Indian National Congress -

1. Introduction to the Indian National Congress (INC)

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 to create a platform for Indians to discuss their grievances and influence British policies.
• Over time, it evolved from a moderate reformist organization to the leader of India’s freedom struggle.

Founding of INC
Year
Founders
First Session

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2. Early Phase (1885–1905): Moderate Leadership

• Goals of Moderates:
  • Advocated for constitutional reforms and greater Indian participation in governance.
  • Adopted a policy of petitions, resolutions, and appeals to the British government.

Key Demands of Moderates
Representation in legislative councils.
Reduction of military expenditure and taxes.
Protection of Indian industries and promotion of education.

• Prominent Moderate Leaders:
  • Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the "Grand Old Man of India"; advocated the Drain of Wealth theory.
  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Stressed gradual reforms and cooperation with the British.
  • Surendranath Banerjee: Worked towards Indianization of civil services.

Achievements of Moderates
Exposed economic exploitation through the Drain of Wealth theory.
Created a sense of political unity among Indians.
Highlighted Indian grievances to the British Parliament.

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3. The Extremist Phase (1905–1919)

• Reasons for the Emergence of Extremists:
  • Dissatisfaction with the slow progress under moderate leadership.
  • Events like the Partition of Bengal (1905) and repressive policies angered Indians.
  • Influence of international events, like the success of Japan in the Russo-Japanese War (1905), inspired self-reliance.

Key Features of Extremism
Advocated self-reliance and boycott of British goods.
Demanded Swaraj (self-rule) as the ultimate goal.
Adopted assertive methods like protests, boycotts, and strikes.

• Prominent Extremist Leaders:
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Advocated Swaraj as a birthright.
  • Bipin Chandra Pal: Promoted Swadeshi and aggressive nationalism.
  • Lala Lajpat Rai: Advocated self-reliance and the use of mass agitation.

Contributions of Extremists
Popularized the demand for Swaraj (self-rule).
Mobilized masses through movements like Swadeshi and Boycott.
Highlighted the need for assertive methods to counter British rule.

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4. Key Movements Led by the INC

1. Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905):

   • Triggered by the Partition of Bengal.
   • Emphasized the boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian-made products.
   • Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh.

2. Lucknow Pact (1916):

   • Agreement between the INC and the All India Muslim League to present a united front against British policies.
   • Key Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

3. Home Rule Movement (1916–1918):

   • Led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
   • Demanded self-governance and promoted political awareness among Indians.

Key Movements of Early INC
Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905)
Lucknow Pact (1916)
Home Rule Movement (1916–1918)

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5. Gandhian Phase (1919–1947)

• With Mahatma Gandhi's arrival in Indian politics, the Indian National Congress underwent a transformation, adopting mass movements and non-violent resistance as its core strategy.
• Gandhi led several major movements, uniting Indians across classes and communities in the struggle for independence.

Features of the Gandhian Phase
Emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha).
Use of mass movements to mobilize people at the grassroots.
Focus on social reforms alongside political objectives.

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6. Key Movements Led by INC During Gandhian Phase

1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922):

   • Trigger: Protest against the Rowlatt Act (1919) and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
   • Objectives:
     • Boycott British goods, institutions, and titles.
     • Promote Swadeshi goods and khadi.
   • Outcome:
     • Gained massive support but was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922) where protesters killed 22 policemen.

2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934):

   • Trigger: Protest against the salt tax and other exploitative policies.
   • Key Event: Dandi March (1930) led by Gandhi to produce salt.
   • Objectives:
     • Violate unjust British laws.
     • Promote non-violent resistance.
   • Outcome:
     • Widespread participation across India; culminated in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).

3. Quit India Movement (1942):

   • Trigger: British failure to grant immediate independence during World War II.
   • Gandhi’s Call: "Do or Die."
   • Objectives:
     • Demand immediate withdrawal of British rule.
   • Outcome:
     • Suppressed brutally, but it demonstrated India’s determination for independence.

Key Movements Under Gandhi
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)
Quit India Movement (1942)

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7. Constitutional Developments and INC’s Role

1. Government of India Act, 1919:

   • Introduced Dyarchy in provinces.
   • INC criticized the act as insufficient.

2. Simon Commission (1927):

   • Sent to review constitutional progress without Indian representation.
   • INC protested with the slogan "Simon, Go Back!".

3. Round Table Conferences (1930–1932):

   • Three conferences held in London to discuss constitutional reforms.
   • Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference (1931) as INC’s representative but left dissatisfied.

4. Government of India Act, 1935:

   • Provided provincial autonomy and introduced federal governance.
   • INC contested elections under this act and formed governments in several provinces.

INC’s Role in Constitutional Developments
Opposed Simon Commission and dyarchy system.
Participated in Round Table Conferences.
Won elections under the Government of India Act (1935).

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8. Role in Partition and Independence

1. Cripps Mission (1942):

   • Proposed granting dominion status to India after World War II.
   • Rejected by the INC for offering limited concessions.

2. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946):

   • Proposed a united India with a federal structure.
   • Accepted by the INC initially but rejected by the Muslim League, leading to increased tensions.

3. Mountbatten Plan (1947):

   • Proposed the partition of India into India and Pakistan.
   • INC reluctantly accepted the plan to avoid further violence.

Role in Partition and Independence
Opposed Cripps Mission for limited offers.
Accepted Mountbatten Plan to secure independence.

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9. Achievements of the INC

Aspect	Achievements
Unity	Created a platform for Indians of diverse backgrounds to unite.
Mass Mobilization	Involved peasants, workers, and women in the freedom struggle.
Nationalist Awakening	Spread awareness of colonial exploitation and inspired pride in Indian identity.
Political Leadership	Played a central role in negotiating India's independence.

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10. Key Leaders of the Indian National Congress

Leader	Contribution
Dadabhai Naoroji	"Drain of Wealth" theory; advocated Indian representation in British Parliament.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak	Asserted that "Swaraj is my birthright"; played a key role in Swadeshi Movement.
Mahatma Gandhi	Led major mass movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
Jawaharlal Nehru	Advocated for socialism and economic planning; became India’s first Prime Minister.
Subhas Chandra Bose	Advocated militant nationalism; formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight British rule.
Sarojini Naidu	A prominent leader in the Civil Disobedience Movement; advocated women’s rights.

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11. Factions within the INC

1. Moderates vs. Extremists (Early 20th Century):

   • Moderates: Advocated gradual reforms through petitions and constitutional methods.
     • Key Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
   • Extremists: Demanded immediate Swaraj through assertive means.
     • Key Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai.

2. Left-Wing vs. Right-Wing (1930s):

   • Left-Wing: Advocated socialism and economic reforms.
     • Key Leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose.
   • Right-Wing: Focused on gradual progress and conservative policies.
     • Key Leaders: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari.

Major Factions and Differences
Moderates vs. Extremists
Left-Wing vs. Right-Wing

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12. Women in the INC and Freedom Struggle

• The INC actively involved women in the freedom movement, empowering them to challenge traditional roles.
• Prominent Women Leaders:
  • Sarojini Naidu: First woman president of the INC (1925), prominent in Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience Movement.
  • Annie Besant: First woman president of the INC (1917); led the Home Rule Movement.
  • Kasturba Gandhi: Played a crucial role in grassroots mobilization during Gandhi’s campaigns.

Contribution of Women in INC
Participated in mass movements like Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.
Provided leadership and inspired mass participation of women.

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13. INC’s Role in Post-Independence India

1. Political Leadership:

   • INC emerged as the dominant political party after independence.
   • Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister, implementing socialist policies and economic planning.
   • Key policies under INC governments:
     • Land reforms and abolition of zamindari system.
     • Industrialization and infrastructure development.

2. Constitution Making:

   • Many INC leaders were pivotal in framing the Constitution of India (1950).
   • Advocated democracy, secularism, and equality.

3. National Integration:

   • Played a crucial role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Post-Independence Role of INC
Led India’s political and economic development.
Advocated democracy, secularism, and national integration.

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14. Achievements and Limitations of INC

Aspect	Achievements	Limitations
Political Unity	United Indians against British rule.	Failed to resolve communal tensions, leading to Partition.
Mass Mobilization	Involved all sections of society in the freedom struggle.	Limited participation from marginalized communities in leadership.
Social Reform	Advocated women’s rights and eradication of social evils.	Failed to address caste inequalities effectively.
Post-Independence Role	Laid the foundation for India’s political and economic development.	Dominance led to allegations of authoritarianism post-independence.

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Indian National Congress

Period	Key Events and Contributions
1885–1905	Formation of INC; Moderate phase; constitutional methods.
1905–1919	Extremist phase; Swadeshi and Home Rule Movements.
1919–1947	Gandhian phase; mass movements like Non-Cooperation, Quit India.
Post-Independence	Nation-building; led government under Nehru and subsequent leaders.

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Key Takeaways

1. Formation and Evolution:

   • INC evolved from a reformist organization to the leader of India’s independence movement.

2. Movements and Achievements:

   • Played a central role in uniting diverse communities, mobilizing masses, and securing independence.

3. Post-Independence Role:

   • INC shaped India’s political landscape and led economic and social reforms.

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