Students at University of Hyderabad protest on April 1 against auction of land in Kancha Gachibowli

Key Highlights * The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 as an elite forum for educated Indians. * It evolved from a moderate, constitutional body into a mass‑driven movement that led India to independence. * Key sessions—Lucknow 1916, Lahore 1929, Karachi 1931—marked turning points in strategy and ideology. * Founding figures such as A.O. Hume, W.C. Bonnerjee, and later leaders like Gandhi and Nehru shaped its trajectory. * Multiple theories explain its origin, ranging from a “safety valve” to a deliberate political strategy. Detailed Insights Founding Context – Prior to 1885, India hosted several regional political associations and socio‑religious movements. A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, leveraged these networks to convene the first session at Bombay on 28 December 1885, with W.C. Bonnerjee elected president. Early Objectives – The inaugural Congress prioritized political consciousness over immediate independence, seeking to foster friendship among Indians, eliminate racial and provincial prejudices, and unify the nation. Evolution of Strategy – The moderate wing, led by figures such as Gokhale, favored constitutional reforms, while the extremist faction, represented by Tilak, Lajpat Rai, and Pal, pushed for boycott, swadeshi, and national education. The 1916 Lucknow session reconciled these differences, leading to the Lucknow Pact with the All‑India Muslim League. Mass Mobilisation – From the 1920s onward, the Congress broadened its base beyond the educated elite, embracing the Non‑Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements. Key resolutions—Purna Swaraj in 1929 and the Fundamental Rights in 1931—laid the ideological groundwork for India’s eventual constitution. Legacy – The Congress’s transformation from a moderate party to a mass movement illustrates the dynamic interplay between political ideology, social mobilisation, and colonial strategy. Key Concepts * Congress – The principal political organization that spearheaded India’s freedom struggle. * Moderates – Leaders who advocated constitutional methods and gradual reforms. * Extremists – Advocates of direct action, boycott, and swadeshi to challenge British rule. * Non‑Cooperation Movement – A mass protest campaign launched in 1920 to boycott British institutions. * Swaraj – The concept of self‑rule or complete independence from colonial authority.

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