Understanding the Formation of the Indian National Union 

The question asks about the British retired Civil Service Officer who took the initiative to convene the first meeting of the Indian National Union. This is a key event in the history of modern India, marking an important step towards organized political activity.

The individual widely credited with this initiative is Allan Octavian Hume.

Allan Octavian Hume was a British civil servant, political reformer, and amateur ornithologist who worked for the British East India Company and later the Indian Civil Service. After retiring, he became interested in fostering a greater connection between educated Indians and the British administration, eventually leading him to propose the formation of an organization that could voice Indian opinions.

Allan Octavian Hume and the Indian National Union Initiative

In 1884, Allan Octavian Hume played a crucial role in bringing together educated Indians to discuss the formation of a national organization. He initiated discussions and took steps to organize the first meeting of what was initially called the Indian National Union. The purpose was to create a platform for dialogue between Indians and the British government and to address political and social issues facing the country.

The first meeting of the Indian National Union was planned for December 1885 in Pune. However, due to a plague outbreak in Pune, the venue was shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai).

The organization formed from this initiative, originally named the Indian National Union, was subsequently renamed the Indian National Congress during its first session in Bombay in December 1885. Allan Octavian Hume served as its first General Secretary.

Analysing the Options

• John Morley: John Morley was a British Liberal statesman and writer. He served as the Secretary of State for India from 1905 to 1910 and played a significant role in the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909. He was not involved in the initial convening of the Indian National Union.
• Edwin Montagu: Edwin Montagu was another British Liberal politician who served as Secretary of State for India from 1917 to 1922. He is known for the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act 1919). He was not involved in the formation of the Indian National Union/Congress.
• Allan Octavian Hume: As discussed, A.O. Hume was instrumental in conceiving and organizing the first meeting of the Indian National Union, which became the Indian National Congress.
• Gilbert Elliot: Gilbert Elliot, also known as Lord Minto, served as the Viceroy of India from 1905 to 1910. He was associated with the Morley-Minto Reforms along with John Morley. He was not involved in the initiative to form the Indian National Union in the 1880s.

Therefore, based on historical facts, Allan Octavian Hume was the British retired Civil Service Officer who took the initiative to convene the first meeting of the Indian National Union.

Key Facts about A.O. Hume and Indian National Union

• A.O. Hume was a key figure in the formation of a national political body in India.
• He initiated the idea of the Indian National Union in 1884.
• The first meeting was convened in December 1885.
• The Union was renamed the Indian National Congress during its first session.
• Hume served as the first General Secretary of the Indian National Congress.

Additional Information on Indian National Congress Foundation

The foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 is a landmark event. While A.O. Hume played a vital role in its formation, it was a collective effort involving many prominent Indian leaders of the time. The Congress aimed to provide a platform for Indians to discuss political matters, articulate their grievances, and put forward demands to the British government. It started as a moderate body, focusing on constitutional methods, but gradually evolved over time to become the central organization in India's struggle for independence.

Revision Table: British Officials and Indian Reforms/Politics