The Indian National Congress was a political party founded in 1885 with the aim of securing greater rights and freedoms for the Indian people within the British Raj. It was formed by a group of Indian intellectuals, lawyers, and political activists who were dissatisfied with British rule in India and sought to create a platform for Indian nationalism.
The founding of the Indian National Congress was a result of the growing discontent among Indians towards British rule and the increasing interest in politics and national affairs. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885, with 72 delegates from different parts of India in attendance. The Congress was initially founded as a forum for Indian elites to express their grievances and to discuss issues of national importance.
The early years of the Indian National Congress were marked by moderate demands for greater representation in government and the protection of Indian rights. However, as the years went by, the Congress gradually became more assertive in its demands for independence and self-rule. The Congress was instrumental in the Indian freedom struggle, providing a platform for leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to voice their views and to mobilize support for the cause of independence.
In conclusion, the formation of the Indian National Congress was a significant event in the history of India and the Indian freedom struggle. The Congress provided a platform for Indian nationalism and played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Today, the Congress remains one of the largest and most influential political parties in India, and continues to play a major role in Indian politics.