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# The Indian National Congress ## The Beginning of Indian Political Awareness By the end of the 19th century, many people in India and Britain believed that Indians needed their own national political body to represent their views to the British. In 1883, the Indian Association suggested forming s...

# The Indian National Congress ## The Beginning of Indian Political Awareness By the end of the 19th century, many people in India and Britain believed that Indians needed their own national political body to represent their views to the British. In 1883, the Indian Association suggested forming such a body. A British Member of Parliament suggested the same idea in the same year, and the Indians set up their own national political association. Allan Octavian Hume, a former member of the Indian Civil Service, wrote a letter to graduates of Calcutta University, urging them to lead in creating a national political organization. He followed this with the formation of the Indian National Union, with branches in several cities. Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy, supported Hume's efforts, stating that the new organization would act as a "safety valve" for growing unrest. On December 28, 1883, a conference of the Indian National Union was held in Bombay and another in Calcutta. These conferences, known as the Indian National Congress (or simply "Congress"), marked the official beginning of this organization. Initially, Congress was cautious to not offend Britain, stating their loyalty to Queen Victoria and that their ambition was to widen the basis of government. By 1886, the Congress had its second meeting with 436 elected delegates representing Indian provinces. The Congress stated its aim was to create a unified organization representing the welfare of India and its mother country. This would be done through: * Educating the public in India and Britain through newspapers and publications. * Persuading the British government to enact reforms by campaigning for more Indian representation within the British government. However, the Congress experienced limited success. Its efforts to introduce the Indian Councils Act of 1892, increasing Indian representation in councils, were largely ignored by the British. The British Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, deemed Congress to represent only a small minority of the Indian population's opinion. Later, Lord Curzon deemed Congress to be on the verge of collapse. Despite the setbacks, most Congress members hoped the British would eventually increase Indian role within the government. They considered the British fair-minded and believed that British rule brought benefits, political stability, and justice and education reform. Radical Nationalism: Some Indians, however, felt that change should occur more rapidly. In the latter part of the 19th century, radical nationalism emerged as a distinct political force. ## The British Reaction to the Hindu Protest The British government responded to Hindu protests with measures such as restrictions on newspapers, public meetings, and imprisonment of editors. Significant occurrences include: * **Restrictions** on newspapers and public meetings * **Prosecution and imprisonment** of editors (1906-1908) * **Press Act** in 1908 giving the British government greater control over newspapers * **Arrest of leaders** (Tilak's arrest in June 1908, and imprisonment for six years) While these methods were employed, the British eventually recognized a need for a different approach. By improving relations with moderate Hindus through reform, in 1905, Lord Minto was appointed Viceroy. He worked with the Secretary of State for India, to bring about significant reforms. ## The Partition of Bengal Bengal was the largest province in India, and the British government suggested a partitioning to facilitate administration. The partition prompted significant opposition from the Hindus, who saw it as a way to weaken Hindu unity. * Bengal's size presented administrative challenges, prompting the proposal. * The 1903 proposal by Lord Curzon suggested partitioning into West Bengal and East Bengal (including Assam). * There was strong Hindu opposition, believing the partition was politically motivated. * 16 October 1905 was marked as a mourning day by the Hindus. This was followed by numerous protest meetings and petitions. * Attempts were made on the life of the future British Viceroy, Lord Minto. ## The Partition's Effect on Different Groups * **Muslims:** They viewed the partition favorably. It improved their position, due to their recognition of the majority representation, and the chance to escape from Hindu oppression. * **Hindus:** They saw the partition as a politically motivated divide-and-rule policy, intended to weaken Hindu unity and diminish their power. ## Winning the Support of the Hindus and Muslims Before the Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced, the possibility of winning support from the Muslims was noted, given the opportunity for their better relations with the British. The Simla Deputation played a vital role in gaining support for British rule among the Muslims.