Explanations:The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 1885 as a platform for Indian political leaders to voice their concerns and demands to the British colonial government. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1885, and it was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, an Indian lawyer and political activist. The second session of the INC was held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1887, and it was presided over by George Yule, a British civil servant and the first Englishman to hold this position.
George Yule was a significant figure in the early history of the Indian National Congress. His role as the presiding officer at the second session of the INC is noteworthy because it marked a point of intersection between the Indian nationalist movement and the British colonial administration. Yule's involvement in the Congress session was seen as a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to bridge the gap between the British rulers and the Indian nationalist leaders.
It is important to understand the context of the Indian National Congress during this period. The INC was initially a moderate organization that sought to work within the framework of British rule to achieve its goals. The presence of a British official like George Yule at the helm of the Congress session was a reflection of the moderate stance of the organization at that time. However, as the nationalist movement gained momentum, the INC became more radical and eventually played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence.
The historical significance of George Yule's role in the Indian National Congress lies in the fact that it was a rare instance of a British official being involved in the nationalist movement. This event is often cited as an example of the early attempts to foster a dialogue between the British rulers and the Indian nationalists. Understanding this historical context is essential for comprehending the evolution of the Indian National Congress and its role in the Indian independence movement.