Indian National Congress in British India

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 as a political party that played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. The INC was instrumental in mobilizing the Indian masses and shaping the country’s political landscape.

• Dates: The INC was founded on December 28, 1885, by Indian and British individuals.
• Details: The party was initially established as a platform for Indian professionals to discuss and address issues related to British colonial policies. Gradually, the INC’s scope expanded to include the broader goal of attaining self-government for India. Over the years, the INC transformed into a mass political movement, advocating for Indian independence from British rule.
• Trivial Facts: The first meeting of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) and was attended by 72 delegates. A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a pivotal role in forming the party. The INC adopted the tricolor flag (now the Indian national flag) in 1931.
• Effects on Pop Culture: The INC’s struggle for Indian independence inspired various art, literature, and cinema forms in India. The party’s leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, became iconic figures, and their ideas and actions continued to influence Indian society and popular culture. Bollywood films like “Gandhi” (1982) and “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” (2002) depict the lives of prominent INC leaders and their contributions to the independence movement.
• Prominent People: Some of the most notable leaders of the INC include Mahatma Gandhi, who led the party in the nonviolent resistance against British rule; Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the first Prime Minister of independent India; and Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. Significant figures include Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sarojini Naidu.
• Countries Involved: The INC was primarily active in British India, which included present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The party’s efforts to gain independence from British rule had repercussions for the United Kingdom, ultimately leading to the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent.

In summary, the Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 and played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The party’s leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, have become iconic figures in Indian history, and the INC’s activities have left a lasting impact on Indian society, politics, and popular culture.