Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)

We see political parties in a very different context today, however, at the time of independence the formation of the Indian National Congress was the biggest hope for Indians. It was the major party in India at that time and remained dominantly influential for decades after independence. This party was the spearhead of many movements in India’s independence struggle. Here are some facts about the history and formation of the Indian National Congress.

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Reasons For the Formation of the Indian National Congress

There were reasons that demonstrated a need for India to have its representatives. As a result, a British officer Allan Octavian Hume formed the Indian National Congress. We have mentioned some of the most pressing reasons over here.

After the Indian mutiny of 1857, the British government wanted a safety valve between itself and the Indians. This was to mediate discussions between the two parties without the involvement of violence as the first resort. Many Indian and British soldiers were dead in the Revolt of 1857, and even though they curbed it, the British were wary of such revolts.
The party was also established as an organisation to articulate the demands of Indians. A group of learned Indians who could represent the Indian political and economic concerns at a national level.
Several Indian leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai believed and supported the ideology of the safety valve theory. This not only bagged support of the strong people but also great influencers who could make people listen.

Origin of Safety Valve Theory

The concept originated in the mind of Allan Hume during the formation of INC. Because of the prevalent political climate in India, the authorities of the British government were concerned with the uprisings of leaders and rebellions in various parts of India by some educated Indians, thus curbing the situation and giving it a more peaceful look, the government agreed to create a platform.

Safety Valve theory was used by Hume to establish a political platform for Indians, where, they could advocate for their rights and discuss their political concerns. This platform can serve as the stage for people to express their grievances and concerns. It allowed young leaders to join and discuss the issues giving a united front from any background. The concept indirectly helped the British government to redirect the prevailing dissent among revolutionaries into a more peaceful channel.

Many see the establishment of INC by this theory as progressive, since it allowed for the mobilization and organization of Indians in such a political crisis.

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