Page 12 – Rise of Indian Nationalism and the Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
Introduction
The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed the growth of Indian nationalism. The spread of modern education, development of newspapers, improved transport and communication, socio-religious reform movements and economic exploitation under British rule created a sense of national unity among Indians. These developments eventually led to the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, which became the leading organisation of India's freedom struggle.
Initially, the Congress adopted constitutional and peaceful methods to demand political reforms and greater participation of Indians in administration. Over time, it evolved into the principal organisation leading the movement for India's independence.
Objectives
- Understand the factors responsible for the rise of Indian nationalism.
- Study the circumstances leading to the formation of the Indian National Congress.
- Learn about the role of A.O. Hume and the early Congress leaders.
- Examine the objectives of the Indian National Congress.
- Prepare important concepts for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Topics Covered in this Chapter
- Meaning of Indian Nationalism.
- Factors Responsible for the Rise of Nationalism.
- Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885).
- Role of A.O. Hume.
- First Session of the Indian National Congress.
- Objectives of the Early Congress.
- Moderate Phase of the National Movement.
- Major Leaders and Their Contributions.
- UPSC Mains Questions and Model Answers.
- UPSC Prelims MCQs and Quick Revision.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this chapter, learners will be able to explain the rise of Indian nationalism, identify the causes behind the formation of the Indian National Congress, analyse the role of its early leaders and evaluate the significance of the Congress in the development of India's national movement.
UPSC Focus
UPSC frequently asks questions on the causes of Indian nationalism, the formation of the Indian National Congress, A.O. Hume, the first Congress session, early objectives of the Congress and the contribution of the Moderate leaders to the Indian freedom struggle.
Part 2 – Factors Responsible for the Rise of Indian Nationalism & Formation of the Indian National Congress
Meaning of Indian Nationalism
Indian nationalism refers to the feeling of unity, common identity and patriotism among the people of India. It inspired Indians from different regions, religions and cultures to unite against British colonial rule and work towards self-government and independence.
Factors Responsible for the Rise of Indian Nationalism
1. Spread of Modern Education
Western education introduced ideas of liberty, equality, democracy and nationalism. Educated Indians became aware of their political rights and began demanding reforms.
2. Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda promoted social reform, education and national pride, creating awareness among the people.
3. Growth of Newspapers and Literature
Indian newspapers spread political awareness and exposed the exploitative policies of the British Government. They helped unite people across different regions.
4. Development of Transport and Communication
The expansion of railways, roads, telegraphs and postal services connected different parts of India, making the exchange of ideas and organisation of political movements easier.
5. Economic Exploitation
Heavy taxation, the Drain of Wealth, destruction of traditional industries and frequent famines created widespread dissatisfaction against British rule.
6. Racial Discrimination
Indians were treated unequally in government services, education and public life. This discrimination strengthened the demand for equal rights and self-government.
Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay. It was established with the efforts of Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant, along with several prominent Indian leaders.
- The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
- Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) was elected as the first President of the Indian National Congress.
- Seventy-two delegates attended the first session.
- The Congress provided a common political platform for educated Indians to express their grievances and demand constitutional reforms.
UPSC Value Addition
- 1885 – Indian National Congress was founded.
- A.O. Hume is known as the founder of the Indian National Congress.
- W.C. Bonnerjee was the first President of the INC.
- The first session was held in Bombay on 28 December 1885.
- The rise of Indian nationalism was influenced by education, reform movements, economic exploitation, newspapers and improved communication.
Exam Focus
For UPSC examinations, remember the major causes of Indian nationalism, the date and place of the first Congress session, the role of A.O. Hume, the first President W.C. Bonnerjee and the importance of the Indian National Congress in uniting Indians against colonial rule.
Part 2 – Factors Responsible for the Rise of Indian Nationalism & Formation of the Indian National Congress
Meaning of Indian Nationalism
Indian nationalism refers to the feeling of unity, common identity and patriotism among the people of India. It inspired Indians from different regions, religions and cultures to unite against British colonial rule and work towards self-government and independence.
Factors Responsible for the Rise of Indian Nationalism
1. Spread of Modern Education
Western education introduced ideas of liberty, equality, democracy and nationalism. Educated Indians became aware of their political rights and began demanding reforms.
2. Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda promoted social reform, education and national pride, creating awareness among the people.
3. Growth of Newspapers and Literature
Indian newspapers spread political awareness and exposed the exploitative policies of the British Government. They helped unite people across different regions.
4. Development of Transport and Communication
The expansion of railways, roads, telegraphs and postal services connected different parts of India, making the exchange of ideas and organisation of political movements easier.
5. Economic Exploitation
Heavy taxation, the Drain of Wealth, destruction of traditional industries and frequent famines created widespread dissatisfaction against British rule.
6. Racial Discrimination
Indians were treated unequally in government services, education and public life. This discrimination strengthened the demand for equal rights and self-government.
Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay. It was established with the efforts of Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume), a retired British civil servant, along with several prominent Indian leaders.
- The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
- Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) was elected as the first President of the Indian National Congress.
- Seventy-two delegates attended the first session.
- The Congress provided a common political platform for educated Indians to express their grievances and demand constitutional reforms.
UPSC Value Addition
- 1885 – Indian National Congress was founded.
- A.O. Hume is known as the founder of the Indian National Congress.
- W.C. Bonnerjee was the first President of the INC.
- The first session was held in Bombay on 28 December 1885.
- The rise of Indian nationalism was influenced by education, reform movements, economic exploitation, newspapers and improved communication.
Exam Focus
For UPSC examinations, remember the major causes of Indian nationalism, the date and place of the first Congress session, the role of A.O. Hume, the first President W.C. Bonnerjee and the importance of the Indian National Congress in uniting Indians against colonial rule.
Part 4 – UPSC Mains Questions & Model Answers
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Discuss the major factors responsible for the rise of Indian nationalism in the nineteenth century.
Model Answer:
The rise of Indian nationalism was influenced by several factors, including the spread of modern education, socio-religious reform movements, the growth of newspapers, improved transport and communication, and economic exploitation under British rule. Racial discrimination and the emergence of an educated middle class further strengthened political consciousness. Together, these factors created a sense of national unity and inspired Indians to demand political rights and self-government.
Question 2 (15 Marks)
Explain the circumstances that led to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
Model Answer:
The Indian National Congress was founded on 28 December 1885 under the initiative of A.O. Hume, with the support of educated Indian leaders. Growing political awareness, dissatisfaction with British policies and the need for a common national platform encouraged its formation. The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay under the presidency of W.C. Bonnerjee. The Congress initially aimed to secure constitutional reforms and greater participation of Indians in governance.
Question 3 (15 Marks)
Evaluate the objectives, methods and achievements of the Moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress.
Model Answer:
The Moderates believed in constitutional and peaceful methods such as petitions, resolutions, public meetings and dialogue with the British Government. Their objectives included expanding legislative councils, protecting civil rights, increasing Indian participation in administration and promoting economic reforms. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Pherozeshah Mehta created political awareness, exposed British economic exploitation and laid the foundation for the future national movement.
Question 4 (15 Marks)
Assess the contribution of Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale to the Indian National Movement.
Model Answer:
Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the "Grand Old Man of India," formulated the Drain Theory, demonstrating how British policies transferred India's wealth abroad. Gopal Krishna Gokhale advocated constitutional reforms, promoted education and founded the Servants of India Society in 1905. Both leaders strengthened political awareness, encouraged democratic values and played a crucial role in shaping the early phase of the Indian National Congress.
UPSC Answer Writing Tips
- Begin with a brief introduction explaining Indian nationalism.
- Present causes, objectives and contributions under clear headings.
- Mention important facts such as 1885, A.O. Hume, W.C. Bonnerjee and the Moderate Phase (1885–1905).
- Use examples such as the Drain Theory and the Servants of India Society to enrich answers.
- Conclude by highlighting how the early Congress laid the foundation for India's freedom struggle.
Part 5 – UPSC Prelims MCQs, Quick Revision & Chapter Summary
UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs
1. The Indian National Congress was founded in:
- A. 1857
- B. 1875
- C. 1885
- D. 1905
Answer: C. 1885
2. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
- A. Dadabhai Naoroji
- B. A.O. Hume
- C. W.C. Bonnerjee
- D. Surendranath Banerjea
Answer: C. W.C. Bonnerjee
3. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held at:
- A. Calcutta
- B. Madras
- C. Bombay
- D. Allahabad
Answer: C. Bombay
4. Who is known as the "Grand Old Man of India"?
- A. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- B. Dadabhai Naoroji
- C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- D. Bipin Chandra Pal
Answer: B. Dadabhai Naoroji
5. The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Congress is generally associated with:
- A. 1857–1875
- B. 1875–1885
- C. 1885–1905
- D. 1905–1920
Answer: C. 1885–1905
Quick Revision
- 1885 – Indian National Congress was founded.
- A.O. Hume played a key role in the formation of the INC.
- W.C. Bonnerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress.
- The first session was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
- Dadabhai Naoroji proposed the Drain Theory.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905.
- The Moderates believed in constitutional, peaceful and democratic methods.
Chapter Summary
The rise of Indian nationalism was the result of modern education, socio-religious reforms, economic exploitation, racial discrimination and the spread of newspapers and communication networks. The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 provided a united political platform for Indians to demand constitutional reforms and greater participation in governance. During the Moderate Phase (1885–1905), leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, W.C. Bonnerjee and Surendranath Banerjea laid the intellectual and political foundation of India's freedom struggle through peaceful and constitutional methods.
Next Chapter
Page 13 – Extremist Phase of the Indian National Movement (1905–1919): Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement and Surat Split.
The next chapter explains the rise of the Extremists, the Partition of Bengal (1905), the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements, the role of Lal-Bal-Pal, the Surat Split (1907) and their contribution to India's freedom struggle.
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