Indian National Congress (INC)

Definition

The Indian National Congress (INC) is a political party in India that was founded in 1885, primarily to give a voice to Indians in the colonial administration and to advocate for greater rights and self-governance. It played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence from British rule, evolving from a platform for moderate reforms to a leading force for national liberation in the early 20th century, marking a significant chapter in the story of decolonization after 1900.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The INC initially sought to work within the framework of British rule, but over time, it shifted towards demanding full independence for India, especially after World War I.
2. The party's leadership included influential figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi, who shaped its policies and strategies during the independence movement.
3. The INC organized major movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 and the Quit India Movement in 1942, which mobilized millions against British rule.
4. The INC faced internal divisions between moderate leaders who preferred constitutional methods and radicals who called for direct action against colonial authorities.
5. By the late 1940s, the INC emerged as the dominant political force advocating for independence, ultimately leading to India's freedom in 1947.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian National Congress evolve over time in its approach towards British rule?
  • Initially, the Indian National Congress started as a platform seeking gradual reforms within British governance. However, as nationalist sentiments grew and discontent with colonial policies intensified, the INC shifted towards demanding complete independence. This evolution included adopting more assertive strategies such as mass protests and civil disobedience under leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, particularly after World War I when calls for self-rule became more urgent.
• What role did Mohandas Gandhi play in shaping the strategies of the Indian National Congress during the independence movement?
  • Mohandas Gandhi was instrumental in transforming the Indian National Congress into a mass movement for independence. He introduced the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience, significantly influencing INC's strategies. His leadership during key campaigns such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement galvanized public support and brought international attention to India's struggle against British colonialism, thus shaping the trajectory of the movement.
• Evaluate the impact of the Indian National Congress on post-colonial India and its legacy in contemporary Indian politics.
  • The Indian National Congress played a critical role in achieving India's independence and establishing democratic governance post-colonialism. Its emphasis on secularism, pluralism, and social justice has left a lasting impact on India's political landscape. However, challenges such as internal party divisions and shifts in political power have led to debates about its effectiveness today. The INC's legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on nationalism and governance in India.

Related terms

Mohandas Gandhi:

A key leader in the Indian independence movement who advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British colonial 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 the INC's push for independence.

Civil Disobedience Movement: A campaign led by the INC under Gandhi's leadership in the 1930s, urging Indians to nonviolently refuse to obey unjust laws imposed by British authorities.