1. Formation of the Indian National Congress
Gandhiji did play a significant role in the Indian National Congress (INC), but he was not the founder of the party. The Indian National Congress was actually formed by a group of Indian leaders and intellectuals in 1885.
2. Historical context of the formation
The INC was established during a time when India was under British colonial rule. The purpose of forming the Congress was to bring together Indians from different regions and communities to work towards the common goal of achieving self-governance and independence from British rule.
3. Founding members of the INC
The founding members of the Indian National Congress included A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Surendranath Banerjee, among others. These leaders came from diverse backgrounds and regions of India.
4. Early objectives of the INC
The initial objectives of the Indian National Congress were focused on political reforms, representation for Indians in the government, and the promotion of social and economic progress for the Indian population.
5. Role of Gandhiji in the Indian National Congress
Gandhiji became associated with the Indian National Congress in the early 20th century and played a crucial role in shaping its ideology and methods of nonviolent resistance. He advocated for the use of nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to achieve India's independence.
6. Gandhi's influence on the INC
Gandhiji's leadership and his philosophy of nonviolence had a profound impact on the Indian National Congress and the Indian independence movement as a whole. His methods of peaceful protest, such as the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, mobilized millions of Indians and strengthened the Congress's position as a mass movement.
7. Conclusion
While Gandhiji played a pivotal role in the Indian National Congress and the struggle for independence, he was not the founder of the party. The INC was formed in 1885 by a group of Indian leaders with the aim of achieving self-governance and independence from British rule.