Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most influential political parties in India. It was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, and other Indian leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, and Dinshaw Wacha. The INC was established to provide a platform for Indians to voice their concerns and demands to the British government, and it played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from December 28 to December 31, 1885. This session was significant because it marked the beginning of a formal political organization that would later become a major force in the struggle for Indian independence. The choice of Bombay as the location for the first session was strategic, as it was a major commercial and industrial center, and it had a diverse population that included a significant number of educated Indians who were interested in political reform.
The session was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India, representing different social, economic, and political backgrounds. The delegates discussed issues such as the need for greater representation of Indians in the government, the need for educational reforms, and the need for economic development. The first session of the INC was a modest beginning, but it laid the foundation for a movement that would grow in strength and influence over the next few decades.
It is important to note that the INC was not the only political organization in India at the time, but it was unique in its broad-based approach and its focus on uniting Indians across different regions and communities. The INC's first session in Bombay was a significant event in Indian history, and it is remembered as the starting point of a movement that would eventually lead to India's independence from British rule.
Understanding the historical context and the significance of the first session of the Indian National Congress is crucial for students of Indian history and politics. It provides insight into the early stages of the Indian independence movement and the role of Bombay (Mumbai) as a center of political activity during the late 19th century.