The Indian National Congress is a political party in India that was founded in 1885. It is the oldest and largest political party in the country and has played a central role in the country's independence movement as well as its post-independence politics.
The origins of the Indian National Congress can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the British Empire was at the height of its power in India. At the time, India was a colony of Britain and was ruled by British officials and laws. However, a growing number of Indians began to demand more representation and a greater say in the governance of their country.
One of the key figures in the early history of the Indian National Congress was Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant who had served in India for many years. Hume believed that the best way for Indians to achieve greater representation and influence in their own country was through the establishment of a political organization that would bring together educated Indians from all parts of the country.
To this end, Hume and other like-minded individuals worked to establish the Indian National Congress in 1885. The first meeting of the Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) and was attended by 72 delegates from all over India. Hume was elected as the first President of the Congress, and the organization was established with the goal of representing the interests of the Indian people and working towards greater autonomy and self-governance for India.
Over the next few decades, the Indian National Congress became an important platform for political debate and discussion in India. It also played a key role in the country's independence movement, with many of its leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming key figures in the struggle for independence from Britain.
After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress became the dominant political party in the country and has held power for much of the time since then. While the party has faced challenges and periods of decline, it remains an important force in Indian politics and has played a significant role in shaping the country's history and future.
