Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC)

The Indian National Congress (INC), established in 1885, played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. The formation of INC was the result of various social, political, and economic factors, which created a fertile ground for the rise of a national movement.

Key Factors Responsible for the Formation of INC

1. British Policies and Discontent:
   • The British colonial policies were exploitative and led to widespread discontent. The Economic Exploitation of India, including heavy taxation, land revenue policies, and restrictions on industries, created hardships for Indians.
   • The Indian economy was left impoverished as British policies favored British manufacturers over Indian artisans and farmers. These economic disparities created widespread dissatisfaction.
2. Educational and Social Reforms:
   • The British established Western-style education systems in India, which produced a class of educated Indians. These intellectuals began to challenge British authority, seek political reforms, and demand more representation.
   • The spread of ideas such as Nationalism and Liberalism through education gave birth to new political consciousness among the Indian middle class.
3. Influence of Global Nationalist Movements:
   • Global movements for freedom and independence, like the American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789), inspired Indian leaders to demand their rights.
   • The Revolution of 1848 in Europe and the unification of Italy further fueled ideas of self-determination and national sovereignty.
4. Failure of the Revolt of 1857:
   • The First War of Indian Independence in 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny) was a major turning point. Although it failed, it exposed the growing dissatisfaction with British rule.
   • In the aftermath, the British decided to implement reforms to address some grievances, but they failed to establish any meaningful Indian political representation, further alienating the Indian population.
5. Role of Pioneers of Indian Nationalism:
   • Individuals like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale advocated for Indian rights and were instrumental in forming an organization that would raise national concerns.
   • Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a crucial role in forming the INC, aiming to provide a peaceful platform for the expression of Indian grievances, in response to growing discontent.
6. Formation of INC:
   • The INC was founded in 1885 under the leadership of Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee and became the first large-scale political organization in India to represent Indian interests.
   • The Congress provided a platform for Indians to voice their concerns, promote political awareness, and ultimately demand reforms from the British Government.

British Policies Towards Early Nationalists

The early phase of the Indian National Congress was marked by a policy of moderate reformism, where leaders sought to address grievances through peaceful means. The British response was initially dismissive, but over time, their policies began to shift as the INC gained momentum.

British Policies Towards Early Nationalists

1. Divide and Rule Strategy:
   • The British often adopted a “divide and rule” policy to prevent the unity of Indian nationalists. They tried to deepen religious and regional divisions by promoting policies that favored certain communities (such as the Muslim League and Hindu organizations) to undermine a united front against colonial rule.
2. Political Suppression and Repression:
   • Initially, the British were reluctant to give Indians political power. Early nationalists sought reforms, such as representation in the British Parliament, but the British rejected most of these demands.
   • The British implemented strict controls on speech and assembly, using laws like the Repressive Acts to curtail freedom of expression and prevent the spread of nationalist ideas.
3. Paternalistic Attitude:
   • The British maintained a paternalistic attitude towards the early nationalists, viewing them as naïve or misinformed. The British believed that Indians were incapable of self-rule, and their response was largely to suppress any movements for reform rather than engage with them meaningfully.
4. Creation of Legislative Reforms:
   • Over time, as nationalist sentiment grew stronger, the British made limited concessions, such as the Indian Councils Act of 1861, which allowed limited Indian participation in governance, though it was mostly symbolic.
5. Repression of Indian Political Movements:
   • The growing political activism of early nationalists led the British to adopt a more repressive stance during the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) and the Partition of Bengal. The British tried to suppress protests and increase police surveillance across India.