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 and political consciousness: By the late 19th century, there was a growing sense of Indian nationalism. Educated Indians, particularly those influenced by Western liberal ideas of democracy and self-governance, sought a platform to voice their concerns and aspirations for political representation and reform.
• Growing Discontent: Economic policies under British rule had led to widespread discontent. The drain of wealth from India to Britain, the effects of the 1876–1878 famine, which caused widespread suffering, heavy taxation, and economic exploitation created a common ground for unity among various Indian social classes. They wanted political reforms, more representation in the government, and an end to repressive policies like the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and the Arms Act (1878).
• 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’s formation in 1885, several regional political associations were already in existence, such as the Indian Association (1876) in Bengal, the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870), the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884). These associations reflected the growing desire among Indians to come together and advocate for greater participation in governance.
• Press, Communication & National Identity: The spread of railways, telegraph, and print media was connecting various regions of India, fostering a sense of national identity among people. 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.
• Indian Civil Service and Political Engagement: Many Indians were joining the Indian Civil Service (ICS) and becoming increasingly aware of the disparities in treatment between British and Indian officers. This heightened the demand for political representation and equality.

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

Given these factors, there was already momentum for the creation of a national political organization to address the grievances and aspirations of the educated Indian middle class. While Hume’s role as a retired British official provided legitimacy and acted as a unifying force, the intellectual and political atmosphere of the time would likely have led to the creation of a similar organization even without his involvement.

Hume’s initiative, however, provided a timely and organized framework for channeling these energies into the INC, but the underlying demand for such a body was already present.