The Indian National Congress was a political party in India that played a central role in the Indian independence movement and the development of modern India. It was founded in 1885 by a group of educated Indians who were concerned about the state of their country and the lack of representation for Indians in the British government.
The early members of the Congress were primarily middle-class professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, and teachers, who were inspired by the ideals of democracy and self-rule. They believed that the British government was not doing enough to address the needs and concerns of the Indian people, and that it was time for Indians to take matters into their own hands.
The Congress was initially a platform for discussion and debate, and its members were committed to working within the existing political system to bring about change. However, as the party grew in size and influence, it began to adopt a more militant stance, calling for outright independence from British rule.
One of the key leaders of the Congress was Mahatma Gandhi, who became the party's leader in the 1920s. Gandhi was a master of non-violent civil disobedience, and he inspired millions of Indians to take part in the independence struggle. He led several campaigns of non-violent resistance, such as the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement, which helped to build momentum for the independence movement.
The Congress also played a crucial role in the negotiations for India's independence. In 1947, after decades of struggle and sacrifice, India finally gained its independence from British rule. The Congress, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, became the dominant political party in independent India, and it governed the country for much of the post-independence period.
Today, the Congress remains a major political force in India, although it has faced significant challenges in recent years. However, its legacy as the party that helped to lead India to independence and shape the country's modern democracy remains undisputed.