The Indian National Congress (INC) holds an esteemed place in the history of India’s fight for independence. Founded in 1885, the INC became the main political party spearheading the struggle against British colonial rule. It transformed from a moderate body, advocating for reforms, into the principal force pushing for the complete liberation of India. Its leadership, particularly under figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose, inspired millions of Indians to join the freedom movement, making it a mass struggle for independence.
Birth of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai) by Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant, along with a few prominent Indian leaders. Initially, the INC was not created to demand full independence from the British but to represent the educated Indian elite and discuss issues related to their interests. The founding members believed that by engaging with the British government, they could push for gradual reforms and greater Indian participation in the administration.
At first, the INC was moderate in its approach, focusing on demands like the expansion of Indian representation in government and civil services. It sought to engage with the British government through petitions and resolutions, without challenging British rule directly. This period saw the INC as a platform for political dialogue rather than outright resistance.
Shift Towards Radicalism and Nationalism
By the late 19th century, the political climate in India began to change. A growing sense of nationalism was sweeping the country, fueled by economic hardships, racial discrimination, and the oppressive policies of the British. The Indian National Congress began to evolve, with its leaders realizing that the British government was unlikely to grant meaningful reforms unless pushed harder.
One of the most significant turning points came with the rise of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent leader from Maharashtra, in the early 20th century. Tilak’s slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”, became a rallying cry for the Indian masses. Tilak’s radical approach was in stark contrast to the moderate policies of earlier leaders. He believed in the power of mass movements and emphasized the importance of self-rule (Swaraj) for India.
At the same time, other leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai also began to advocate for stronger measures to secure Indian independence. The INC, under their influence, started demanding more significant changes, including full self-government. By the time of the First World War (1914–1918), the INC had evolved into a formidable force pushing for India’s independence.
Role of Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Violent Resistance
The most crucial phase of the Indian National Congress’s involvement in the freedom struggle came with the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi on the political scene in 1915. Gandhi brought with him a new strategy of non-violent resistance, or Satyagraha, which would define the movement for the next three decades.
Gandhi’s leadership in the INC transformed it from a moderate body into a mass-based organization. He believed that independence could only be achieved through peaceful resistance, which would appeal to people of all classes, religions, and regions. Gandhi’s method of non-violent protest was rooted in his philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force), which called for peaceful civil disobedience against unjust laws.
One of the most significant early successes under Gandhi’s leadership was the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), where Gandhi led peasants in Bihar against the exploitation of British planters. This marked the beginning of the broader Satyagraha movement, which would soon spread across the country.
In 1919, the British passed the Rowlatt Act, which gave the colonial government sweeping powers to arrest Indians without trial. This oppressive law triggered widespread protests, and Gandhi called for a non-cooperation movement. The protests led to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops under General Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing hundreds. The incident fueled outrage and intensified the demand for independence.
Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with the British government led to the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920–1922, which saw millions of Indians boycott British goods, schools, and institutions. This movement brought people from all walks of life into the fold of the independence struggle, from urban professionals to rural peasants. Though the movement was called off in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a mob killed police officers, it had already created a significant shift in the mindset of the Indian people.
Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement
In 1930, Gandhi launched the Salt March (also known as the Dandi March), a direct act of defiance against the British monopoly on salt production. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi to make salt from seawater, breaking the British-imposed salt laws. The Salt March became a symbol of peaceful resistance and inspired similar acts of defiance across the country.
The Salt March and the subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement saw widespread participation. People were encouraged to break various colonial laws non-violently, and it became a massive movement with millions of Indians defying British authority. The British responded with arrests, including the detention of Gandhi and other INC leaders, but the movement gained international attention and sympathy.
During this period, the Indian National Congress emerged as the undisputed leader of the freedom struggle. Its leadership provided direction and unity to the movement, despite the British efforts to crush it. The INC became more than just a political party; it became the voice of the Indian people, uniting them in the fight for their rightful independence.
The Quit India Movement
The most significant and final phase of the Indian National Congress’s struggle for independence came in 1942 with the Quit India Movement. This movement was launched by Gandhi and the INC at the height of World War II, when it became clear that the British were not willing to grant India independence. Gandhi’s call to the British was clear: “Quit India” and leave the country immediately.
The movement was a direct challenge to British rule. It called for mass protests, strikes, and acts of defiance against the British government. Though the movement was met with brutal repression, including the arrest of most of the INC leadership, it marked the last phase of British control over India.
Despite the severe crackdown, the Quit India Movement proved that the British could no longer hold on to India. The movement galvanized the Indian population and made it clear that India would no longer accept British colonial rule. By 1947, Britain was forced to leave India, granting it independence on August 15, 1947.
Legacy of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress played a central role in India’s freedom struggle. It provided the leadership, strategy, and organization necessary to mobilize the Indian masses against British rule. Through non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and mass movements, the INC helped India assert its right to self-determination.
The INC’s influence wasn’t just limited to the political sphere; it also played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of India. The party emphasized unity among India’s diverse population, seeking to transcend caste, religion, and regional differences in the pursuit of independence.
Though the INC has evolved over the decades into a major political party in India, its role in the freedom struggle remains its most significant legacy. The leadership of the Indian National Congress, particularly under Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and other stalwarts, ensured that India’s path to independence was characterized by peaceful struggle, national unity, and a collective vision for a free, democratic India.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Indian National Congress was not just a political party but the backbone of India’s fight for freedom. Through its leadership, vision, and unyielding determination, the INC helped India emerge from centuries of colonial rule into a sovereign nation. The story of the INC is, in many ways, the story of India’s struggle for independence—a story of hope, resilience, and the unrelenting desire for freedom.
