Explanation: The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most significant political organizations in India, playing a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence from British rule. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885. This session was a landmark event in the history of Indian nationalism and the political awakening of the Indian people.
The Indian National Congress was founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with other Indian leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C. Bonnerjee, and Dinshaw Wacha. The primary aim of the INC was to promote the political interests of the Indian people and to work towards the establishment of a democratic government in India.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee, a prominent Indian nationalist and lawyer. Bonnerjee was a key figure in the early phase of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in shaping its agenda. The session was attended by 72 delegates from various parts of India, representing different social and political backgrounds.
The choice of Bombay as the venue for the first session was strategic, as it was a major commercial and cultural center in India at the time. The session was held at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, and it lasted for three days. During the session, various resolutions were passed, including demands for greater representation of Indians in the government and the establishment of a national education system.
It is important to note that the first session of the Indian National Congress was not held in Calcutta (now Kolkata), as some might mistakenly believe. Calcutta was a significant city in the Indian independence movement, hosting several important sessions of the Indian National Congress in later years, but it was not the location of the first session.
Understanding the historical context and the key figures involved in the first session of the Indian National Congress is essential for comprehending the evolution of the Indian National Congress as a political organization and its role in the Indian independence movement. The correct answer to the question is (B) 2 only, as W.C. Bonnerjee did preside over the first session, but it was not held in Calcutta.