Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most significant political organizations in India. It was founded in 1885 with the aim of promoting the interests of the Indian people and working towards self-governance and later independence from British rule. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885, marking the beginning of a formal political movement in India.
The choice of Bombay as the location for the first session was significant. Bombay was a major commercial and industrial center in the late 19th century, and it was home to a large number of educated Indians who were actively involved in the political and social movements of the time. The city's cosmopolitan nature and its role as a hub for trade and commerce made it an ideal location for the first session of the INC.
The first session of the INC was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India, including prominent figures such as Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, who was elected as the first president of the INC. The session was held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College and was organized by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant who was a key figure in the founding of the INC.
The INC's first session was a landmark event in the history of the Indian National Movement. It brought together a diverse group of Indians from different regions and backgrounds, united by a common goal of working towards the betterment of the Indian people. The session laid the foundation for the INC's role in the Indian independence movement, which would continue for several decades until India achieved independence in 1947.
It is important to note that while Bombay was the location of the first session, the INC held many other significant sessions in different parts of India. For example, the second session was held in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and subsequent sessions were held in various cities such as Madras (now Chennai), Allahabad, and Lahore. Each of these sessions played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India and the strategies of the INC in its fight for independence.
Understanding the historical context and significance of the first session of the INC is essential for comprehending the evolution of the Indian National Movement and the role of the INC in achieving Indian independence. The choice of Bombay as the location for the first session reflects the city's importance in the political and social movements of the late 19th century and sets the stage for the subsequent development of the INC as a major political force in India.