Understanding the Indian National Congress First Session

The Indian National Congress (INC) was a pivotal organization in India's struggle for independence. Its formation marked a significant step in bringing together educated Indians from various parts of the country to discuss political issues and demand reforms from the British government. The question asks about the location where this historic organization held its very first meeting.

Location of the First Indian National Congress Session

The first session of the Indian National Congress was originally planned to be held in Poona (now Pune). However, due to an outbreak of plague in Poona, the venue had to be shifted at the last moment. The chosen alternative location for the inaugural session was Bombay (now Mumbai).

Therefore, the first session of the Indian National Congress was held at Bombay in December 1885.

Key Details of the First INC Session

Let's look at some important facts about the first session held in Bombay:

• Date: The session took place from 28 to 31 December 1885.
• Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
• Founder: Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service officer, played a key role in initiating the formation of the Congress.
• President: The first president of the Indian National Congress was Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee), a prominent barrister from Calcutta.
• Number of Delegates: The session was attended by 72 delegates from different provinces of British India, representing various professions like lawyers, journalists, and teachers.
• Objectives: The main objectives included promoting friendly relations among political workers from different parts of the country, developing and consolidating sentiments of national unity, and formulating popular demands to be presented to the government.

Understanding these details helps us appreciate the significance of the first Indian National Congress session held in Bombay.

Examining the Options

Let's consider the given options in the context of the first Indian National Congress session location:

• Bombay: This was the actual location where the first session was held.
• Madras: Madras (now Chennai) hosted later sessions of the INC, but not the first one.
• Calcutta: Calcutta (now Kolkata) was also a major center for INC activities and hosted many sessions, but not the initial one.
• Surat: Surat is famous for the "Surat Split" of the INC in 1907, a significant event in its history, but it was not the venue for the first session.

Based on historical facts, the first session took place in Bombay.

Revision Table - Indian National Congress

Additional Information - Origin of Indian National Congress

The idea of forming an all-India political organization had been discussed among educated Indians for some time. A.O. Hume took the initiative after consulting with Indian leaders and the then Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. The primary aim initially was to create a platform for civil and political dialogue among Indians and serve as a channel of communication between the Indian people and the British government. Some historians also refer to the "Safety Valve Theory," suggesting that Hume and the British government saw the Congress as a way to provide a safe outlet for growing political discontent and potentially avoid a larger rebellion. However, the INC soon developed into a powerful nationalist movement demanding self-rule.