Understanding the Call for Swaraj in Indian History

The question asks about a significant moment in the Indian freedom struggle: which session of the Indian National Congress officially gave the call for the attainment of 'Swaraj'. 'Swaraj' broadly means self-rule or independence.

The Historic 1906 Congress Session

The call for 'Swaraj' as the goal of the Indian National Congress was officially made during the 1906 session. This session was particularly important because it marked a clearer articulation of the nationalist aspirations.

• Year of the Session: 1906
• Location: Calcutta (now Kolkata)
• President: Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji, in his presidential address, declared 'Swaraj' as the aim of the Congress, stating that Indians should demand 'Swaraj' just as the people of the United Kingdom or the Colonies had it. This was a crucial step in defining the political objective of the nationalist movement.

Prior to this, the Congress had focused on demands for administrative reforms and greater Indian representation. The adoption of 'Swaraj' represented a shift towards a more assertive stance demanding self-governance.

Why 1906 is Key for Swaraj Call

The political climate around 1906, including the Swadeshi movement spurred by the Partition of Bengal (1905), intensified the demand for self-rule among nationalists. The 1906 Calcutta session consolidated these sentiments into an official resolution.

Let's briefly look at the other options:

• The 1909 session (Lahore) is known for the Minto-Morley Reforms being discussed, among other issues.
• The 1904 session (Bombay) dealt with issues like Indian Universities Act and reduction of the size of the House of Commons for India debates.
• The 1902 session (Ahmedabad) discussed land revenue policy and the police commission report.

While important, these sessions are not primarily associated with the official adoption of 'Swaraj' as the Congress goal, unlike the 1906 session.

Therefore, the session that gave a call to the attainment of 'Swaraj' was the one held in 1906.

Revision Table: Indian National Congress Sessions & Swaraj

Additional Information: Evolution of Swaraj Concept

The meaning and demand for 'Swaraj' evolved over time within the Indian National Congress. While in 1906 it meant self-rule akin to colonial self-governing dominions, later, especially after the Nagpur session in 1920, 'Swaraj' came to mean complete independence (Purna Swaraj). However, the crucial step of officially setting 'Swaraj' as a goal was taken in the 1906 Calcutta session.