bengal Renaissance and the Intellectual Landscape of 19th-century India

The Bengal Renaissance:

The Bengal Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Bengal, India. It was characterized by a renewed interest in Indian culture, language, and philosophy, as well as a desire to modernize and Westernize Indian society.

Key Figures:

1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy: A pioneer of the Bengal Renaissance, Roy was a key figure in the Hindu reform movement and the establishment of the Brahmo Samaj.
2. Isaac Milton: A Christian missionary and scholar, Milton was instrumental in translating Indian texts into English and promoting Western education in India.
3. Henry Derozio: A Portuguese-Indian scholar and educator, Derozio was a key figure in the establishment of the Hindu College and the promotion of Western education in India.

Key Movements:

1. Hindu Reform Movement: The Hindu Reform Movement aimed to modernize and Westernize Indian society, while also promoting a more liberal and tolerant interpretation of Hinduism.
2. Brahmo Samaj: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the Brahmo Samaj was a religious movement that aimed to reform Hinduism and promote a more rational and scientific approach to spirituality.
3. Christian Missionaries: Christian missionaries played a significant role in promoting Western education and values in India, while also converting many Indians to Christianity.

Impact on Intellectual Landscape:

1. Promotion of Education: The Bengal Renaissance led to the establishment of educational institutions, such as the Hindu College, which promoted Western education and values in India.
2. Promotion of Indian Culture: The Bengal Renaissance also led to a renewed interest in Indian culture, language, and philosophy, which helped to preserve Indian cultural heritage.
3. Fusion of Eastern and Western Thought: The Bengal Renaissance saw the fusion of Eastern and Western thought, with Indian scholars incorporating Western ideas and methods into their own work.
4. Development of Modern Indian Literature: The Bengal Renaissance also saw the development of modern Indian literature, with writers such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Rabindranath Tagore making significant contributions.