The Indian National Congress (INC) played a crucial role in shaping the early nationalist movement in India. Founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, a British civil servant, the INC was initially an elite, liberal, and constitutionalist organization that sought to address Indian grievances within the framework of British colonial rule. Over time, the INC evolved to become a more radical and democratic force, playing a key role in shaping India’s nationalist movement and its political agenda.

Early Years (1885-1905):

1. Constitutional reforms: The INC focused on advocating for constitutional reforms to expand Indian participation in governance and reduce British control.
2. Moderate nationalism: The organization’s leaders, such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, were moderate nationalists who believed in working within the British system to achieve Indian rights and interests.
3. Economic grievances: The INC highlighted Indian economic grievances, such as high land revenue, taxation, and exploitation of Indian resources.

Split and Radicalization (1905-1917):

1. Swadeshi Movement: The INC’s response to the partition of Bengal (1905) led to the Swadeshi Movement, which emphasized self-reliance and boycott of British goods.
2. Extremism: The INC’s radicalization was fueled by the rise of extremist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bhikaji Cama, who advocated for more militant and direct action.
3. Home Rule: The INC launched a Home Rule movement, demanding greater autonomy and self-governance for India.

Gandhi’s Leadership (1917-1947):

1. Non-cooperation: Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership led to the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), which called for non-violent resistance against British rule.
2. Salt March: The Salt March (1930) and subsequent civil disobedience movements further emphasized non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
3. Quit India Movement: In 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, which demanded immediate independence from British rule.

Evolving Political Agenda:

1. From constitutionalism to revolution: The INC’s political agenda evolved from advocating for constitutional reforms to demanding independence from British rule.
2. From elite to mass mobilization: The organization expanded its reach beyond the elite to mobilize the masses through non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
3. From economic grievances to full-fledged independence: The INC’s focus shifted from addressing economic grievances to demanding full independence for India.