Understanding the First Session of the Indian National Congress

The question asks about the location where the first session of the Indian National Congress was held in 1885. This is a significant event in the history of India's freedom struggle, marking the beginning of an organized political movement on a national scale. The Indian National Congress (INC) played a pivotal role in India's independence.

Analyzing the Options for the First INC Session

We are given four options, all of which are major cities in India:

1. Bombay (Now Mumbai)
2. Allahabad (Now Prayagraj)
3. Calcutta (Now Kolkata)
4. Madras (Now Chennai)

To determine the correct location for the first Indian National Congress session, we need to recall the historical facts surrounding its formation and initial meetings.

Historical Context of the First Indian National Congress Session

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, in 1885. The primary aim was to create a platform for civil and political dialogue among educated Indians.

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

Key details about the first session of the Indian National Congress:

• Year: 1885
• Location: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay (now Mumbai)
• President: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
• Number of Delegates: 72

This historical event in 1885 laid the foundation for future political activities aimed at gaining self-governance.

Identifying the Correct Location

Based on historical records, the first session of the Indian National Congress was indeed held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885. Therefore, option 1 correctly identifies the location.