Who was A.O. Hume and why did he form INC?

Allan Octavian Hume was a retired British civil servant and ornithologist. He formed the Indian National Congress in 1885 primarily out of a concern for the growing discontent among educated Indians, which he feared could lead to widespread unrest. His motivation is debated: some view him as a genuine reformer who believed in Indian self-governance, while others see him as an imperial strategist creating a 'safety valve' to prevent a violent rebellion and preserve British rule. He aimed to provide a constitutional platform for Indians to voice their grievances.

What was the safety valve theory of Congress formation?

The 'safety valve' theory suggests that A.O. Hume, with the tacit approval of Viceroy Lord Dufferin, founded the Indian National Congress to provide a controlled outlet for the rising political discontent among educated Indians. The idea was to channel potential revolutionary energy into a constitutional forum, thereby preventing a more dangerous, widespread uprising against British rule. This theory implies that the INC's formation was a strategic move by the British to safeguard their empire.

When and where was Indian National Congress founded?

The Indian National Congress was founded from December 28 to 31, 1885. Its first session was held in Bombay (now Mumbai), at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College. The initial plan was to hold it in Poona (Pune), but it was shifted due to a cholera outbreak in that city. This inaugural meeting brought together 72 delegates from various parts of British India.

What role did Lord Dufferin play in INC formation?

Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888, is believed to have played a subtle but significant role. According to W.C. Bonnerjee's recollections, Hume consulted Dufferin, who allegedly advised Hume to make the proposed organization political rather than social. Dufferin supposedly saw it as a 'safety valve' to ascertain public opinion and prevent unrest. While Dufferin publicly distanced himself from the Congress later, his initial encouragement or acquiescence is central to the 'safety valve' theory.

Who attended the first Congress session in 1885?

The first session of the Indian National Congress in Bombay was attended by 72 delegates from across British India. These delegates were primarily educated professionals, including lawyers, journalists, teachers, and merchants. Prominent attendees included W.C. Bonnerjee (who presided), Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, S. Subramania Iyer, and M. Veeraraghavachariar. They represented a nascent pan-Indian intelligentsia.

Why did a British officer start Indian National Congress?

A British officer, A.O. Hume, started the Indian National Congress due to a combination of factors. His long administrative career exposed him to Indian grievances and the growing political consciousness. He genuinely believed in the need for reforms and a platform for Indian voices. Simultaneously, he harbored fears of a violent uprising if discontent was left unaddressed. Thus, he envisioned the Congress as a constitutional channel to articulate demands, serving both as a genuine reformist initiative and a 'safety valve' to maintain stability for the British Raj.

How did Hume recruit Indian leaders for Congress?

Hume leveraged his extensive network from his civil service days and his association with the Theosophical Society to connect with prominent Indian intellectuals and community leaders across various provinces. He traveled extensively, corresponded widely, and utilized his personal influence to persuade these leaders of the necessity and benefits of a unified national political platform. His sincerity and commitment, combined with the existing desire among Indians for such a body, facilitated the recruitment of key figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C. Bonnerjee, and others.

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A.O. Hume and Formation

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The Indian National Congress, from its inception in 1885, aimed to consolidate the sentiments of national unity and to provide a platform for the articulation of Indian grievances and aspirations. As articulated in its foundational resolutions, the Congress sought 'the fuller development of the country's resources, the expansion of education, the amelioration of the condition of the masses, and th…

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Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer, is widely credited with founding the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. His motivation stemmed from a deep concern over the simmering discontent among educated Indians and the potential for widespread unrest, which he had observed during his administrative career and post-retirement at Rothney Castle, Simla.

Hume envisioned the INC as a constitutional platform where Indian grievances could be articulated, thereby acting as a 'safety valve' to prevent a more violent uprising against British rule. He consulted with Viceroy Lord Dufferin, who reportedly encouraged the formation of a political body.

The first session of the INC was held in Bombay from December 28-31, 1885, at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, attended by 72 delegates. W.C. Bonnerjee presided over this historic gathering. Key founding members included Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta.

The Congress passed nine resolutions, demanding administrative reforms such as the expansion of legislative councils, simultaneous ICS exams, and reduction in military expenditure. These demands reflected the moderate approach of the early Congress, focusing on constitutional petitions and appeals to British justice.

While the 'safety valve' theory suggests a British imperial motive, many historians also recognize Hume's genuine reformist zeal and the Indian leaders' strategic appropriation of the platform to advance nascent nationalism.

Hume served as the INC's General Secretary until 1908, playing a crucial organizational role in its formative years.

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A.O. Hume: — Retired British ICS officer, ornithologist, Theosophist.

INC Formation: — December 28-31, 1885.

Venue: — Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.

Delegates: — 72 attendees.

First President: — W.C. Bonnerjee.

Viceroy: — Lord Dufferin (1884-1888).

Key Debate: — 'Safety Valve' Theory vs. 'Genuine Reformer'.

Early Demands: — Administrative reforms, legislative council expansion, simultaneous ICS exams.

HUME'S CONGRESS

H — Hume (A.O. Hume), the founder.

U — Unrest (fear of) led to 'Safety Valve' idea.

M — Moderate (phase of Congress began, constitutional methods).

E — Eighty-five (1885), year of formation.

S — Seventy-two (72) delegates attended.

C — College (Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit, Bombay) venue.

O — Ornithologist (Hume's other passion).

N — Naoroji (Dadabhai), key founding member.

G — Grievances (Indian) articulated.

R — Reforms (administrative) were early demands.

E — Englishman (Hume) provided initial impetus.

S — Simla (Rothney Castle), Hume's retirement home.

S — Secretary (Hume was General Secretary).

A.O. Hume and Formation

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