Understanding the Purna Swaraj Demand by Congress

The question asks about a significant moment in India's freedom struggle: when the Indian National Congress officially declared its goal of 'Purna Swaraj' or complete independence. This represented a major shift from earlier demands for Dominion Status within the British Empire.

Let's look at the context and the specific event.

The Lahore Session of 1929 and Purna Swaraj

The demand for Purna Swaraj was formalized by the Indian National Congress at its annual session held in Lahore in December 1929. This session was particularly historic because it was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Prior to this, the Congress's goal was largely self-governance or Dominion Status under British rule.
• However, growing nationalist sentiment and dissatisfaction with the British government's responses led to a demand for complete break from British rule.
• The Lahore Session passed a resolution declaring 'Purna Swaraj' as the ultimate objective of the Indian National Congress.
• As part of this resolution, the Congress decided that January 26th would be celebrated as 'Purna Swaraj Day' or Independence Day each year. This date was chosen as a symbol of the commitment to achieve full independence.
• Although India achieved independence on August 15, 1947, January 26th was later chosen as the date for India's Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, partly to honor the significance of the 1929 declaration.

Analysing the Options

Let's briefly consider the other options provided:

• At its Karachi Session in 1931: The Karachi Session, held in 1931 and presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is famous for adopting resolutions on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy. While important, it was after the Purna Swaraj declaration.
• At its Guwahati Session in 1926: The Guwahati Session, presided over by S. Srinivasa Iyengar, focused on issues like Khadi and boycott of foreign cloth. The Purna Swaraj demand was not formalized here.
• At its Madras Session in 1927: The Madras Session, presided over by M. A. Ansari, is notable for passing a resolution against the Simon Commission. While radical resolutions were debated, the formalization of Purna Swaraj as the Congress objective happened later.

Based on historical records, the formal demand for 'Purna Swaraj' by the Indian National Congress was made at the Lahore Session in 1929.

Conclusion

The declaration of 'Purna Swaraj' at the Lahore Session marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement, clearly stating the Congress's demand for complete independence from British rule.

Revision Table: Key Congress Sessions

Reviewing important Congress sessions helps understand the progression of the independence movement's goals.

Additional Information on Purna Swaraj

The concept of Purna Swaraj was more than just political independence; it also implied socio-economic freedom and equality for all Indians. The declaration at the Lahore Session was followed by nationwide civil disobedience movements, including the famous Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, which were aimed at achieving this declared goal of complete independence.

The Purna Swaraj resolution was drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru, who strongly advocated for complete independence. The annual celebration of 'Purna Swaraj Day' on January 26th became a tradition for nationalists leading up to India's actual independence.