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× #1 The Indus Valley Civilization: Foundations of Urban Culture in Ancient India #2 The Indus Valley Civilization: Foundations of Urban Culture in Ancient India #3 Vedic Civilization: Evolution of Society and Thought in Ancient India #4 Mahajanapadas and the Rise of Kingdoms in Ancient India #5 The Rise of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya #6 Emperor Ashoka and the Spread of Buddhism #7 Decline of the Mauryan Empire #8 The Rise of the Shunga Dynasty and the Brahmanical Revival #9 The Satavahana Dynasty – Bridging North and South India #10 The Indo-Greek and Kushan Invasions – Crossroads of Cultures #11 The Sangam Age – Literature, Trade, and Tamilakam’s Golden Past #12 Mauryan Empire – Political Centralization and Ashoka’s Dhamma #13 Post-Mauryan Age – Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushans, and Cultural Exchanges #14 The Rise and Achievements of the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE) #15 Post-Gupta Period and the Rise of Regional Kingdoms (c. 550–750 CE) #16 Pallavas and Chalukyas: South India’s Classical Kingdoms (c. 6th–8th Century CE) #17 Rashtrakutas and Their Contributions to Art and Empire (c. 8th–10th Century CE) #18 Pandyas and Cheras: Southern Trade and Cultural Flourishing (c. 6th Century BCE – 13th Century CE) #19 The Rise of the Maurya Empire and the Role of Chandragupta Maurya #20 The Reign of Bindusara – Consolidation and Expansion of the Maurya Empire #21 Foundation and Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate #22 Alauddin Khalji’s Market Reforms and Military Expansion #23 Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s Ambitious Experiments and Their Consequences #24 Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s Welfare State and Religious Orthodoxy #25 Rise of the Vijayanagara Empire: Foundation, Expansion, and Administration #26 Bahmani Sultanate: Origin, Administration, and Cultural Contributions #27 Delhi Sultanate under the Tughlaq Dynasty: Reforms, Failures, and Legacy #28 Vijayanagara Empire: Rise, Administration, Culture, and Downfall #29 Bahmani Kingdom: Origin, Culture, and Struggle with Vijayanagara #30 Delhi Sultanate in the South: Influence on the Deccan #31 Krishna Deva Raya: The Philosopher King and His Administration #32 Battle of Talikota (1565) and the Decline of the Vijayanagara Empire #33 Mughal Empire: Rise under Babur and Humayun #34 Akbar the Great: Expansion and Consolidation of the Mughal Empire #35 Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Continuity, Culture, and the Peak of Mughal Aesthetics #36 Aurangzeb: Orthodoxy, Expansion, and the Seeds of Decline #37 Later Mughals and the Decline of the Empire (1707–1857) #38 The Maratha Confederacy: Rise, Expansion, and Conflicts with the Mughals and British #39 The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh #40 Bhakti and Sufi Movements: Spiritual Awakening in Medieval India #41 Mughal Administration: Centralization, Mansabdari, and Provincial Governance #42 Rise of the Marathas: Shivaji, Administration, and Expansion #43 Peshwa Administration and the Expansion of Maratha Power in North India #44 Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Causes, Course, and Consequences #45 Decline of the Mughal Empire: Internal Weaknesses and External Pressures #46 Establishment of British Power in India: From Trading Company to Political Empire #47 The Revolt of 1857: Causes, Events, and Consequences #48 Social Reform Movements in 19th Century India: Bridging Tradition and Modernity #49 Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885): The Birth of Political Awakening in India #50 Partition of Bengal (1905): Divide and Rule Strategy and the Rise of Extremist Nationalism #51 The Surat Split (1907): Clash of Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress #52 The Home Rule Movement (1916): Laying the Foundation for Self-Governance #53 The Lucknow Pact (1916): A Rare Moment of Hindu-Muslim Unity #54 The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the Government of India Act, 1919: A Step Forward or a Tactical Delay? #55 The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22): Gandhi’s Mass Awakening of India #56 Simon Commission and Nehru Report (1927–28): Rejection, Resistance, and the Quest for Dominion Status #57 Lahore Session of 1929 and the Demand for Purna Swaraj: The Tricolour of Defiance #58 Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34): Salt, Satyagraha, and the Spirit of Rebellion #59 Round Table Conferences (1930–1932): Dialogues Amidst Dissonance #60 Government of India Act 1935: The Last Colonial Blueprint #61 Quit India Movement (1942): A Call for “Do or Die” #62 Indian National Army and Subhas Chandra Bose: The Armed Resistance Against Empire #63 The Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Mutiny That Rocked the Empire #64 The Mountbatten Plan and the Partition of India (1947): Final Steps to Freedom #65 Integration of Princely States and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role: The Iron Man’s Mission to Unite India #66 Formation and Adoption of the Indian Constitution: The Framing of a Republic #67 Nagara style of Temple Architecture and its regional variations #68 Dravida Style of Temple Architecture and Its Features #69 The Legacy and Philosophy of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati #70 The Arya Samaj Movement and Its Impact on Indian Society #71 India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and the UNESCO list #72 Tribal Art and Culture of India: Warli, Gond, and Santhal Traditions #73 The syncretic nature of Sufi and Bhakti movements in promoting social harmony #74 Contributions of ancient India to Science and Mathematics (e.g., metallurgy, astronomy) #75 Development of Rock-Cut Architecture from Mauryan caves to Pallava Rathas #76 Maritime history of ancient and medieval India: Trade, cultural exchange, and naval power #77 The role and status of women in the Vedic and post-Vedic periods #78 The influence of Buddhist art and philosophy on Southeast Asian culture #79 Raja Ram Mohan Roy #80 Swami Vivekananda #81 Swami Dayananda Saraswati #82 Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar #83 Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa #84 Rani Lakshmibai: The Warrior Queen of Jhansi #85 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The Architect of Modern India's Social Justice #86 Jyotirao Phule: The Pioneer of Social Reform and Education in Modern India #87 Gopal Krishna Gokhale: The Moderate Reformer and Mentor of Gandhi #88 Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The Father of Indian Unrest and the Awakening of National Consciousness #89 Annie Besant: The Theosophist, Reformer, and Catalyst for Indian Nationalism #90 Dadabhai Naoroji: The Grand Old Man of India and the Architect of Economic Nationalism #91 Gopal Krishna Gokhale: The Liberal Reformer and Mentor of Mahatma Gandhi #92 Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Father of Indian Unrest and Champion of Swaraj #93 Bhagat Singh: The Revolutionary Who Lit the Flame of Freedom #94 Lala Lajpat Rai: The Lion of Punjab and a Voice of Assertive Nationalism #95 Robert Clive (1754-1767) #96 Warren Hastings (1772–1785): The First Governor-General of India #97 Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793): Reformer of British Administration in India #98 Lord Wellesley (1798–1805): Architect of British Supremacy through Subsidiary Alliance #99 Tipu Sultan: The Tiger of Mysore and the Struggle Against British Colonialism #100 DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SERVICES #101 Champaran Satyagraha

HISTORY

Introduction

The latter half of the 19th century was a time of growing discontent in India. While British rule had introduced modern infrastructure and education, it had also exploited Indian resources, marginalized Indian voices, and bred economic hardship. The Western-educated Indian middle class, aware of liberal democratic values, began demanding a greater role in governance. These aspirations culminated in the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, laying the foundation for India’s organized nationalist movement.

1. Background: Need for a National Forum

Several factors contributed to the emergence of a political consciousness:

a. British Policies and Discontent

  • Economic drain and poverty under colonial policies.

  • Increasing racial discrimination in services and law.

  • Introduction of the Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883) exposed British racial arrogance.

  • Heavy taxation and lack of Indian representation in governance.

b. Role of Western Education

  • English education introduced by Macaulay's Minute (1835) led to a class of educated Indians.

  • These Indians were familiar with liberal values like freedom, equality, and justice.

c. Vernacular Press and Print

  • Growth of Indian-owned newspapers like The Hindu, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Kesari, etc.

  • Helped in spreading political awareness and mobilizing opinion.

d. Earlier Political Organizations

Before the INC, various regional associations emerged:

  • Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870)

  • Indian Association (1876, by Surendranath Banerjee)

  • Bombay Presidency Association (1885)

But these were limited in scope and regional. A national-level organization was needed to bring Indians under one political umbrella.

2. Formation of the INC

  • Date of establishment: 28 December 1885

  • Place: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay

  • Founder: A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant.

  • First President: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee

Objectives of the Congress at the Time of Inception:

  1. To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of India.

  2. To develop and consolidate national unity.

  3. To create a platform for the expression of Indian public opinion.

  4. To educate and influence the British government about Indian needs through petitions and resolutions.

3. Role of A.O. Hume

  • Often seen as a safety valve for growing unrest among Indians, especially after the 1857 Revolt.

  • Believed in promoting moderate, constitutional methods of protest.

  • Provided a channel for Indians to present their grievances legally and peacefully.

While some nationalist historians question his motives, most agree his contribution was instrumental in launching a pan-India political movement.

4. Early Congress: The Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

The initial phase of the INC was dominated by moderate leaders who believed in:

  • Petitions, appeals, and constitutional reforms.

  • Loyalty to the British crown.

  • Gradual political change and Indian participation in administration.

Key Moderate Leaders:

  • Dadabhai Naoroji: “Grand Old Man of India,” introduced the theory of Drain of Wealth.

  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Liberal reformer, mentor of Gandhi.

  • Surendranath Banerjee: One of the earliest nationalist leaders.

  • Pherozeshah Mehta, MG Ranade, WC Bonnerjee, Anand Charlu, etc.

5. Limitations of Early Congress

  • Limited to the urban, English-educated elite.

  • Lacked mass support from peasants or laborers.

  • Focused on mild reforms, often accused of being too soft.

However, it laid critical foundations:

  • Provided organizational structure, leadership training, and national identity.

  • Raised political consciousness across provinces.

  • Debated key issues like land revenue, education, trade policy, and civil rights.

6. British Response

Initially, the British government welcomed Congress, thinking it was harmless. But as demands grew more assertive, they became suspicious. Lord Dufferin, Viceroy at the time of INC’s founding, privately called Congress a "microscopic minority". Later viceroys like Lord Curzon openly suppressed it.

7. Legacy of the Congress Formation

  • INC soon became the voice of Indian nationalism.

  • Evolved from a petitioning body to a mass movement leader by the 20th century.

  • Served as a nursery of political leadership—Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose all emerged from its fold.

  • Symbolized the unity of Indians across caste, language, and regional lines.

Conclusion

The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was not merely the birth of a political party—it marked the beginning of India's organized fight for self-rule. Though its early demands were limited and methods cautious, it provided a crucial framework for future nationalist movements. Over time, the Congress evolved into the principal instrument of India’s independence, inspiring generations of Indians to fight for justice, liberty, and sovereignty.