Indian National Congress

Definition

The Indian National Congress (INC) is a major political party in India, founded in 1885, that played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British rule. It initially aimed to provide a platform for civil and political rights for Indians but evolved to lead the struggle for complete independence from colonial control, becoming a significant force in shaping modern Indian politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The INC was founded with the goal of obtaining a greater share in government for educated Indians and initially sought reforms rather than outright independence.
2. Prominent leaders of the INC included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who all became key figures in the struggle for independence.
3. The INC transformed into a mass movement in the 1920s and 1930s, mobilizing millions of Indians across different regions and social classes against British colonialism.
4. The party played a significant role in negotiating India's independence through various movements, including the Quit India Movement launched in 1942.
5. Following independence, the INC became the dominant political party in India, influencing its political landscape and policies for decades.

Review Questions

• How did the goals of the Indian National Congress evolve from its inception to the time of India's independence?
  • Initially, the Indian National Congress focused on securing more rights and representation for educated Indians within the British colonial framework. Over time, especially under the influence of leaders like Gandhi, the INC shifted towards demanding full independence from British rule. This transformation was marked by significant events such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement, which mobilized masses against colonial policies.
• Evaluate the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's leadership on the strategies adopted by the Indian National Congress during the freedom struggle.
  • Mahatma Gandhi's leadership profoundly influenced the strategies of the Indian National Congress, emphasizing nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. His methods inspired widespread participation among diverse groups within Indian society. By advocating for self-reliance through movements like the Salt March, Gandhi transformed INC into a mass movement that significantly challenged British authority and unified various segments of the population in the fight for independence.
• Analyze how the Indian National Congress's approach to independence shaped post-colonial governance and identity in India.
  • The approach taken by the Indian National Congress significantly shaped post-colonial governance and national identity in India. The INC's emphasis on unity among diverse ethnic and religious groups set a precedent for inclusive governance. However, their methods also led to contentious issues, such as communal tensions that arose during the Partition. This legacy continues to influence India's political landscape and societal dynamics as it navigates its identity as a multi-ethnic democracy.

Related terms

Partition of India:

The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, in 1947, which resulted in massive communal violence and migration.

Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement: A campaign of civil disobedience initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, urging Indians to withdraw from British institutions and promote self-reliance.

Civil Disobedience: A form of nonviolent protest against unjust laws or policies, prominently used by the Indian National Congress during the struggle for independence.