Question

The establishment of the Indian National Congress was a significant event in the development of the national movement in India. In this context:

1. What was the name of the Indian National Congress before it got this name? Who gave it its present name? Where was it established and who was its founder?
2. Why did Lord Dufferin favour the formation of the Indian National Congress?
3. What was the nature of the political associations formed before the Indian National Congress was established? Name any two associations which acted as the forerunners of the Indian National Congress.

Answer 1

1. Dadabhai Naoroji suggested that the union's name be changed to the Indian National Congress. Hume founded the Indian National Union in 1884, after consulting with Indian leaders. Sir A.O. Hume, a retired civil officer, created the Indian National Congress after contacting notable Indian leaders and organising the inaugural session with their participation in December 1885.
2. Lord Dufferin endorsed the Congress because he desired to have a political organisation through which he could determine the true wishes of the people and therefore protect the administration from any potential political outbreak. Because of this approach, several renowned British officials attended the Congress's first session. The Second Session of 1886 was held in Calcutta, where Lord Dufferin welcomed the Congress delegates.
3. Though many of these organisations were created in distinct regions of the country, they shared common aspirations for the entire Indian population. They did not work for a specific faith, community, or class. The Landholders' Society, founded in Kolkata in 1838, was India's first political association. Many public groups were established in various parts of India, including the Bengal British India Society, the British Indian Association, the East India Association, the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the London Indian Society, and the Indian Association. These groups served as the foundation for the Congress, an all-India political organisation. The most significant of these relationships were the following:
   1. Dada Bhai Naoroji established the East India Association on October 1, 1866.
   2. Justice Ranade presided over the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha in 1870.