Formation of Indian National Congress (1885), Role of Moderates and Rise of Extremism by Home Academy

Notes for UPSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, SSC, Banking & Other Competitive Examinations

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Introduction

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marks the beginning of organized political nationalism in India. Initially dominated by the Moderates (1885–1905), Congress later witnessed the emergence of Extremists (1905–1917) who demanded stronger political action against British rule.

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Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

Establishment

The Indian National Congress was founded on:

28 December 1885

Place:

Bombay

Venue:

Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College

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Founder of Congress

The Congress was founded with the initiative of:

Allan Octavian Hume

A retired British civil servant.

Important Indian leaders also supported its formation.

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First Session of Congress (1885)

President:

Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

Delegates:

72 representatives attended.

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Background of Formation

Several developments contributed to the formation of Congress.

1. Political Unity

Need for a common national political platform.

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2. Growth of English Education

Created educated Indians aware of political rights.

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3. Economic Exploitation

British economic policies created dissatisfaction.

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4. Development of Press

Newspapers spread political awareness.

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5. Influence of Earlier Organizations

Examples:

Indian Association

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
Bombay Presidency Association

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Objectives of Congress

Official Objectives

1. Promote friendly relations among political workers.

2. Develop national unity.

3. Present demands before government.

4. Increase participation of Indians in administration.

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Safety Valve Theory

Historian interpretation:

Congress was created to provide a constitutional outlet for public grievances.

This became known as the Safety Valve Theory.

Associated with:

Allan Octavian Hume

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Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

Who Were Moderates?

Moderates were early Congress leaders who believed in constitutional methods.

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Important Moderate Leaders

Leader	Contribution
Dadabhai Naoroji	Drain Theory
Gopal Krishna Gokhale	Constitutional reforms
Surendranath Banerjee	Political mobilization
Pherozeshah Mehta	Congress leadership

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Methods of Moderates

Known as:

Three P's

Prayer

Petition
Protest

Methods included:

Meetings

Memorandums
Constitutional demands
Public speeches

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Demands of Moderates

Legislative reforms

Indianization of services
Reduction of military expenditure
Civil liberties
Expansion of education

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Achievements of Moderates

Political

Spread political awareness.

Developed national consciousness.

Economic

Exposed colonial exploitation.

Administrative

Pressured government for reforms.

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Limitations of Moderates

Slow methods.

Limited mass participation.
Excessive faith in British justice.

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Rise of Extremism (1905–1917)

Meaning

Extremists believed constitutional methods alone would not achieve freedom.

They emphasized:

Swaraj

Boycott
Swadeshi
National Education

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Causes of Rise of Extremism

1. Failure of Moderate Politics

Slow progress disappointed young nationalists.

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2. Economic Hardships

Famines and poverty increased dissatisfaction.

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3. British Repressive Policies

Examples:

Repressive administration

Restrictions on freedoms

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4. Partition of Bengal (1905)

Partition of Bengal

became the immediate cause.

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5. Influence of International Events

Japanese victory over Russia (1905)

National movements worldwide

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Major Extremist Leaders

Known as:

Lal–Bal–Pal

Leader	Region
Lala Lajpat Rai	Punjab
Bal Gangadhar Tilak	Maharashtra
Bipin Chandra Pal	Bengal

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Methods of Extremists

Boycott

Swadeshi
Passive Resistance
National Education

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Famous Slogans

Bal Gangadhar Tilak:

“Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.”

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Surat Split (1907)

Congress split at:

Surat

Reason

Conflict between Moderates and Extremists.

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Comparison: Moderates vs Extremists

Feature	Moderates	Extremists
Goal	Reforms	Swaraj
Method	Constitutional	Agitation
Belief	British Justice	Self-reliance
Participation	Limited	Wider

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Timeline

Year	Event
1885	Congress Founded
1885–1905	Moderate Era
1905	Partition of Bengal
1905–1917	Rise of Extremism
1907	Surat Split

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Important Examination Facts

One-Liners

1. Congress founded on 28 December 1885.

2. Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College.

3. Founder associated: A.O. Hume.

4. First President: W.C. Bonnerjee.

5. 72 delegates attended first session.

6. Moderate phase: 1885–1905.

7. Extremist phase began around 1905.

8. Lal–Bal–Pal led Extremism.

9. Partition of Bengal accelerated Extremism.

10. Surat Split occurred in 1907.

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MCQs

Q1. Indian National Congress was founded in:

A. 1882
B. 1885
C. 1888
D. 1905

Answer: B

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Q2. First President of Congress was:

A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. W.C. Bonnerjee
C. Tilak
D. Gokhale

Answer: B

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Q3. Which trio represented Extremist leadership?

A. Lal–Bal–Pal
B. Gandhi–Nehru–Patel
C. Ali Brothers
D. Gokhale–Mehta–Naoroji

Answer: A

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Q4. Congress split at:

A. Calcutta
B. Bombay
C. Surat
D. Madras

Answer: C

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Q5. Immediate cause of Extremism was:

A. Rowlatt Act
B. Partition of Bengal
C. Simon Commission
D. Cripps Mission

Answer: B

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Statement-Type MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. Indian National Congress was founded in 1885.

2. W.C. Bonnerjee was the first President.

3. Congress was founded at Calcutta.

Choose the correct answer:

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

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Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Moderates believed in constitutional methods.

2. Extremists promoted Swadeshi and Boycott.

3. Surat Split occurred in 1907.

Choose the correct answer:

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

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Match the Following

Q1

List I	List II
A. A.O. Hume	1. Congress Formation
B. Tilak	2. Swaraj
C. W.C. Bonnerjee	3. First President
D. Surat	4. Congress Split

Answer

A–1
B–2
C–3
D–4

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Q2

Leader	Associated Idea
A. Dadabhai Naoroji	1. Drain Theory
B. Gokhale	2. Moderate Politics
C. Lala Lajpat Rai	3. Extremism
D. Tilak	4. Swaraj

Answer

A–1
B–2
C–3
D–4

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UPSC / JKSSB Revision Box

✔ INC Founded – 1885
✔ Founder – A.O. Hume
✔ First President – W.C. Bonnerjee
✔ Moderates – 1885–1905
✔ Extremists – 1905–1917
✔ Lal–Bal–Pal – Leaders of Extremism
✔ Surat Split – 1907
✔ Immediate Cause – Partition of Bengal (1905)

Most Asked Areas:

Formation of Congress

Safety Valve Theory
Moderate Methods (Three P's)
Lal–Bal–Pal
Surat Split
Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement