Indian National Congress

Definition

The Indian National Congress (INC) is a political party in India that played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Established in 1885, the INC became a platform for expressing the aspirations of Indians, advocating for self-governance, and promoting social reforms. Over time, it transformed from a moderate organization seeking gradual reforms to a more radical entity demanding full independence, reflecting the growing discontent among Indians against colonial policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, who aimed to create a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns to the British government.
2. The INC initially sought reform within the British system but gradually shifted towards demanding complete independence, especially after World War I.
3. Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a prominent leader within the INC in the 1920s, promoting nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization against British rule.
4. The INC played a critical role in mobilizing diverse groups across India, including peasants, workers, and women, in the struggle for independence.
5. The party faced internal divisions and challenges in the lead-up to independence, especially regarding its stance on communal tensions and the demand for partition.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian National Congress evolve from its founding to the time of India's independence?
  • The Indian National Congress began as a moderate organization focused on seeking reform within the British colonial framework. Over time, especially after World War I and under Gandhi's leadership, it transformed into a more radical entity that demanded full independence. This shift was driven by increasing dissatisfaction with British policies and the desire for self-rule among various sections of Indian society.
• Analyze the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's leadership on the strategies employed by the Indian National Congress during the independence movement.
  • Mahatma Gandhi's leadership significantly influenced the strategies of the Indian National Congress by introducing concepts of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. He mobilized mass participation across various social strata, making the independence movement more inclusive. Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance and ethical conduct shifted the INC’s tactics towards peaceful protests, such as boycotts and marches, which garnered widespread support both nationally and internationally.
• Evaluate how the internal divisions within the Indian National Congress affected its approach to communal tensions leading up to independence.
  • The internal divisions within the Indian National Congress significantly complicated its approach to communal tensions in India before independence. The differing views on how to address Hindu-Muslim relations created friction between factions within the party. As communal violence escalated, particularly with the rise of demands for Pakistan from Muslim leaders, this division hindered a unified strategy. Ultimately, these conflicts contributed to the partition of India in 1947, reflecting a failure of the INC to reconcile these tensions amidst its push for independence.

Related terms

Mahatma Gandhi: A key leader in the Indian independence movement, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.

Partition of India: The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, in 1947, which was a result of communal tensions and political struggles involving the INC.

Civil Disobedience Movement: A significant campaign led by the INC in the 1930s that encouraged Indians to refuse to obey British laws as a form of nonviolent protest against colonial rule.