Dadabhai Naoroji and the Declaration of Swaraj Goal

The question asks about a very important moment in the history of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Indian freedom struggle: the formal declaration of Self-Government or 'Swaraj' as the ultimate goal. This significant declaration was made by a towering figure of the Indian nationalist movement, Dadabhai Naoroji. We need to identify the specific session of the INC where this historic announcement took place.

Swaraj, meaning self-rule or self-government, became a central tenet of the Indian nationalist demand over time. Initially, the INC focused on reforms and greater representation, but the demand for self-government grew stronger, especially after events like the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

Identifying the Historic INC Session

Dadabhai Naoroji, often called the 'Grand Old Man of India', was a respected leader who served as President of the INC multiple times. It was during one of these presidencies that the landmark declaration regarding Swaraj was made. Let's look at the options provided:

• Bombay
• Calcutta
• Madras
• Bankipur

Historical records indicate that the demand for Swaraj was clearly articulated and adopted as the goal of the Congress in a specific session presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji.

The 1906 Calcutta Session and Swaraj

The Indian National Congress session held in Calcutta in 1906 was particularly significant. Dadabhai Naoroji presided over this session. In his presidential address, in the context of the growing nationalist aspirations and political climate, he explicitly declared that the goal of the Indian National Congress was "Self-Government or Swaraj like that of the United Kingdom or the Colonies".

This declaration marked a shift in the Congress's objectives, moving from merely seeking reforms to demanding a form of self-rule. The call for Swaraj galvanized the nationalist movement and provided a clear political objective for the future.

Why the Calcutta Session?

The choice of Calcutta for this declaration in 1906 was also significant. The nationalist movement was strong in Bengal following the partition. Presiding over the session, Dadabhai Naoroji's stature lent immense weight to the Swaraj declaration, helping to unite different factions within the Congress around this common goal.

Therefore, the historic declaration of Self-Government or 'Swaraj' as the ultimate goal of the Indian National Congress by Dadabhai Naoroji occurred in the Calcutta session of 1906.

Based on this historical fact, the correct answer is Calcutta.

Revision Table: Important INC Sessions & Goals

Additional Information: Dadabhai Naoroji's Contributions

Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent figure who contributed significantly to the Indian nationalist cause. Apart from presiding over the 1906 Calcutta session and declaring Swaraj as the goal, his notable contributions include:

• Developing the 'Drain Theory', which explained how India's wealth was being drained away by the British rule, leading to poverty in India.
• He was the first Indian to be elected as a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons (representing Finsbury Central from 1892 to 1895).
• He founded the London Indian Society and the East India Association.
• He served as INC President multiple times (1886, 1893, 1906).

His declaration of Swaraj in the 1906 Calcutta session was a pivotal moment, setting a clear direction for the Indian freedom struggle towards self-rule.