The Birth of the Indian National Congress and the Rise of Early Nationalism

Introduction

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marked a significant moment in the history of Indian nationalism. It served as the first organized platform for political discourse, uniting diverse regions, languages, and communities of India to demand political representation and constitutional reforms under British rule. Although the Congress was initially dominated by moderate leaders seeking reform through constitutional means, it laid the groundwork for the national movement, which eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.

This essay delves into the formation of the Indian National Congress, its objectives, the factors contributing to early nationalism, the role of moderate leadership, and the eventual shift in the Indian freedom struggle. The narrative of early Indian nationalism, which emerged through the INC, provides insight into the gradual transformation of political consciousness among the Indian populace.

Background: Pre-Congress Political Scenario

Before the formation of the Indian National Congress, there were scattered political and social movements across India. British colonial policies had caused widespread dissatisfaction due to economic exploitation, discriminatory practices, and lack of political representation. This discontent was expressed by various regional associations such as the Bengal British Indian Association, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, and Madras Native Association, among others. These organizations, however, remained localized and were unable to form a united national front.

Additionally, early efforts by leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who sought social and political reforms, laid the foundation for organized political activity. The impact of Western education, the rise of the English-speaking middle class, and exposure to liberal and democratic ideas from Europe ignited a spirit of political consciousness. These factors combined to create an environment ripe for the emergence of a national political platform.

The Role of A.O. Hume and the Formation of the Congress

Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, is credited with playing a key role in the formation of the Indian National Congress. Concerned by the growing unrest among the Indian populace and possible violent uprisings, Hume believed that a platform for dialogue between Indians and the British government could channel this discontent in a peaceful manner.

In December 1885, the Indian National Congress was formed, with Hume acting as its guiding force. The first session of the Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) and was attended by 72 delegates. The leadership of the Congress in its early years was dominated by Western-educated, upper-middle-class Indians, primarily lawyers, journalists, and intellectuals.

The inaugural session was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, and its primary objective was to create a space where Indian grievances could be expressed and presented to the British authorities through petitions and diplomatic efforts. The Congress aimed to act as a moderate body that would work within the framework of British rule to seek political reforms, rather than demand complete independence.

Objectives and Initial Demands of the Congress

The early objectives of the Indian National Congress were moderate in nature. The Congress sought to achieve greater Indian representation in legislative councils, reduction of military expenditure, promotion of Indian industry, and reforms in civil services to allow Indians greater access to higher administrative positions. It also advocated for the development of education and health infrastructure.

Some of the key early demands of the Congress included:

1. Expansion of Legislative Councils: The Congress called for increased representation of Indians in both central and provincial legislative councils. It also demanded elected rather than nominated members in these councils.
2. Reduction in Military Expenditure: The Congress criticized the high expenditure on the British Indian Army, which was a burden on India’s economy. This money, they argued, could be better used for the development of education and infrastructure.
3. Indianization of Civil Services: One of the central demands was the Indianization of higher civil services, which were dominated by British officials. The Congress advocated for the appointment of more Indians in administrative roles.
4. Economic Reforms: The Congress leaders raised concerns about the economic policies that drained India’s wealth, including high taxation and export of raw materials without adequate development of local industries.

Factors Contributing to the Rise of Early Nationalism

The emergence of early nationalism in India during the late 19th century was the result of a combination of factors:

1. Western Education and Enlightenment: The spread of Western education, particularly among the middle-class Indians, led to the exposure of liberal and democratic ideas from the West. The English language served as a medium that connected Indians from various regions and linguistic backgrounds. These educated Indians became aware of constitutionalism, civil liberties, and self-governance, which were practiced in Europe but denied in colonial India.
2. Economic Exploitation: The British economic policies in India, particularly the drain of wealth theory popularized by Dadabhai Naoroji, highlighted how India’s wealth was being siphoned off to Britain. The imposition of high taxes on Indian farmers, the decline of traditional industries, and the lack of industrial development contributed to widespread poverty and discontent.
3. Socio-religious Reform Movements: Reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and Aligarh Movement instilled a sense of cultural pride and revivalism among Indians. These movements, although primarily focused on religious and social reform, laid the foundation for political awakening by promoting education and modernization while also critiquing British colonial rule.
4. Press and Publications: The Indian press played a vital role in the spread of nationalist ideas. Newspapers and journals in various languages criticized British policies, spread nationalist sentiments, and mobilized public opinion. Prominent nationalist newspapers like Kesari, The Hindu, and Amrita Bazar Patrika became powerful platforms for nationalist discourse.
5. Role of the Indian Middle Class: The newly emerging Indian middle class, especially those who had benefitted from English education, became politically conscious. This educated elite, consisting of lawyers, teachers, and professionals, were the early leaders of the Indian National Congress and played a key role in the demand for reforms.

Moderates vs. Extremists: The Split within the Congress

In its early phase, the Indian National Congress was dominated by moderate leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Surendranath Banerjee. These leaders believed in gradual reforms through constitutional methods such as petitions, resolutions, and meetings with British officials. They were loyal to the British Crown and hoped that the British government would consider their demands in the spirit of justice and fairness.

However, by the turn of the century, a more radical group within the Congress emerged, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai. Known as the Extremists, they were dissatisfied with the slow progress of the moderates and advocated for direct action, including swadeshi (promotion of indigenous goods), boycott of British products, and passive resistance. The Extremists believed that the British government was not willing to grant concessions unless Indians exerted pressure through mass mobilization.

The Surat Split of 1907 marked a major rift within the Congress, with the Moderates and Extremists parting ways. This division reflected the growing discontent with the limited successes of the early Congress and the rising nationalist fervor among the Indian masses.

Impact of Early Congress and Nationalism

Despite its moderate approach, the Indian National Congress played a crucial role in creating a political platform for Indians to voice their grievances. The Congress helped in the spread of political consciousness among the Indian masses, creating a unified sense of Indian identity across regional and communal lines.

Moreover, the Congress provided a training ground for future leaders of the national movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The early Congress also initiated debates on economic exploitation, civil liberties, and representative governance, which became central themes in later phases of the freedom struggle.

Conclusion

The formation of the Indian National Congress was a watershed moment in the history of Indian nationalism. While the early Congress was marked by its moderate approach and faith in constitutional methods, it laid the foundation for a broader national movement. Through its demands for political representation, economic reforms, and civil rights, the Congress helped create a political consciousness that transcended regional, linguistic, and religious barriers.

As the Congress evolved, it shifted from being a moderate body seeking reforms to leading a mass movement for complete independence. The legacy of the early Congress lies in its role in uniting India’s educated elite, creating a platform for nationalist discourse, and gradually awakening the Indian populace to the idea of self-rule.