Who was the founding President of the Indian National Congress?
Womesh Chandra Bannerjee
Understanding the Founding of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest political parties in India, playing a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. Its formation in 1885 marked a significant step in the organized political awakening among educated Indians.
Identifying the First President of the Indian National Congress
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from 28 to 31 December 1885. This foundational meeting was presided over by a prominent Indian barrister.
Let's look at the options provided in the context of the first session:
- Dada Bhai Naoroji: Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', he was a prominent leader but was not the President of the first session. He became INC President multiple times later.
- Surendra Nath Bannerjee: A significant nationalist leader, he was also not the President of the very first session. He was involved with another organization at that time but soon became a key figure in the INC.
- Womesh Chandra Bannerjee: An Indian barrister from Calcutta, he was chosen to preside over the inaugural session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay.
- George Yule: A Scottish merchant, George Yule was the first non-Indian to become the President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over the Allahabad session in 1888, not the first session.
Based on historical records, the individual who presided over the inaugural session of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was Womesh Chandra Bannerjee.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year of Formation | 1885 |
| Location of First Session | Bombay (Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College) |
| Date of First Session | December 28-31, 1885 |
| Number of Delegates | 72 |
| Founding President | Womesh Chandra Bannerjee |
| Founder (initially) | Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume) |
Therefore, the founding President of the Indian National Congress was Womesh Chandra Bannerjee.
Revision Table: Early INC Presidents
| President | Session Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Womesh Chandra Bannerjee | 1885 | Bombay |
| Dadabhai Naoroji | 1886 | Calcutta |
| Badruddin Tyabji | 1887 | Madras |
| George Yule | 1888 | Allahabad |
| Sir William Wedderburn | 1889 | Bombay |
Additional Information: The Role of A.O. Hume in INC Foundation
While Womesh Chandra Bannerjee was the first President, the idea for the Indian National Congress is often attributed to Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. Hume played a key role in bringing together prominent Indian leaders and organizing the first session. He initially envisioned it as a forum for dialogue between educated Indians and the British government, but it quickly evolved into a major political force advocating for Indian rights and eventually independence.
Important Questions from Foundation of the Indian National Congress
Which British retired Civil Service Officer took the initiative to convene the first meeting of the Indian National Union?
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay in _______ under the Presidentship of Womesh Chandra Banerjee.
Name the first lady President of the Indian National Congress.
_________ was the first president of Indian National Congress.
Who along with Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party within the Congress to argue for a return to council politics?
