The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885. The INC played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence from British rule and emerged as the principal political organization representing the aspirations of the Indian people.

Allan Octavian Hume:
- Allan Octavian Hume was a retired British civil servant who had served in various administrative positions in India. He had a deep understanding of the Indian society and was sympathetic to the cause of Indian self-governance.
- Hume was deeply influenced by the Indian intellectual and political leaders of the time, including Dadabhai Naoroji and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who advocated for the rights and welfare of the Indian people.
- Hume believed that the Indian people needed a platform to voice their grievances and work towards their political emancipation. He conceived the idea of establishing a political organization that would represent the interests of the Indian people and serve as a platform for political discourse and action.

Founding of the Indian National Congress:
- In 1885, Hume organized the first session of the Indian National Congress in Bombay (now Mumbai) with the objective of promoting political education and creating a platform for political discussions.
- The founding members of the INC were a group of educated and politically conscious individuals from various parts of India. They included prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
- The initial years of the INC were characterized by moderate politics, with an emphasis on constitutional methods and dialogue with the British authorities. The organization aimed to bring together Indians from diverse backgrounds and regions to work towards common goals.

Significance of the Indian National Congress:
- The INC became the primary vehicle for political mobilization and agitation against British colonial rule in India. It provided a platform for leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose to articulate the aspirations of the Indian people.
- Over the years, the INC evolved into a mass movement, with millions of Indians actively participating in its campaigns for freedom and social reform.
- The INC played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of independent India. It served as the foundation for the Indian democracy and provided the framework for governance and policymaking.

In conclusion, Allan Octavian Hume founded the Indian National Congress in 1885 with the aim of providing a platform for political discourse and action. The INC played a significant role in India's struggle for independence and emerged as the principal political organization representing the aspirations of the Indian people.

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885. Initially, it aimed to provide a platform for educated Indians to discuss their grievances and demands with the British colonial government.