Emergence of Nationalism & Formation of INC (1885)
- Economic critique: Dadabhai Naoroji (Drain Theory), RC Dutt
- Role of press, railways, and English education
- Founding of Indian National Congress: A.O. Hume
- First session in Bombay (1885): W.C. Bonnerjee as President
- Early leadership: Dufferin’s patronage, constitutional loyalty
- Objectives: promote unity, political dialogue with British
Economic Critique
Dadabhai Naoroji (Drain Theory)
- Background: Dadabhai Naoroji, often called the “Grand Old Man of India,” was a prominent Indian political leader and economist.
- Drain Theory:
- Concept: British colonial rule was systematically draining India’s wealth and resources.
- Mechanisms:
- Taxation: High land revenue and other taxes.
- Trade: Exploitative trade policies favoring British industries.
- Salaries: High salaries paid to British officials from Indian revenues.
- Impact: Economic stagnation and widespread poverty in India.
- Publications:
- “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” (1901)
Romesh Chunder Dutt
- Background: Romesh Chunder Dutt was a renowned Indian economist, historian, and politician.
- Economic Analysis:
- Agricultural Decline: Exploitative land revenue policies led to the decline in agriculture.
- Deindustrialization: British industrial goods flooded the Indian market, leading to the decline of traditional Indian industries.
- Overall Exploitation: Economic policies that favored British interests at the expense of Indian development.
- Publications:
- “The Economic History of India” (1901)
- “The Economic Burden of British Rule in India” (1902)
Role of Press, Railways, and English Education
Press
- Importance: The press played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas and critiquing British policies.
- Notable Publications:
- The Indian Mirror: One of the earliest and most influential newspapers.
- The Hindu: Founded in 1878, it became a significant platform for nationalist discourse.
- The Amrita Bazar Patrika: Known for its bold and critical reporting.
- Impact:
- Created a sense of national identity and awareness.
- Mobilized public opinion.
- Fostered a spirit of resistance.
Railways
- Development: The expansion of the railway network in India was a significant infrastructure project initiated by the British.
- Role in Nationalism:
- Facilitated the movement of people and ideas across the vast subcontinent.
- Made it easier for nationalist leaders to travel and organize meetings, rallies, and conferences.
- Helped in the dissemination of nationalist literature and propaganda.
- Statistics:
- By 1885, India had over 14,500 miles of railway tracks.
- Railway expansion connected major cities and regions, enhancing communication and mobility.
English Education
- Introduction: The introduction of English education in India was a result of the Macaulay Minute of 1835.
- Impact:
- Provided a common language and a shared set of ideas among the educated elite.
- Exposed Indian leaders to Western political and economic theories, inspiring them to advocate for reform and self-governance.
- Key figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Romesh Chunder Dutt, and others were products of English education.
- Statistics:
- By 1885, there were over 50,000 students enrolled in English-medium schools and colleges.
- The number of Indian graduates from universities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras was increasing.
Founding of the Indian National Congress
A.O. Hume
- Background: Allan Octavian Hume was a British civil servant and ornithologist.
- Role: He played a pivotal role in the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
- Motivation: Hume’s initial intention was to create a platform for dialogue between the British and Indian leaders, aiming to address the grievances of the Indian people and promote reforms.
- Contribution: He helped in organizing the first session and provided the initial impetus for the formation of the Congress.
First Session in Bombay (1885)
- Date and Location: December 28 to 31, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- President: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
- Delegates: 72 delegates from various parts of India, representing different social and political backgrounds.
- Agenda:
- Addressing the need for political reforms.
- Promoting Indian interests.
- Establishing a more equitable relationship with the British.
- Key Resolutions:
- Demand for Indian representation in the legislative councils.
- Call for the reduction of military expenditure.
- Advocacy for the appointment of Indians to higher positions in the civil service.
Early Leadership and Constitutional Loyalty
W.C. Bonnerjee
- Background: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee was a prominent lawyer and one of the founding members of the INC.
- Role: He served as the first President of the Congress and was known for his moderate approach.
- Contribution: Bonnerjee emphasized the importance of constitutional methods and constructive dialogue with the British to achieve reforms.
Dufferin’s Patronage
- Background: Lord Dufferin was the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888.
- Support: His patronage and support for the INC helped legitimize the organization in the eyes of the British authorities.
- Impact: This support provided a degree of protection for the Congress and its activities, allowing it to gain momentum and influence.
Constitutional Loyalty
- Approach: The early leadership of the INC, including figures like Dadabhai Naoroji and W.C. Bonnerjee, advocated for a constitutional and moderate approach to achieve their goals.
- Objectives:
- Work within the existing legal and political framework to push for reforms.
- Secure better governance and representation for Indians.
- Engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue with the British.
Objectives of the Indian National Congress
| Objective | Explanation | Methods |
| Promote Unity | To bring together people from different regions, religions, and social backgrounds to work towards a common goal of national interest and self-governance. | Organizing meetings, conferences, and public rallies. |
| Political Dialogue with British | To establish a platform for political dialogue with the British authorities. | Addressing grievances through constitutional means, advocating for reforms, and engaging in peaceful dialogue. |
| Promote Political Awareness | To educate the Indian populace about their rights and the need for political reforms. | Publishing pamphlets and newspapers, conducting public campaigns and petitions. |
| Secure Indian Representation | To secure greater representation for Indians in the government and administration. | Lobbying for the appointment of Indians to higher positions in the civil service, advocating for the inclusion of Indians in legislative bodies, and pushing for the implementation of the recommendations of the Indian National Congress. |
Static Portion
Key Figures
| Name | Role | Notable Contributions |
| Dadabhai Naoroji | Economist, Politician | Developed the “Drain Theory,” first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons. |
| Romesh Chunder Dutt | Economist, Historian, Politician | Wrote extensively on the economic impact of British rule, “The Economic History of India.” |
| British Civil Servant, Ornithologist | Founder of the Indian National Congress, organized the first session. | |
| Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee | Lawyer, First President of INC | Emphasized constitutional methods and constructive dialogue with the British. |
Important Dates
| Year | Event |
| 1835 | Introduction of English education in India through the Macaulay Minute. |
| 1878 | Founding of “The Hindu” newspaper. |
| 1885 | First session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay. |
| 1901 | Publication of Dadabhai Naoroji’s “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.” |
| 1902 | Publication of Romesh Chunder Dutt’s “The Economic Burden of British Rule in India.” |
Key Publications
| Publication | Founder/Editor | Year | Significance |
| The Indian Mirror | Sisir Kumar Ghose | 1868 | One of the earliest and most influential newspapers. |
| The Hindu | G. Subramania Iyer | 1878 | Significant platform for nationalist discourse. |
| The Amrita Bazar Patrika | Sisir Kumar Ghose | 1868 | Known for its bold and critical reporting. |
| Poverty and Un-British Rule in India | Dadabhai Naoroji | 1901 | Critiqued British economic policies and highlighted the “Drain Theory.” |
| The Economic History of India | Romesh Chunder Dutt | 1901 | Detailed analysis of the economic impact of British rule. |
| The Economic Burden of British Rule in India | Romesh Chunder Dutt | 1902 | Further elaboration on the economic exploitation of India. |
Conclusion
The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was a significant milestone in the Indian nationalist movement. It emerged from a combination of economic critiques, the role of the press, railways, and English education, and the vision of leaders like A.O. Hume and W.C. Bonnerjee. The early objectives of the Congress, including promoting unity and engaging in political dialogue with the British, laid the foundation for India’s future struggle for independence. Understanding these aspects is crucial for UPSC aspirants to grasp the historical context and the evolution of the nationalist movement in India.
Additional Static Content
Key Terms
- Drain Theory: Economic theory by Dadabhai Naoroji that British rule was draining India’s wealth.
- Moderate Approach: Early leadership of the INC advocated for constitutional methods and peaceful dialogue.
- National Unity: The Congress aimed to unite diverse communities for a common cause.
- Macaulay Minute: Document that introduced English education in India in 1835.
- Viceroy: The highest-ranking representative of the British monarch in India.
Important Statistics
- Railway Network: By 1885, India had over 14,500 miles of railway tracks.
- English Education: By 1885, there were over 50,000 students enrolled in English-medium schools and colleges.
- Delegates at First INC Session: 72 delegates from various parts of India.
MCQs
1.How many delegates attended the first session of the Indian National Congress?
A) 62
B) 68
C) 72
D) 78
Answer: C) 72
Explanation: The first session was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India
2.Which theory suggests that the British supported the formation of the INC to provide a ‘safety valve’ for Indian discontent?
A) Lightning Conductor Theory
B) Safety Valve Theory
C) Drain Theory
D) Economic Exploitation Theory
Answer: B) Safety Valve Theory
Explanation: The Safety Valve Theory posits that the British facilitated the INC’s formation to channel Indian grievances into a moderate political outlet.
3.Which of the following was NOT a factor in the rise of Indian nationalism in the 19th century?
A) Western education
B) Economic exploitation
C) Socio-religious reform movements
D) Introduction of the Rowlatt Act
Answer: D) Introduction of the Rowlatt Act
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act was introduced in 1919, whereas the rise of nationalism began in the 19th century due to factors like Western education, economic exploitation, and reform movements.
4.Which of the following statements is correct about the early leadership of the INC?
A) Leaders were primarily from rural backgrounds.
B) Leaders were mainly uneducated masses.
C) Leaders were Western-educated urban elites.
D) Leaders were predominantly British officials.
Answer: C) Leaders were Western-educated urban elites.
Explanation: The early INC leadership comprised Western-educated Indians from urban areas who advocated for political reforms
