Explanations:The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 1885 as a platform for the political mobilization of Indians against British colonial rule. The formation of the INC marked a significant step in the Indian nationalist movement, bringing together various Indian leaders and intellectuals to discuss and address the issues faced by the Indian people under British rule.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885. The choice of the first president was a crucial decision, as it set the tone for the organization's leadership and direction. W C Bonnerjee, a prominent lawyer and political activist, was elected as the first president of the Indian National Congress. This election was significant because it symbolized the beginning of a formal political organization dedicated to the cause of Indian self-rule.
W C Bonnerjee, born in 1844, was a key figure in the early nationalist movement. He was a lawyer by profession and had a strong interest in politics. His election as the first president of the INC reflected the growing demand for political representation and the need for a unified voice against colonial rule. Bonnerjee's presidency was short-lived, lasting only for the first session, but it laid the foundation for the future growth and development of the Indian National Congress.
It is important to note that while W C Bonnerjee was the first president, other notable figures such as A O Hume and Dadabhai Naoroji were also instrumental in the formation and early leadership of the INC. A O Hume, a British civil servant, played a significant role in organizing the Congress and was one of its founders. Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India," became the president of the INC in 1886, the year following Bonnerjee's presidency. Naoroji was a prominent figure in the Indian nationalist movement and was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons.
M K Gandhi, while a crucial figure in the Indian independence movement, was not involved in the early years of the Indian National Congress. He joined the Congress in 1919 and became a prominent leader in the 1920s and 1930s, playing a significant role in the non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements. Gandhi's contributions to the Indian independence movement were immense, but his involvement in the Congress came much later than the formation of the organization.
In summary, the first president of the Indian National Congress was W C Bonnerjee, who presided over the first session in Bombay in 1885. This event marked the beginning of a long and significant political movement in India, which eventually led to the country's independence from British rule in 1947. Understanding the early leadership of the Indian National Congress is crucial for comprehending the historical context and development of the Indian nationalist movement.