Question
Answer
The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant with the aim of providing a platform for Indian leaders to voice their grievances and demand greater Indian representation in the British Government.
It played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The creation of the Indian National Congress was influenced by several factors. Such as -
- British Colonial Rule - British colonial rule in India lasted for almost 200 years and had a significant impact on Indian society. British policies and actions were often seen as oppressive and exploitative, which led to the widespread discontent among Indians.
- Western Education and Exposure to democratic ideals - British introduced western education in India which exposed Indian intellectuals to the ideals of democracy, liberty and nationalism. Many educated Indians started to question British colonial rule and advocate for self-rule.
- Economic exploitation - British imposed heavy taxes on Indians and exploited their resources which resulted in widespread poverty and unemployment. This led to a growing desire for economic and social justice among Indians. The economic critique of colonial rule by Dadabhai Naoroji in his book 'Poverty and un-British rule in India' also helped in the spread of nationalism among Indians.
- Early Indian political and social organisations - Several Indian political organisations were formed during the 19th century which played a crucial rule in creating a sense of Indian identity and unity. These organisations included the Indian Associations, Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and Indian National Association.
- Emergence of Indian leadership - The emergence of Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendra Nath Banerjee and Gopal Krishna Gokhale provided a political voice to the growing Indian Nationalist movement. These leaders advocated for constitutional reform, greater Indian representation in the British government and eventually for Indian independence.
Overall, the creation of the Indian National Congress (INC) was the result of various factors including British colonial rule, exposure to western education and democratic ideals, economic exploitation, emergence of Indian leadership and the formation of early Indian political and social organisations.
There is a debate among the historians and the scholars about whether the Indian National Congress was merely a 'Safety Valve' or a genuine political organisation that played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence.
The safety valve theory suggests that the congress was created by the British to provide a platform for Indians to vent their grievances and express their dissent thereby preventing the emergence of more radical and violent forms of protest.
While there are some evidences to support the safety valve theory, there are several reasons to believe that the Indian National Congress was more than just a safety valve.
- Demand for Self rule - The Indian National Congress was created in response to the growing demand for Indian representation in the British government and eventually for self-rule. The congress played a crucial role in articulating these demands and advocating for constitutional reforms.
- Mass mobilisation - The congress was able to mobilise millions of Indians through mass campaigns and protests (especially in later period of the INC) including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit Indian Movement. These movements had a significant impact on the British government and played a crucial rule in India's struggle for independence.
- Emergence of Indian leaders - The congress provided a platform for the emergence of many Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and many others who played a crucial rule in India's struggle for independence.
- Formation of National Identity - The congress played a crucial role in creating a sense of Indian identity and unity which was essential for the success of the independence movement.
- International support - The congress was able to gain support from international organisations and leaders including United Nations and United States which helped to increase pressure on the British government to grant Indian independence.
Apart from that the Indian National Congress also worked in social sphere (opposing many social dogmas) and for the welfare of the people of India.
Overall, while there are some evidences to support the safety valve theory, the Indian National Congress played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and cannot be dismissed as merely a safety valve.
Leaders who support 'Safety Valve' theory
- Lala Lajpat Rai
Leaders who support 'Lightning Conductor' theory
- Gopal Krishna Gokhle
Notes on other subjects
Optional Subject
Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own.
Hope! It will help you to achieve your dream of getting selected in Civil Services Examination 👍
0 Comments