Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

Chronologically Structured Study Module | 1885–1905 CE

Course: Indian National Movement – History of India

Module 2: Formation of the Indian National Congress

Timeline: 1885–1905 CE

Lesson: Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

1. Introduction

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was a landmark event in the history of the Indian national movement. It provided an organised political platform through which educated Indians from different regions could discuss common political, economic and administrative problems and present their demands before the colonial government.

The period from 1885 to 1905 is generally associated with the rise and consolidation of early nationalism and the Moderate phase of the Indian National Congress. The early Congress leaders believed that constitutional methods, political education, public debate, petitions and peaceful representation could gradually secure administrative and political reforms.

The Congress did not emerge suddenly in 1885. Its formation was the outcome of several decades of political, social, economic and intellectual developments. The growth of modern education, newspapers, associations, communication networks and awareness of colonial economic policies encouraged Indians to think beyond regional interests and develop a broader sense of political unity.

This module examines the developments chronologically, from the background of early political associations to the formation of the Congress and its activities up to 1905.

2. Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, students should be able to:

Explain the historical background of the formation of the Indian National Congress.
Identify important political associations that preceded the Congress.
Describe the role of A.O. Hume and Indian political leaders in the formation of the Congress.
Explain the circumstances surrounding the first session of the Congress in 1885.
Identify the early objectives of the Indian National Congress.
Explain the methods adopted by the early Congress leaders.
Understand the major demands of the Moderates.
Examine the significance of the Congress in the growth of Indian nationalism.
Trace important Congress sessions between 1885 and 1905.
Understand the transition from early Moderate politics towards the more assertive nationalism visible by 1905.

3. Chronological Timeline: 1858–1905

Although the module begins with 1885, understanding the preceding developments is essential.

Year	Event	Historical Significance
1858	Transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown	Beginning of direct Crown rule in India
1866	East India Association established in London	Provided a platform for discussing Indian issues in Britain
1870	Poona Sarvajanik Sabha established	Important centre of early political activity
1876	Indian Association founded in Calcutta	Promoted wider political organisation
1883	Indian National Conference held at Calcutta	Demonstrated growing efforts toward all-India political cooperation
1885	First session of the Indian National Congress	Beginning of organised all-India nationalist politics
1885	W.C. Bonnerjee became first Congress president	First formal leadership of the Congress
1886	Second Congress session at Calcutta	Broadened participation and strengthened organisation
1887	Congress session at Madras	Continued expansion beyond Bengal and Bombay
1888	Congress session at Allahabad	Further development of an all-India political platform
1890	First woman delegate, Kadambini Ganguly, addressed Congress	Significant development in women’s participation
1892	Indian Councils Act	Limited reforms; expanded legislative councils but retained substantial official control
1896	Calcutta Congress session	Stronger discussion of economic grievances and Swadeshi
1899	Calcutta Congress session	Continued Moderate constitutional politics
1901	Calcutta Congress session	Discussions included economic and administrative questions
1905	Partition of Bengal	Major turning point leading to intensified nationalist politics and the Swadeshi movement

4. Historical Background to the Formation of the Congress

The Indian National Congress was the product of a gradual process of political awakening.

Several developments contributed to the emergence of organised nationalism.

4.1 Growth of Western Education

The introduction and expansion of modern education exposed sections of Indian society to ideas such as:

liberty
equality
constitutional government
civil rights
representative institutions
nationalism
rule of law

Educated Indians increasingly questioned discriminatory colonial policies and demanded greater participation in the administration of their own country.

However, the development of nationalism was not simply an imitation of European ideas. Indian political consciousness also developed from India’s own historical, social and economic experiences under colonial rule.

4.2 Development of the Press

Newspapers and journals played a significant role in creating political awareness.

The Indian press discussed:

administrative policies
taxation
economic exploitation
civil rights
racial discrimination
education
representation in government
public expenditure

Newspapers helped political ideas travel beyond individual towns and provinces and contributed to the development of a wider political consciousness.

4.3 Development of Modern Communication

The expansion of:

railways
postal services
telegraph
roads

made communication between different regions easier.

Political leaders from different provinces could exchange ideas and organise meetings more effectively.

Thus, improved communication indirectly contributed to the growth of an all-India political outlook.

5. Economic Causes of Political Awakening

Economic grievances were an important component of early Indian nationalism.

Indian intellectuals increasingly criticised colonial economic policies and their consequences.

They drew attention to:

poverty
heavy land revenue demands
economic exploitation
decline of some traditional industries
limited opportunities for Indians in higher government employment
expenditure on colonial administration
military expenditure
transfer of Indian resources abroad

One of the most influential economic arguments was the Drain of Wealth theory, associated particularly with Dadabhai Naoroji.

Naoroji argued that a substantial portion of India’s wealth was being transferred to Britain without an equivalent economic return to India.

These economic criticisms helped transform dissatisfaction with individual policies into a broader criticism of colonial rule.

6. Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress

The Congress had important predecessors.

Before 1885, Indians had already created several political organisations.

6.1 East India Association – 1866

Dadabhai Naoroji founded the East India Association in London in 1866.

Its objectives included:

presenting Indian issues before British public opinion
creating awareness about Indian affairs
influencing British policymakers
providing a forum for discussion of Indian political and economic questions

The organisation demonstrated that political activity concerning India could be carried out both within India and Britain.

6.2 Poona Sarvajanik Sabha – 1870

The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha became an important political organisation in western India.

It represented public opinion and raised issues concerning:

administration
taxation
agriculture
representation
public welfare

Its activities contributed to the development of organised political discussion.

6.3 Indian Association – 1876

The Indian Association was founded in Calcutta in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose.

It sought to create a broader political organisation representing Indian interests.

Important objectives included:

promoting political education
encouraging unity among Indians
organising public opinion
raising constitutional demands
bringing political issues before a wider Indian audience

The Indian Association played an important role in the political developments that preceded the Congress.

6.4 Madras Mahajana Sabha – 1884

The Madras Mahajana Sabha was established in 1884.

It became an important platform for political activity in the Madras Presidency and contributed to the development of constitutional nationalism.

6.5 Bombay Presidency Association – 1885

The Bombay Presidency Association was founded in 1885 by leaders including:

Pherozeshah Mehta
K.T. Telang
Badruddin Tyabji

It represented growing political organisation in western India.

7. Towards an All-India Political Organisation

The emergence of several regional organisations raised an important question:

Could political leaders from different regions work together through a common organisation?

The answer became increasingly positive during the 1880s.

The Indian National Conference, associated with the Indian Association, was held at Calcutta in 1883 and again in 1885.

These developments demonstrated that Indian political leaders were increasingly interested in creating broader political cooperation.

The Congress therefore emerged from an existing tradition of political organisation rather than appearing suddenly in 1885.

8. Allan Octavian Hume and the Formation of the Congress

Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume) was a retired British civil servant who played a significant role in establishing the Indian National Congress.

Hume encouraged educated Indians to establish an organisation through which political grievances could be expressed in an organised and constitutional manner.

Indian leaders also played a crucial role in the formation and early development of the Congress.

Therefore, the Congress should not be understood simply as an organisation created by Hume. Its formation reflected the longer growth of Indian political associations, public opinion and nationalist consciousness.

9. The First Session of the Indian National Congress – 1885

The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay from 28–31 December 1885.

Important facts

Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
First President: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee)
Delegates: 72
Year: 1885

The first session marked an important step towards establishing a regular all-India political organisation.

10. W.C. Bonnerjee – First Congress President

Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, commonly known as W.C. Bonnerjee, presided over the first Congress session.

His presidency was significant because the new organisation sought to bring together politically active Indians from different regions.

The first session established a precedent for:

annual meetings
elected or selected leadership
discussion of common political problems
adoption of resolutions
communication of demands to the government

11. Major Leaders of the Early Congress

The early Congress leadership included several important political figures.

Dadabhai Naoroji

Known as the “Grand Old Man of India”, Naoroji was an important early nationalist thinker.

He criticised the economic consequences of colonial rule and developed the Drain of Wealth argument.

Surendranath Banerjea

A prominent nationalist leader and organiser, Banerjea played an important role in the development of early political associations and public opinion.

Pherozeshah Mehta

A major political leader from Bombay, Mehta was associated with constitutional politics and municipal administration.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gokhale became one of the most prominent Moderate leaders and advocated constitutional reform, political education and gradual expansion of Indian participation in administration.

Mahadev Govind Ranade

Ranade contributed to political, social and economic thought during the early nationalist period.

Badruddin Tyabji

Tyabji was an important early Congress leader and became the first Muslim president of the Congress in 1887.

12. Main Objectives of the Early Indian National Congress

The early Congress had several interconnected objectives.

Objective 1: Promote National Unity

One of its most important contributions was to bring politically active Indians from different regions together.

The Congress provided a common platform for discussing issues affecting Indians across provincial boundaries.

Objective 2: Develop National Political Consciousness

The Congress sought to educate people about political rights and public affairs.

It encouraged Indians to think of political problems from an all-India perspective.

This helped strengthen the idea that Indians shared common political interests.

Objective 3: Organise Public Opinion

The Congress attempted to collect and articulate Indian public opinion.

Resolutions adopted at Congress sessions were communicated to the colonial government.

The organisation therefore served as a channel through which political demands could be formally expressed.

Objective 4: Increase Indian Participation in Administration

The early nationalists demanded greater opportunities for Indians to participate in government.

They criticised the limited representation of Indians in:

legislative councils
higher administrative positions
public services

Objective 5: Promote Constitutional Reform

The early Congress leaders generally believed that reforms could be achieved through constitutional and peaceful methods.

They demanded:

expansion of legislative councils
greater elected representation
increased Indian participation in administration
reform of public services
greater accountability of officials

Objective 6: Protect Civil Rights

The early nationalists supported civil liberties and opposed restrictions on:

freedom of speech
freedom of the press
political participation
public discussion

Objective 7: Create Political Awareness

The Congress sought to make Indians more conscious of:

their rights
economic problems
administrative policies
political institutions
responsibilities as citizens

Political education was considered essential for developing a modern nation.

13. Methods of the Early Congress

The political approach of the early Congress leaders is commonly described as Moderate nationalism.

Their principal methods included:

13.1 Petitions

They submitted petitions to the colonial government demanding reforms.

13.2 Resolutions

Congress sessions passed resolutions on political, administrative and economic questions.

13.3 Memoranda

Leaders prepared detailed representations explaining Indian grievances.

13.4 Public Meetings

Public meetings were used to spread political awareness and mobilise public opinion.

13.5 Newspapers

The nationalist press helped communicate political arguments and government-related issues.

13.6 Constitutional Agitation

The Moderates generally sought change through legal and constitutional means rather than violent resistance.

13.7 Appeals to British Public Opinion

Some early nationalists believed that British public opinion could influence Parliament and encourage reforms in India.

14. Major Demands of the Early Congress

The demands of the early Congress covered political, administrative and economic matters.

Political Demands

The Congress demanded:

expansion of legislative councils
greater Indian representation
increased powers for legislative bodies
greater accountability of the executive

Administrative Demands

The nationalists demanded:

greater Indianisation of government services
simultaneous holding of the Indian Civil Service examination in India and Britain
reduction of excessive administrative expenditure
separation of the judiciary from the executive

Economic Demands

Economic issues were central to early nationalist politics.

The Congress criticised:

excessive land revenue
military expenditure
economic drain
discriminatory economic policies
government expenditure that placed excessive burdens on Indian taxpayers

15. Indian Councils Act, 1892

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 represented one of the limited constitutional reforms achieved during the early nationalist period.

The Act:

enlarged the legislative councils
introduced a limited element of representation through nomination
allowed members to discuss the budget
permitted members to ask questions subject to restrictions

However, the reforms remained limited.

The executive retained substantial authority, and Indians did not obtain responsible government.

Examination Point

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 is important because it illustrates both:

Early nationalist pressure → Limited constitutional reform

and

Limitations of colonial political concessions → Continued nationalist demands

16. Economic Nationalism and Dadabhai Naoroji

Economic criticism became increasingly important during the Moderate period.

Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain of Wealth theory argued that India’s economic resources were being transferred to Britain through several channels.

The nationalist critique focused on factors such as:

salaries and pensions of certain British officials
payments connected with the colonial administration
profits and remittances
military and administrative expenditures
other transfers associated with British rule

Naoroji argued that this continuous outflow contributed to India’s poverty.

Economic nationalism therefore connected poverty with the structure of colonial rule.

17. The Congress and the Idea of Nation

One of the greatest historical contributions of the early Congress was the development of a broader idea of Indian nationhood.

India was characterised by:

regional diversity
different languages
different religious communities
different social groups
different political traditions

The Congress provided a common political forum.

At its sessions, leaders from different parts of India discussed shared issues.

This encouraged the development of the concept that despite regional and social differences, Indians could act collectively in pursuit of common political interests.

18. Chronology of Important Early Congress Sessions

1885 – Bombay

President: W.C. Bonnerjee

The first Congress session established the organisation and discussed major political and administrative questions.

1886 – Calcutta

President: Dadabhai Naoroji

The second session helped broaden Congress participation and strengthened its position as an all-India political organisation.

1887 – Madras

President: Badruddin Tyabji

Tyabji’s presidency demonstrated the Congress’s emphasis on political cooperation across religious and regional communities.

1888 – Allahabad

President: George Yule

George Yule became the first English president of the Indian National Congress.

1889 – Bombay

President: Sir William Wedderburn

The session continued discussion of constitutional and administrative reform.

1890 – Calcutta

President: Pherozeshah Mehta

The Congress continued its efforts to organise public opinion and demand political reforms.

1891 – Nagpur

President: P. Ananda Charlu

The session reflected the expanding geographical reach of the Congress.

1892 – Allahabad

President: W.C. Bonnerjee

The year was especially important because the Indian Councils Act, 1892 provided limited legislative reforms.

1893 – Lahore

President: Dadabhai Naoroji

Economic issues and political representation remained significant concerns.

1894 – Madras

President: Alfred Webb

The Congress continued its constitutional approach to political reform.

1895 – Poona

President: Surendranath Banerjea

The session continued discussions on political representation and administrative reforms.

1896 – Calcutta

President: Rahimtulla M. Sayani

Economic questions became increasingly prominent. The session also reflected growing interest in Swadeshi and indigenous economic activity.

1897 – Amraoti

President: C. Sankaran Nair

The Congress continued constitutional political activity during a period marked by serious economic and social difficulties.

1898 – Madras

President: Ananda Mohan Bose

Political and administrative questions remained central to Congress deliberations.

1899 – Lucknow

President: Romesh Chunder Dutt

Economic criticism of colonial rule remained important.

1900 – Lahore

President: N.G. Chandavarkar

The Congress continued to demand constitutional and administrative reform.

1901 – Calcutta

President: Dinshaw Edulji Wacha

The Congress continued its programme of political education and constitutional agitation.

1902 – Ahmedabad

President: Surendranath Banerjea

The session reflected continued demands for greater Indian participation in governance.

1903 – Madras

President: Lal Mohan Ghose

The Congress continued its constitutional political programme.

1904 – Bombay

President: Sir Henry Cotton

The Congress continued discussions on administrative reform and Indian political rights.

1905 – Banaras

President: Gopal Krishna Gokhale

The 1905 session took place during a period of increasing nationalist mobilisation associated with the Partition of Bengal and the emerging Swadeshi movement.

This marked an important transition in Indian nationalism.

19. Significance of the Indian National Congress

The formation of the Congress had long-term consequences for the Indian national movement.

19.1 Creation of an All-India Political Platform

Before 1885, political activity was often organised through regional associations.

The Congress provided a regular platform where political leaders from different parts of India could meet.

19.2 Development of National Unity

The Congress encouraged Indians to identify common political and economic concerns.

This helped strengthen political unity across regional boundaries.

19.3 Political Education

The early Congress played an important role in educating people about:

representative government
constitutional rights
public administration
economic policy
civil liberties

19.4 Development of Nationalist Leadership

The Congress created a platform through which several generations of nationalist leaders emerged.

The early leadership included people such as:

Dadabhai Naoroji
W.C. Bonnerjee
Surendranath Banerjea
Pherozeshah Mehta
Badruddin Tyabji
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Romesh Chunder Dutt

19.5 Formation of a National Political Vocabulary

Congress debates popularised concepts such as:

representation
constitutional reform
civil rights
economic exploitation
self-government
public accountability

This vocabulary later became important to broader nationalist politics.

19.6 Economic Criticism of Colonialism

The Congress gave greater political visibility to economic criticisms of colonial rule.

The arguments of thinkers such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Romesh Chunder Dutt helped establish an intellectual critique of colonial economic policies.

19.7 Development of Constitutional Politics

The Moderates demonstrated how:

public meetings
petitions
resolutions
political associations
newspapers
legislative participation

could be used for political mobilisation.

These methods formed an important part of the early phase of Indian nationalism.

20. Limitations of Early Congress Politics

For examination purposes, the achievements of the early Congress should be studied alongside its limitations.

Limited Social Base

The early Congress was largely dominated by:

educated Indians
professionals
lawyers
teachers
journalists
urban middle-class groups

Its reach among peasants, workers and other sections of the population remained limited during this period.

Dependence on Constitutional Methods

The Moderates generally believed that gradual constitutional reform was possible through petitions, representations and appeals.

This approach increasingly faced criticism from younger nationalists who demanded more assertive political action.

Limited Mass Mobilisation

The Congress had not yet developed the large-scale mass mobilisation that would become characteristic of later phases of the national movement.

Slow Pace of Reform

The limited reforms introduced by the colonial government did not satisfy growing nationalist expectations.

The experience of the late nineteenth century contributed to increasing demands for more substantial political change.

21. From Moderate Nationalism to Assertive Nationalism

By the beginning of the twentieth century, several developments were changing the political environment.

These included:

continued economic difficulties
dissatisfaction with colonial policies
limited constitutional reforms
growing political awareness
criticism of the Moderates’ methods
increasing emphasis on self-reliance
development of Swadeshi ideas
growing opposition to colonial administrative decisions

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 became a major catalyst for political mobilisation.

The subsequent Swadeshi and Boycott Movement marked a significant expansion of nationalist politics.

Thus, 1905 can be viewed as an important transition point between the early Moderate phase and a more assertive phase of Indian nationalism.

22. The Partition of Bengal and the Changing Political Climate

In 1905, Lord Curzon’s government partitioned Bengal.

The official justification focused on administrative considerations, but Indian nationalists strongly opposed the decision.

The partition generated widespread political mobilisation.

Important methods included:

boycott of foreign goods
promotion of indigenous products
Swadeshi
public meetings
political demonstrations
national education initiatives

The anti-partition movement demonstrated that nationalism could increasingly move beyond the limited political circles associated with the early Congress.

23. Key Concepts for Examination

Indian National Congress

An all-India political organisation founded in 1885 that became a major platform for Indian nationalist politics.

Moderates

Early Congress nationalists who generally advocated constitutional methods, petitions, political education and gradual reform.

Drain of Wealth

The nationalist economic argument that colonial rule resulted in a significant transfer of Indian resources to Britain without adequate economic return.

Constitutional Agitation

The use of lawful political methods such as petitions, resolutions, public meetings and representations to seek political reforms.

Political Education

The process of creating public awareness about political rights, government institutions and national issues.

Swadeshi

The promotion and use of indigenous goods and economic self-reliance, especially associated with the anti-partition movement after 1905.

Indianisation

The demand for greater participation of Indians in higher government services and administration.

24. Important Personalities and Their Contributions

Personality	Contribution
A.O. Hume	Played an important role in establishing the Indian National Congress
W.C. Bonnerjee	First president of the Congress in 1885
Dadabhai Naoroji	Economic nationalist; associated with the Drain of Wealth theory
Surendranath Banerjea	Important organiser of early political nationalism
Pherozeshah Mehta	Major Moderate leader from Bombay
Badruddin Tyabji	First Muslim president of the Congress, 1887
Gopal Krishna Gokhale	Major Moderate leader and advocate of constitutional reform
Romesh Chunder Dutt	Important critic of colonial economic policies
Mahadev Govind Ranade	Influential social reformer and political-economic thinker

25. Important Dates to Remember

1866 – East India Association established by Dadabhai Naoroji

1870 – Poona Sarvajanik Sabha established

1876 – Indian Association established

1883 – Indian National Conference held at Calcutta

1884 – Madras Mahajana Sabha established

1885 – Indian National Congress founded

1885 – First Congress session at Bombay

1885 – W.C. Bonnerjee became first Congress president

1886 – Second Congress session at Calcutta

1887 – Badruddin Tyabji presided over Madras session

1892 – Indian Councils Act

1896 – Calcutta Congress session; growing attention to Swadeshi

1905 – Partition of Bengal

1905 – Banaras Congress session under Gopal Krishna Gokhale

26. Exam-Oriented Chronological Sequence

Remember the following sequence:

Growth of modern education

↓

Development of newspapers and communication

↓

Growth of economic and political consciousness

↓

Formation of regional political associations

↓

East India Association – 1866

↓

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha – 1870

↓

Indian Association – 1876

↓

Indian National Conference – 1883

↓

Madras Mahajana Sabha – 1884

↓

Bombay Presidency Association – 1885

↓

Formation of Indian National Congress – 1885

↓

First session at Bombay – W.C. Bonnerjee

↓

Expansion of Congress organisation – 1886 onwards

↓

Indian Councils Act – 1892

↓

Growth of economic nationalism

↓

Increasing criticism of Moderate methods

↓

Partition of Bengal – 1905

↓

Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

↓

Transition towards more assertive nationalism

27. Frequently Asked Examination Questions

Short-Answer Questions

1. When was the Indian National Congress founded?

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, with its first session held in Bombay in December 1885.

2. Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress?

W.C. Bonnerjee was the first president of the Indian National Congress.

3. Where was the first Congress session held?

The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay in December 1885.

4. Who was A.O. Hume?

A.O. Hume was a retired British civil servant who played an important role in establishing the Indian National Congress.

5. What was the main political approach of the early Congress?

The early Congress generally followed constitutional and peaceful methods to demand political and administrative reforms.

6. What was the Drain of Wealth theory?

It was the argument that colonial rule resulted in a substantial transfer of India’s economic resources to Britain without an equivalent return.

7. Who founded the Indian Association?

The Indian Association was founded in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose.

8. When was the Indian Councils Act passed?

The Indian Councils Act was passed in 1892.

28. Long-Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the circumstances that led to the formation of the Indian National Congress.

The formation of the Congress resulted from several decades of political awakening in India. The growth of modern education, newspapers, communication networks and political associations encouraged Indians to develop broader political consciousness. Organisations such as the East India Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and Indian Association created precedents for organised political activity. The Indian National Conference also demonstrated growing interest in cooperation among political leaders from different regions. Against this background, A.O. Hume and Indian political leaders helped establish the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Question 2. Discuss the major objectives of the early Indian National Congress.

The early Congress aimed to promote national unity, develop political consciousness and organise public opinion. It demanded greater Indian participation in administration and legislative councils and advocated civil liberties and constitutional reform. Economic issues were also important, including criticism of excessive taxation, economic drain and administrative expenditure. The Congress therefore served as an important platform for articulating political, administrative and economic grievances.

Question 3. Explain the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress.

The formation of the Congress created a regular all-India political platform. It brought political leaders from different regions together and helped develop a broader sense of Indian political unity. It promoted political education, constitutional methods and economic criticism of colonial rule. The Congress also provided a platform through which nationalist leaders and ideas developed. Although its early social base and methods were limited, its institutional role became important for the subsequent growth of the Indian national movement.

Question 4. What were the major demands of the Moderates?

The Moderates demanded expansion of legislative councils, greater Indian representation, Indianisation of government services, simultaneous civil service examinations in India and Britain, separation of the judiciary from the executive and reduction of excessive administrative and military expenditure. They also criticised economic policies that contributed to Indian poverty. They generally sought these reforms through constitutional methods.

29. Analytical Understanding

The formation of the Indian National Congress should not be studied merely as an isolated event in 1885.

A better way to understand it is as the result of a gradual historical process:

Colonial rule

→ generated economic and political grievances

Modern education

→ spread new political ideas

Press and communication

→ circulated political information

Political associations

→ developed organisational experience

All-India political cooperation

→ encouraged national political unity

Congress, 1885

→ institutionalised organised all-India political activity

This process demonstrates that Indian nationalism developed gradually through the interaction of economic, political, intellectual and organisational factors.

30. Why 1885 Is a Turning Point

The year 1885 is a major landmark because the establishment of the Indian National Congress provided Indian political leaders with a permanent and regular all-India platform.

Its importance lies not simply in the creation of another political organisation but in the institutionalisation of national political discussion.

The Congress created opportunities for leaders to:

meet annually
debate common issues
formulate demands
communicate resolutions
develop political networks
cultivate national consciousness

Its role expanded significantly in later decades.

31. Why 1905 Is a Turning Point

The year 1905 represents another major turning point.

By this time:

political consciousness had expanded
economic nationalism had become stronger
dissatisfaction with limited reforms had grown
younger nationalists increasingly criticised Moderate methods
the Partition of Bengal generated widespread mobilisation

The resulting Swadeshi movement encouraged broader forms of political participation and marked a significant transformation in the character of Indian nationalism.

Thus:

1885 → Organised all-India political nationalism

1905 → Intensification and broadening of nationalist mobilisation

32. Quick Revision Table

Topic	Key Fact
Congress founded	1885
First session	Bombay
First Congress president	W.C. Bonnerjee
First session venue	Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College
Number of delegates at first session	72
Important organiser	A.O. Hume
Major early nationalist	Dadabhai Naoroji
Indian Association	1876
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha	1870
East India Association	1866
Indian National Conference	1883
Indian Councils Act	1892
First Muslim Congress president	Badruddin Tyabji, 1887
Major economic theory	Drain of Wealth
Important 1905 development	Partition of Bengal
Political approach of Moderates	Constitutional methods
Major objective	Political reform and greater Indian participation

33. Study Strategy for Students

For examination preparation, study this lesson in four layers.

Layer 1: Memorise the Timeline

Focus particularly on:

1866 → 1870 → 1876 → 1883 → 1884 → 1885 → 1892 → 1905

Layer 2: Learn the Personalities

Connect each personality with a contribution:

A.O. Hume → Congress organisation

W.C. Bonnerjee → First Congress President

Dadabhai Naoroji → Drain of Wealth

Surendranath Banerjea → Indian Association

Badruddin Tyabji → 1887 Congress President

Gopal Krishna Gokhale → Moderate constitutional politics

Layer 3: Understand the Objectives

Remember:

Unity → Political Education → Public Opinion → Representation → Civil Rights → Constitutional Reform

Layer 4: Understand the Historical Transition

Remember the broad movement:

Regional political associations

→ All-India political organisation

→ Moderate nationalism

→ Economic nationalism

→ Growing political mobilisation

→ Partition of Bengal

→ Swadeshi Movement

34. Conclusion

The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 represented a significant stage in the development of Indian nationalism. It emerged from a longer process involving modern education, the press, improved communication, economic criticism and the growth of political associations.

During 1885–1905, the Congress primarily functioned as a platform for political education, constitutional agitation and the articulation of Indian demands. The early nationalists sought greater Indian participation in administration, expansion of legislative representation, civil liberties and economic reforms.

Although the early Congress had a relatively limited social base and relied heavily on constitutional methods, its historical significance extended beyond its immediate achievements. It helped establish an all-India political network, encouraged national consciousness and developed a political vocabulary that became increasingly important in later phases of the freedom movement.

By 1905, the political environment had changed substantially. The Partition of Bengal and the rise of the Swadeshi movement contributed to a new phase of nationalist mobilisation. Therefore, the period 1885–1905 is essential for understanding how organised Indian nationalism developed from regional political associations into a wider national movement.

Below is a 30-question examination-oriented set based specifically on Module 2: Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885–1905 CE) and the lesson “Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance.” It includes both short- and long-answer questions and is formatted for direct use in the WordPress Classic Editor.

Questions with Answers

Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

Course: Indian National Movement – History of India

Module 2: Formation of the Indian National Congress

Timeline: 1885–1905 CE

Lesson: Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

Part A: Short-Answer Questions

1. When was the Indian National Congress founded?

Answer: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. Its first session was held in Bombay from 28 to 31 December 1885.

2. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?

Answer: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) was the first President of the Indian National Congress. He presided over the first session at Bombay in 1885.

3. Where was the first session of the Indian National Congress held?

Answer: The first session was held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay in December 1885.

4. How many delegates attended the first session of the Indian National Congress?

Answer: Seventy-two delegates attended the first session of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

5. Who was A.O. Hume?

Answer: Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume) was a retired British civil servant who played an important role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress. He encouraged politically conscious Indians to organise themselves on an all-India platform.

6. What was the East India Association?

Answer: The East India Association was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in London in 1866. It provided a platform for discussing Indian political and economic issues and presenting Indian concerns before British public opinion.

7. When was the Indian Association established?

Answer: The Indian Association was established in 1876 in Calcutta by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose. It sought to promote political education, unity and organised public opinion.

8. What was the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha?

Answer: The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, established in 1870, was an important political organisation in western India. It represented public interests and raised questions relating to administration, taxation and the welfare of the people.

9. What was the main purpose of the early Indian National Congress?

Answer: The early Congress aimed to promote national unity, develop political consciousness, organise public opinion and secure constitutional and administrative reforms.

10. What is meant by Moderate nationalism?

Answer: Moderate nationalism refers to the political approach followed by the early Congress leaders, who generally relied on petitions, resolutions, public meetings, constitutional agitation and appeals for gradual political reform.

11. What was the Drain of Wealth theory?

Answer: The Drain of Wealth theory, particularly associated with Dadabhai Naoroji, argued that a substantial amount of India’s wealth was transferred to Britain through various economic and administrative channels without an equivalent return to India.

12. When was the Indian Councils Act passed?

Answer: The Indian Councils Act was passed in 1892. It enlarged legislative councils and introduced limited opportunities for discussion and representation, although substantial power remained with the colonial executive.

13. Who was Badruddin Tyabji?

Answer: Badruddin Tyabji was an important early Congress leader. He presided over the Madras session of the Indian National Congress in 1887 and was the first Muslim president of the Congress.

14. What was the significance of the Indian National Conference?

Answer: The Indian National Conference, associated with the Indian Association, demonstrated the growing desire for political cooperation among Indians from different regions. Its activities helped prepare the ground for an all-India political organisation.

15. What happened in Bengal in 1905?

Answer: In 1905, the British government under Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal. The decision generated widespread opposition and contributed to the growth of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement.

Part B: Descriptive Questions

16. Explain the major factors that led to the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Answer:
The Indian National Congress emerged from several decades of political awakening in India. The spread of modern education introduced educated Indians to ideas such as liberty, equality, constitutional government and representative institutions. The growth of newspapers and modern communication helped political ideas spread across different regions.

Several political associations also developed before 1885, including the East India Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and Indian Association. These organisations gave Indian political leaders experience in organising public opinion and presenting demands to the government. Economic criticism of colonial rule, particularly the Drain of Wealth theory, further strengthened political consciousness. These developments created the conditions for the establishment of an all-India political organisation in 1885.

17. Explain the role of A.O. Hume in the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Answer:
A.O. Hume was a retired British civil servant who played an important organisational role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress. He encouraged educated Indians to form an organisation through which political grievances could be discussed and expressed in an organised and constitutional manner.

However, the Congress should not be understood as simply the creation of Hume. Its formation was also the result of the growth of Indian political associations, educated public opinion and nationalist consciousness. Indian leaders were essential to the organisation’s development and early activities.

18. Describe the first session of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Answer:
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay from 28 to 31 December 1885 at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. W.C. Bonnerjee presided over the session, which was attended by 72 delegates.

The session brought politically active Indians from different parts of the country together. It provided a common platform for discussing political and administrative questions and established the practice of holding annual Congress sessions. The first session therefore marked an important stage in the development of organised all-India nationalism.

19. What were the major objectives of the early Indian National Congress?

Answer:
The major objectives of the early Congress included:

Promoting unity among politically conscious Indians.
Developing national political consciousness.
Organising and expressing Indian public opinion.
Increasing Indian participation in administration.
Expanding legislative representation.
Protecting civil rights and liberties.
Demanding administrative and constitutional reforms.
Drawing attention to India’s economic problems.

The Congress therefore aimed to create an organised political platform through which Indian demands could be presented to the colonial government.

20. Explain the methods adopted by the Moderates in the early Congress.

Answer:
The Moderates generally believed in constitutional and peaceful political methods. They used petitions, resolutions, memoranda, public meetings and newspapers to communicate Indian grievances.

They also appealed to British public opinion and Parliament, believing that greater awareness of Indian problems could encourage reforms. Rather than advocating immediate revolutionary action, they sought gradual expansion of political representation and Indian participation in administration.

21. What were the major political demands of the early Congress leaders?

Answer:
The early Congress leaders demanded the expansion and reform of legislative councils, greater Indian representation and increased participation in administration. They also demanded greater accountability of government officials.

Another important demand was the Indianisation of government services, particularly greater opportunities for Indians in higher administrative positions. They also advocated reforms such as the separation of the judiciary from the executive.

22. Discuss the economic demands of the early Congress.

Answer:
Economic issues were an important part of early Congress politics. Nationalist leaders criticised excessive land revenue demands, high administrative expenditure and military expenditure. They also criticised economic policies that contributed to poverty and the decline of some traditional industries.

Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain of Wealth theory was particularly influential. He argued that the colonial system resulted in a continuous transfer of Indian resources to Britain. Such economic criticism helped nationalists connect India’s poverty with the structure of colonial rule.

23. Explain the significance of the Indian Councils Act of 1892.

Answer:
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduced limited constitutional reforms. It enlarged the legislative councils and allowed members to discuss the budget and ask questions subject to restrictions.

However, the reforms did not establish responsible government. The colonial executive retained substantial authority. The Act therefore demonstrated both the impact of early nationalist demands and the limitations of the reforms granted by the colonial government.

24. How did the Indian National Congress promote national unity?

Answer:
The Congress brought political leaders from different regions together through its annual sessions. These leaders discussed issues that affected Indians beyond individual provinces.

The organisation encouraged people to think about common political, economic and administrative concerns. Its all-India structure helped create political networks and contributed to the development of a broader idea of Indian nationhood.

25. Explain the contribution of the early Congress to political education in India.

Answer:
The early Congress helped educate Indians about political institutions, constitutional rights and government administration. Through annual sessions, public meetings, newspapers and political associations, nationalist leaders discussed issues such as representation, taxation, civil liberties and economic exploitation.

This political education encouraged educated Indians to participate in public affairs and gradually strengthened national political consciousness.

Part C: Long-Answer Questions

26. Discuss the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Answer:
The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was a major development in the history of Indian nationalism. It created a regular all-India political platform where leaders from different regions could meet, discuss common problems and formulate political demands.

The Congress promoted national unity and political education. It helped Indians develop an understanding of common political and economic interests despite regional, linguistic and social differences. It also created an organised mechanism for expressing public opinion through resolutions, petitions and representations.

The early Congress contributed significantly to the development of economic nationalism. Leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji criticised the economic consequences of colonial rule and drew attention to the Drain of Wealth.

Although the early Congress had a relatively limited social base and relied mainly on constitutional methods, its organisational and intellectual contributions were important. It established political networks and developed ideas that influenced subsequent phases of the national movement.

27. Discuss the role of political associations before 1885 in the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Answer:
The Congress had several important predecessors. The East India Association, founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866, provided a platform for discussing Indian affairs in Britain. The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, established in 1870, represented public interests in western India.

The Indian Association, founded by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876, sought to promote political education and unity. The Madras Mahajana Sabha and Bombay Presidency Association further strengthened political organisation in different regions.

The Indian National Conference of 1883 also demonstrated growing interest in wider political cooperation. These organisations developed political leadership, public opinion and organisational experience. Consequently, the Congress emerged in 1885 from an already developing tradition of Indian political activity.

28. Examine the objectives, methods and demands of the Moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress.

Answer:
The Moderate leaders sought to promote national unity, political education and constitutional reform. They wanted Indians to participate more extensively in the administration of their own country and demanded greater representation in legislative councils.

Their methods were largely constitutional. They relied on petitions, resolutions, memoranda, public meetings, newspapers and appeals to British public opinion. They believed that gradual political reform could be achieved through organised and peaceful agitation.

Their demands included expansion of legislative councils, greater Indian representation, Indianisation of government services, reduction of excessive administrative and military expenditure, separation of the judiciary from the executive and protection of civil liberties.

The Moderates therefore laid an important foundation for organised nationalist politics, even though their methods and limited social reach later became subjects of criticism.

29. Explain the major achievements and limitations of the early Indian National Congress between 1885 and 1905.

Answer:
Between 1885 and 1905, the Congress established itself as an important all-India political organisation. It promoted political unity, encouraged public discussion and developed a network connecting political leaders from different regions. It also gave greater visibility to economic criticisms of colonial rule.

The Congress contributed to political education by discussing representation, civil rights, administration and economic policy. The constitutional reforms introduced through the Indian Councils Act of 1892 represented a limited response to some nationalist demands.

However, the early Congress had limitations. Its membership and leadership were largely drawn from educated urban and professional groups. Its influence among peasants, workers and other sections of society was comparatively limited. Its reliance on petitions and constitutional methods also came under increasing criticism from more assertive nationalists.

These achievements and limitations help explain the transformation of Indian nationalism in the early twentieth century.

30. Why is the period 1885–1905 important in the history of the Indian national movement?

Answer:
The period from 1885 to 1905 is important because it witnessed the institutional development of organised Indian nationalism. The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 created a permanent all-India platform for political discussion and representation.

During this period, the early nationalists promoted political education, national unity and constitutional reform. They also developed an important economic critique of colonial rule through arguments such as the Drain of Wealth theory.

At the same time, the limitations of constitutional politics became increasingly apparent. Growing political awareness and dissatisfaction with colonial policies contributed to the emergence of more assertive forms of nationalism. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 and the resulting Swadeshi and Boycott Movement marked a significant transition towards a broader and more intensive phase of the Indian national movement.

Quick Revision: 15 Facts to Remember

1885 – Indian National Congress founded.
Bombay – Venue of the first Congress session.
W.C. Bonnerjee – First Congress President.
72 – Delegates at the first Congress session.
A.O. Hume – Important organiser in the formation of the Congress.
1866 – East India Association founded by Dadabhai Naoroji.
1870 – Poona Sarvajanik Sabha established.
1876 – Indian Association established.
1883 – Indian National Conference at Calcutta.
1887 – Badruddin Tyabji presided over the Madras Congress session.
1892 – Indian Councils Act.
Dadabhai Naoroji – Associated with the Drain of Wealth theory.
Moderates – Favoured constitutional and peaceful methods.
1905 – Partition of Bengal.
1905 – Growth of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement.

One-Line Revision Formula

Political Associations → National Political Consciousness → Congress Formation (1885) → Moderate Constitutional Politics → Economic Nationalism → Limited Reforms (1892) → Growing Nationalist Mobilisation → Partition of Bengal (1905) → Swadeshi Movement

MCQs with Answers and Explanations

Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

Course: Indian National Movement – History of India
Module 2: Formation of the Indian National Congress
Timeline: 1885–1905 CE
Lesson: Formation of the Indian National Congress: Objectives and Significance

The following 30 MCQs are designed for examination-oriented preparation. They cover the chronological background, political associations, formation of the Indian National Congress, early Congress leadership, Moderate methods, objectives, demands, economic nationalism, the Indian Councils Act of 1892, and the transition towards the nationalist politics of 1905.

Part A: Background and Formation of the Congress

1. In which year was the Indian National Congress founded?

A. 1876
B. 1883
C. 1885
D. 1892

Correct Answer: C. 1885

Explanation:
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. Its first session was held in Bombay from 28 to 31 December 1885. The establishment of the Congress was the result of a gradual growth of political consciousness, modern education, newspapers, communication networks and political associations. The Congress provided an important all-India platform for organised political activity.

2. Who presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress?

A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. W.C. Bonnerjee
C. A.O. Hume
D. Surendranath Banerjea

Correct Answer: B. W.C. Bonnerjee

Explanation:
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) was the first President of the Indian National Congress. He presided over its first session in Bombay in December 1885. His presidency established the practice of having prominent Indian leaders preside over the annual Congress sessions.

3. Where was the first session of the Indian National Congress held?

A. Calcutta
B. Madras
C. Allahabad
D. Bombay

Correct Answer: D. Bombay

Explanation:
The first Congress session was held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay in December 1885. The session brought together 72 delegates from different parts of India. It represented an important step towards organised all-India political cooperation.

4. How many delegates attended the first session of the Indian National Congress?

A. 52
B. 62
C. 72
D. 82

Correct Answer: C. 72

Explanation:
The first session of the Congress in 1885 was attended by 72 delegates. Although the number was relatively small, the gathering was historically significant because the delegates represented different regions and helped establish a common political platform.

5. Who played an important organisational role in the formation of the Indian National Congress?

A. Lord Curzon
B. A.O. Hume
C. Lord Ripon
D. Lord Lytton

Correct Answer: B. A.O. Hume

Explanation:
Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant, played an important role in organising the formation of the Congress. He encouraged politically conscious Indians to establish an organisation through which their grievances could be discussed and represented. However, the Congress was also the product of the earlier growth of Indian political associations and nationalist consciousness.

6. Which organisation was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in London in 1866?

A. Indian Association
B. Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
C. East India Association
D. Bombay Presidency Association

Correct Answer: C. East India Association

Explanation:
Dadabhai Naoroji founded the East India Association in 1866 in London. It aimed to discuss Indian political and economic issues and influence British public opinion. The organisation represented an early attempt to present Indian concerns on a broader political platform.

7. The Indian Association was established in 1876 by:

A. Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B. Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose
C. W.C. Bonnerjee and Pherozeshah Mehta
D. A.O. Hume and Badruddin Tyabji

Correct Answer: B. Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose

Explanation:
The Indian Association was founded in Calcutta in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose. It aimed to promote political education, unity and organised public opinion. Its activities contributed to the political developments that preceded the establishment of the Indian National Congress.

8. The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was established in:

A. 1866
B. 1870
C. 1876
D. 1885

Correct Answer: B. 1870

Explanation:
The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was established in 1870. It became an important political organisation in western India and represented public interests on issues such as taxation, administration and agriculture. Organisations such as this helped develop the tradition of organised political activity before 1885.

Part B: Objectives and Methods of the Early Congress

9. Which of the following was a major objective of the early Indian National Congress?

A. Establishment of a military government
B. Promotion of national political unity
C. Immediate armed revolution
D. Abolition of modern education

Correct Answer: B. Promotion of national political unity

Explanation:
One of the principal objectives of the early Congress was to promote unity among politically conscious Indians. It brought leaders from different regions together and encouraged them to discuss common political and economic concerns. This contributed to the development of an all-India political consciousness.

10. Which of the following best describes the political methods of the early Congress leaders?

A. Armed rebellion and guerrilla warfare
B. Constitutional agitation and petitions
C. Secret revolutionary societies
D. Military expansion

Correct Answer: B. Constitutional agitation and petitions

Explanation:
The early Congress leaders, generally known as Moderates, relied on constitutional methods. These included petitions, resolutions, memoranda, public meetings, newspapers and appeals to British public opinion. They believed that political reforms could be achieved gradually through organised and peaceful agitation.

11. Which of the following was NOT a typical method of the early Moderates?

A. Petitions
B. Resolutions
C. Public meetings
D. Armed rebellion

Correct Answer: D. Armed rebellion

Explanation:
The Moderates did not generally advocate armed rebellion. Their political strategy was based on constitutional and peaceful methods. They believed that political education, public opinion and lawful representation could gradually bring about administrative and political reforms.

12. The early Congress demanded greater Indian participation primarily in:

A. Colonial administration
B. European armies
C. British commercial companies
D. Foreign governments

Correct Answer: A. Colonial administration

Explanation:
The early Congress demanded greater participation of Indians in administrative and legislative institutions. Nationalist leaders argued that Indians should have greater opportunities in government services and legislative councils. Indianisation of higher administrative services was an important demand.

13. Which of the following was an important demand of the early Congress?

A. Reduction of Indian representation
B. Expansion of legislative councils
C. Abolition of newspapers
D. Increase in military expenditure

Correct Answer: B. Expansion of legislative councils

Explanation:
The early Congress demanded the expansion and reform of legislative councils. It wanted Indians to have greater representation and greater opportunities to participate in discussing government policies. These demands reflected the Moderates’ belief in gradual constitutional reform.

14. The demand for “Indianisation” of government services referred to:

A. Replacement of Indian languages by English
B. Greater participation of Indians in higher government services
C. Abolition of government services
D. Recruitment of only British officials

Correct Answer: B. Greater participation of Indians in higher government services

Explanation:
Indianisation meant increasing the proportion and participation of Indians in higher levels of government administration. Early nationalists criticised the limited opportunities available to Indians and demanded fairer access to government services.

Part C: Economic Nationalism

15. The Drain of Wealth theory is most closely associated with:

A. Badruddin Tyabji
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. W.C. Bonnerjee
D. A.O. Hume

Correct Answer: B. Dadabhai Naoroji

Explanation:
Dadabhai Naoroji developed one of the most influential early nationalist economic critiques, known as the Drain of Wealth theory. He argued that substantial resources were transferred from India to Britain through various economic and administrative channels. This theory helped connect Indian poverty with the economic structure of colonial rule.

16. What did the Drain of Wealth theory primarily seek to explain?

A. The growth of Indian industries
B. The transfer of Indian economic resources to Britain
C. The expansion of Indian agriculture
D. The development of Indian railways

Correct Answer: B. The transfer of Indian economic resources to Britain

Explanation:
The Drain of Wealth theory argued that a substantial portion of India’s wealth was transferred to Britain without an equivalent economic return to India. Nationalist thinkers used this argument to explain persistent poverty and criticised the economic consequences of colonial rule.

17. Which of the following was an economic issue raised by early nationalist leaders?

A. Excessive land revenue
B. Expansion of foreign military bases
C. Abolition of agriculture
D. Reduction of Indian trade

Correct Answer: A. Excessive land revenue

Explanation:
Early nationalists criticised high land revenue demands, excessive administrative expenditure and military expenditure. They argued that these policies placed considerable burdens on the Indian population. Economic criticism became an important component of early nationalist politics.

Part D: Important Congress Developments

18. Who presided over the Indian National Congress session at Madras in 1887?

A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. Badruddin Tyabji
C. W.C. Bonnerjee
D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Correct Answer: B. Badruddin Tyabji

Explanation:
Badruddin Tyabji presided over the 1887 Madras session of the Congress. He was the first Muslim president of the Indian National Congress. His leadership reflected the early Congress’s emphasis on cooperation among Indians from different religious and regional communities.

19. Who was the first English President of the Indian National Congress?

A. George Yule
B. William Wedderburn
C. Henry Cotton
D. Alfred Webb

Correct Answer: A. George Yule

Explanation:
George Yule became the first English President of the Indian National Congress when he presided over its Allahabad session in 1888. His presidency demonstrated that the Congress could include sympathetic British individuals in its constitutional political activities.

20. The Indian Councils Act was passed in:

A. 1885
B. 1887
C. 1892
D. 1905

Correct Answer: C. 1892

Explanation:
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduced limited constitutional reforms. It enlarged legislative councils and permitted members to discuss the budget and ask questions under certain restrictions. However, the reforms did not establish responsible government, and the colonial executive retained substantial authority.

21. Which reform was associated with the Indian Councils Act of 1892?

A. Complete responsible government
B. Enlargement of legislative councils
C. Universal adult franchise
D. End of British rule in India

Correct Answer: B. Enlargement of legislative councils

Explanation:
The 1892 Act enlarged legislative councils and provided limited opportunities for discussion. It represented a modest constitutional concession but did not transfer substantial political power to elected Indian representatives. Therefore, nationalist demands continued after the Act.

22. Which Congress session was presided over by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905?

A. Bombay session
B. Calcutta session
C. Banaras session
D. Madras session

Correct Answer: C. Banaras session

Explanation:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale presided over the Banaras session of the Congress in 1905. The session took place during an increasingly active nationalist period associated with the Partition of Bengal and the growth of the Swadeshi movement.

Part E: Significance of the Congress

23. What was one of the most important contributions of the Indian National Congress between 1885 and 1905?

A. Creation of a permanent all-India political platform
B. Establishment of a separate Indian army
C. Complete independence in 1885
D. Abolition of the colonial government

Correct Answer: A. Creation of a permanent all-India political platform

Explanation:
The Congress created a regular platform where political leaders from different parts of India could meet and discuss common concerns. Annual sessions helped develop political networks, formulate demands and promote a broader sense of national political unity.

24. How did the early Congress contribute to the development of Indian nationalism?

A. By discouraging political education
B. By promoting common political consciousness
C. By restricting political discussion to Britain
D. By opposing all forms of education

Correct Answer: B. By promoting common political consciousness

Explanation:
The early Congress promoted political education and encouraged Indians to think beyond regional concerns. Through debates, resolutions, newspapers and public meetings, it spread awareness about political rights, administration and economic problems. This contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism.

25. Which of the following best describes the social base of the early Congress?

A. Entire rural population
B. Mainly educated urban and professional groups
C. Only industrial workers
D. Only members of the princely families

Correct Answer: B. Mainly educated urban and professional groups

Explanation:
The early Congress was largely composed of educated Indians, lawyers, teachers, journalists, professionals and members of the urban middle class. Its influence among peasants, workers and many other sections of society was more limited during this early period. Mass mobilisation developed much more extensively in later phases of the national movement.

26. Which of the following was a limitation of the early Moderate Congress?

A. It had no political objectives
B. It had a relatively limited social base
C. It opposed constitutional reform
D. It refused to discuss economic issues

Correct Answer: B. It had a relatively limited social base

Explanation:
The early Congress was largely dominated by educated and urban professional groups. It had not yet developed the broad mass participation that characterised later stages of the national movement. Its dependence on constitutional methods was also increasingly criticised by more assertive nationalists.

Part F: Transition Towards 1905

27. Which event in 1905 significantly changed the political atmosphere in India?

A. Formation of the Indian Association
B. Passage of the Indian Councils Act
C. Partition of Bengal
D. First session of the Congress

Correct Answer: C. Partition of Bengal

Explanation:
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 became a major catalyst for nationalist mobilisation. The decision generated widespread opposition and contributed to the development of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement. It also marked an important transition towards more assertive forms of nationalism.

28. The Swadeshi Movement encouraged people to:

A. Promote foreign goods
B. Use and promote indigenous goods
C. End all forms of trade
D. Increase dependence on imported products

Correct Answer: B. Use and promote indigenous goods

Explanation:
Swadeshi emphasised the use and promotion of indigenous goods and economic self-reliance. During the anti-partition movement after 1905, Swadeshi became an important form of nationalist mobilisation. It was closely connected with the boycott of foreign goods.

29. Which sequence correctly represents the broad development of early Indian nationalism?

A. Congress → Political associations → Modern education → Swadeshi
B. Political associations → Congress formation → Moderate politics → Swadeshi
C. Swadeshi → Congress formation → Indian Association → Political associations
D. Indian Councils Act → Congress formation → Poona Sabha → Swadeshi

Correct Answer: B. Political associations → Congress formation → Moderate politics → Swadeshi

Explanation:
Indian nationalism developed gradually. Political associations such as the East India Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and Indian Association created an organisational foundation. The Congress was formed in 1885, followed by a period of Moderate constitutional politics. By 1905, growing political dissatisfaction and the Partition of Bengal contributed to the rise of the Swadeshi movement.

30. Which statement best explains the historical importance of the period 1885–1905?

A. It was a period without organised political activity.
B. It witnessed the development of organised all-India nationalism.
C. It marked the complete end of British rule in India.
D. It was limited entirely to military resistance.

Correct Answer: B. It witnessed the development of organised all-India nationalism.

Explanation:
The period 1885–1905 was crucial for the institutional development of Indian nationalism. The Congress provided an all-India political platform, while Moderate leaders developed constitutional methods and economic critiques of colonial rule. By 1905, the political environment had changed significantly, with the Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi movement signalling a new phase of nationalist mobilisation.

Quick Answer Key

Q. No.	Answer	Key Concept
1	C	Congress founded in 1885
2	B	W.C. Bonnerjee
3	D	First session – Bombay
4	C	72 delegates
5	B	A.O. Hume
6	C	East India Association
7	B	Indian Association
8	B	Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
9	B	National political unity
10	B	Constitutional agitation
11	D	Armed rebellion
12	A	Indian participation in administration
13	B	Expansion of legislative councils
14	B	Indianisation of services
15	B	Dadabhai Naoroji
16	B	Economic drain
17	A	Excessive land revenue
18	B	Badruddin Tyabji
19	A	George Yule
20	C	Indian Councils Act, 1892
21	B	Enlargement of councils
22	C	Banaras Session, 1905
23	A	All-India political platform
24	B	Political consciousness
25	B	Educated urban/professional groups
26	B	Limited social base
27	C	Partition of Bengal
28	B	Indigenous goods
29	B	Political associations → Congress → Moderate politics → Swadeshi
30	B	Organised all-India nationalism

Key Takeaway

The central historical sequence of this lesson can be remembered as:

Growth of Political Consciousness → Political Associations → Indian National Congress (1885) → Moderate Constitutional Politics → Economic Nationalism → Limited Constitutional Reform (1892) → Growing Nationalist Mobilisation → Partition of Bengal (1905) → Swadeshi Movement.