Q. Do you agree that the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) was in the air even if A.O. Hume had not taken any initiative?

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 is often attributed to the initiative of Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. However, it is also widely argued that the conditions and sentiments in India at the time were ripe for the emergence of such a political organization. Here are several reasons that support the idea that the formation of the INC was “in the air,” even if Hume had not taken the initiative:

Socio-Political Context

• Rise of Indian Nationalism: By the late 19th century, there was a growing sense of Indian nationalism. Educated Indians, many of whom had been influenced by Western ideas of democracy and self-governance, were increasingly aware of the need for political representation and reform.
• Economic Discontent: Economic policies under British rule had led to widespread discontent. The drain of wealth from India to Britain, heavy taxation, and economic exploitation created a common ground for unity among various Indian social classes.
• Social Reforms: Reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and others were fostering a sense of social and cultural unity among Indians. These movements also encouraged questioning British authority and advocating for self-improvement and governance.

Intellectual and Organizational Development

• Educational Advances: The spread of Western education created a class of educated Indians who were well-versed in political ideas and aware of global trends. Universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras became centers of political discourse.
• Regional Associations: Prior to the INC, several regional political associations were already in existence, such as the Indian Association in Bengal, the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Madras Mahajan Sabha. These organizations were advocating for political reforms and greater Indian participation in governance.
• Press and Communication: The growth of the Indian press facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas. Newspapers and journals in various languages discussed issues of political rights and representation, creating a shared consciousness among the educated classes.

Key Figures and Precedents

• Influential Leaders: Prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and others were already advocating for political reform and greater Indian involvement in the administration. They were instrumental in creating a climate conducive to the formation of a national body.
• Previous Attempts: There had been previous attempts to form an all-India organization, such as the Indian National Conference organized by Surendranath Banerjee in 1883. These attempts laid the groundwork for a more structured and unified organization.

External Influences

• British Policies: British policies of racial discrimination and exclusion of Indians from higher administrative positions fueled the desire for a unified platform to voice Indian concerns.
• Global Movements: The global context, including movements for self-governance and independence in other colonies, also inspired Indian leaders to organize and demand similar rights.

Conclusion

While A.O. Hume’s role in the formation of the Indian National Congress is significant, the socio-political conditions, intellectual climate, and existing regional organizations suggest that the idea of a national political organization was indeed “in the air.” The groundwork for such an organization had been laid by various leaders, associations, and movements. Hume’s initiative provided a timely catalyst, but the formation of a body like the INC was a natural and inevitable outcome of the evolving Indian nationalist consciousness.