The Indian National Congress Was Founded In 1885 To draft Soldiers Into The Military. write And Pass New Legislation. lobby For Equal Status For Indians. provide Support For The British Raj.

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The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most influential political parties in India. Founded in 1885, the INC has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the struggle for independence to the present day. In this article, we will delve into the history of the INC and explore its founding principles.

The Founding of the Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai) by a group of Indian intellectuals and activists. The primary objective of the INC was to lobby for equal status for Indians in the British Raj. At that time, Indians were treated as second-class citizens, and the INC aimed to bring about a change in this status.

The INC's founding members were influenced by the ideas of the British Liberal Party and the Indian nationalist movement. They were inspired by the writings of thinkers such as Rammohan Roy, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for Indian self-rule and social reform.

Early Years of the INC

In its early years, the INC focused on writing and passing new legislation that would benefit Indians. The party's first president, Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, was a key figure in this effort. He played a crucial role in drafting the INC's constitution and establishing the party's organizational structure.

The INC's early years were marked by a series of protests and demonstrations against British rule. The party's members were arrested and imprisoned for their activism, but this only served to galvanize the movement.

The INC and the Indian Independence Movement

The INC played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement. The party's leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, were instrumental in organizing protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience movements against British rule.

The INC's most famous campaign was the Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920. This movement aimed to encourage Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws. The movement was a huge success, and it marked a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement.

The INC and Indian Politics

After India gained independence in 1947, the INC became the dominant party in Indian politics. The party's leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, played a crucial role in shaping the country's post-independence policies.

The INC has been in power for most of India's post-independence history. The party has been known for its socialist and secular policies, and it has been a strong advocate for social justice and equality.

Challenges Facing the INC

Despite its rich history and influence, the INC has faced several challenges in recent years. The party has been plagued by internal conflicts, corruption, and factionalism. The rise of regional parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also posed a significant challenge to the INC's dominance.

Conclusion

The Indian National Congress has played a pivotal role in shaping India's history. From its founding in 1885 to the present day, the INC has been a driving force behind the country's struggle for independence and its post-independence development. As India continues to evolve and grow, the INC remains an important player in Indian politics.

Timeline of the Indian National Congress

  • 1885: The Indian National Congress is founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) by a group of Indian intellectuals and activists.
  • 1905: The INC launches the Swadeshi Movement, a campaign to promote Indian goods and boycott British products.
  • 1915: The INC launches the Non-Cooperation Movement, a campaign to encourage Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws.
  • 1920: The INC launches the Non-Cooperation Movement, a campaign to encourage Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws.
  • 1947: India gains independence from British rule, and the INC becomes the dominant party in Indian politics.
  • 1969: The INC splits into two factions, the Congress (R) and the Congress (O).
  • 1977: The INC returns to power after a brief period of opposition.
  • 1980: The INC launches the Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties.
  • 1991: The INC launches the National Front, a coalition of opposition parties.
  • 2004: The INC returns to power after a brief period of opposition.
  • 2014: The INC loses power to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Key Figures in the Indian National Congress

  • Mahatma Gandhi: A key leader of the Indian independence movement and a prominent figure in the INC.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Indira Gandhi: The third Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Rajiv Gandhi: The sixth Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Sonia Gandhi: The President of the INC and a key leader of the party.
  • Rahul Gandhi: The Vice President of the INC and a key leader of the party.

References

  • The Indian National Congress: A Brief History by S. R. Goel
  • The Indian National Congress: A Study of its History and Organization by K. C. Yadav
  • The Indian National Congress: A Critical Analysis by A. K. Singh
  • The Indian National Congress: A Historical Overview by B. R. Nanda
    The Indian National Congress: A Q&A Article =====================================================

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most influential political parties in India. Founded in 1885, the INC has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the struggle for independence to the present day. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the INC.

Q: What is the Indian National Congress?

A: The Indian National Congress is a political party in India that was founded in 1885. The party's primary objective is to promote Indian nationalism and to work towards the welfare of the Indian people.

Q: What are the founding principles of the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC was founded on the principles of Indian nationalism, democracy, and social justice. The party's founding members were influenced by the ideas of the British Liberal Party and the Indian nationalist movement.

Q: Who were the founding members of the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC was founded by a group of Indian intellectuals and activists, including Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Q: What were the early years of the Indian National Congress like?

A: The INC's early years were marked by a series of protests and demonstrations against British rule. The party's members were arrested and imprisoned for their activism, but this only served to galvanize the movement.

Q: What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian National Congress?

A: Mahatma Gandhi was a key leader of the INC and played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement. He was instrumental in organizing protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience movements against British rule.

Q: What was the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

A: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a campaign launched by the INC in 1920 to encourage Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws. The movement was a huge success and marked a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement.

Q: What was the role of Jawaharlal Nehru in the Indian National Congress?

A: Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC. He played a crucial role in shaping the country's post-independence policies and was a strong advocate for social justice and equality.

Q: What are the current challenges facing the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC has faced several challenges in recent years, including internal conflicts, corruption, and factionalism. The rise of regional parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also posed a significant challenge to the INC's dominance.

Q: What is the future of the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC remains an important player in Indian politics, and its future is uncertain. The party will need to address its internal challenges and adapt to the changing political landscape in order to remain relevant.

Q: What are some of the key figures in the Indian National Congress?

A: Some of the key figures in the INC include:

  • Mahatma Gandhi: A key leader of the Indian independence movement and a prominent figure in the INC.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Indira Gandhi: The third Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Rajiv Gandhi: The sixth Prime Minister of India and a key leader of the INC.
  • Sonia Gandhi: The President of the INC and a key leader of the party.
  • Rahul Gandhi: The Vice President of the INC and a key leader of the party.

Q: What are some of the key policies of the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC has been known for its socialist and secular policies, and it has been a strong advocate for social justice and equality. Some of the key policies of the INC include:

  • Socialism: The INC has been a strong advocate for socialism and has implemented several socialist policies, including the nationalization of key industries.
  • Secularism: The INC has been a strong advocate for secularism and has worked to promote religious tolerance and understanding.
  • Social justice: The INC has been a strong advocate for social justice and has implemented several policies aimed at promoting equality and reducing poverty.

Q: What are some of the key achievements of the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC has achieved several significant milestones in its history, including:

  • Indian independence: The INC played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and was instrumental in securing India's independence from British rule.
  • Social reform: The INC has been a strong advocate for social reform and has implemented several policies aimed at promoting equality and reducing poverty.
  • Economic development: The INC has implemented several policies aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty.

Q: What are some of the key challenges facing the Indian National Congress?

A: The INC has faced several challenges in recent years, including:

  • Internal conflicts: The INC has been plagued by internal conflicts and factionalism.
  • Corruption: The INC has been accused of corruption and has faced several scandals in recent years.
  • Regional parties: The rise of regional parties has posed a significant challenge to the INC's dominance.
  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP has been a major challenge to the INC's dominance and has won several key elections in recent years.