The Indian National Congress (INC) played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle from 1885 to 1947, evolving significantly in its strategies over time. Initially, the INC was founded as a platform for educated Indians to voice their grievances to the British authorities, focusing on moderate reforms through petitions and dialogue. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale advocated for incremental changes and constitutional methods.

The early 20th century saw a shift with the rise of more assertive leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who promoted the idea of Swaraj (self-rule) and used more radical methods like boycotts and Swadeshi (self-reliance) movements. The INC’s approach further transformed under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership from 1915. Gandhi introduced non-violent civil disobedience and mass mobilization as core strategies, leading to significant movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and Quit India Movement (1942).

The INC’s strategies also included negotiations, as seen in the Round Table Conferences and the Cripps Mission. By the 1940s, the INC had successfully galvanized diverse sections of Indian society, creating a broad-based nationalist movement. This evolution from moderate reformism to mass mobilization and civil disobedience was instrumental in undermining British rule and ultimately achieving independence in 1947.