A.O. Hume and Formation — Revision Notes

⚡ 30-Second Revision

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.

2-Minute Revision

Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, founded the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. His motivations are a key debate: the 'safety valve' theory suggests he aimed to prevent a violent uprising by providing a constitutional outlet for Indian discontent, possibly with Viceroy Lord Dufferin's tacit approval.

Conversely, the 'genuine reformer' view highlights Hume's liberal background and consistent advocacy for Indian welfare. The first INC session, held in Bombay at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College from December 28-31, 1885, was attended by 72 delegates, with W.

C. Bonnerjee as President. Key figures like Dadabhai Naoroji were instrumental. The resolutions were moderate, focusing on administrative reforms, expanded legislative councils, and simultaneous ICS exams, marking the beginning of the moderate phase of freedom movement .

This event was crucial as it provided a unified national platform for Indian political aspirations, transforming disparate regional efforts into an organized national movement, despite the complex motivations behind its inception.

5-Minute Revision

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 is a cornerstone event in modern Indian history, largely facilitated by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer.

Hume, a liberal-minded administrator and a keen ornithologist, was deeply concerned by the growing political discontent among educated Indians and the potential for widespread unrest, which he feared could escalate into a rebellion similar to 1857.

This apprehension, coupled with his genuine belief in gradual reforms, led him to initiate a national political organization.

The context for the INC's formation included significant socio-economic grievances like the 'Drain Theory' articulated by Dadabhai Naoroji , recurring famines, and discriminatory administrative policies such as the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act. The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883, which exposed deep racial prejudices, further highlighted the urgent need for a unified Indian voice. Regional associations had emerged, but a pan-Indian body was lacking.

Hume's crucial interaction with Viceroy Lord Dufferin (1884-1888) is central to the 'safety valve' theory. According to W.C. Bonnerjee, Dufferin advised Hume to make the proposed body political, seeing it as a channel to safely release mounting discontent.

This theory suggests that the INC was a British creation to avert a revolution. However, another perspective views Hume as a 'genuine reformer,' citing his progressive administrative record and sustained support for Indian causes.

Vyyuha's analysis suggests a blend: Hume, operating within 'Imperial Liberalism,' sought stability, while Indian leaders skillfully appropriated this platform for 'Nascent Nationalism.

The first session of the INC was held in Bombay at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College from December 28-31, 1885. Originally planned for Poona, it was shifted due to a cholera outbreak. Seventy-two delegates, primarily educated professionals, attended.

W.C. Bonnerjee presided, and other prominent figures included Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta. The session passed nine moderate resolutions, demanding administrative reforms like the expansion of legislative councils, simultaneous ICS examinations, and reduction in military expenditure.

These demands reflected the early objectives and methods of Congress and marked the beginning of the moderate phase of freedom movement .

The INC's formation provided a crucial national platform, fostering unity and laying the organizational groundwork for India's eventual independence struggle.

Prelims Revision Notes

For Prelims, focus on precise facts related to A.O. Hume and the INC's formation. Remember Hume's full name, his background as a retired ICS officer, and his other interests (ornithology, Theosophical Society).

The year 1885 is critical for the INC's establishment. Note the exact dates (December 28-31) and the specific venue (Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay). Be aware that the original venue was Poona.

The number of delegates (72) is a frequently asked fact. Identify W.C. Bonnerjee as the first President and Hume as the General Secretary. Recognize other key founding members like Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Pherozeshah Mehta.

Understand the core of the 'safety valve' theory, associating it with Hume's fears and Lord Dufferin's alleged role, but also be aware of the 'genuine reformer' counter-argument. Memorize the nature of the first session's resolutions: they were moderate, seeking administrative reforms within the British framework, such as expansion of legislative councils, simultaneous ICS exams, and reduction in military expenditure.

Do not confuse these with later demands for Swaraj. Connect the formation to preceding events like the Ilbert Bill controversy and Lord Lytton's reactionary policies. This factual recall will be crucial for direct questions and eliminating incorrect options.

Mains Revision Notes

For Mains, revision should focus on the analytical aspects of A.O. Hume and the INC's formation. Develop a framework to discuss Hume's motivations: the 'safety valve' theory (proponents: Lajpat Rai, R.

P. Dutt; evidence: Hume's fears, Dufferin's role) versus the 'genuine reformer' theory (proponents: Andrews & Mookerjee; evidence: Hume's liberal background, administrative reforms, sustained support).

Conclude with a nuanced perspective, emphasizing the 'Imperial Liberalism vs. Nascent Nationalism' framework, where Hume's imperial pragmatism met Indian nationalist aspirations. Be prepared to discuss the political and socio-economic context: economic drain (Dadabhai Naoroji's economic nationalism ), administrative policies (British administrative policies in India ), and the rise of the educated intelligentsia.

Analyze the significance of the first session: its role in providing a unified national platform, fostering national unity, articulating common grievances, and initiating the moderate phase of freedom movement .

Discuss how the early objectives and methods of Congress were shaped by these factors. Practice structuring answers to critically evaluate, discuss, or examine these aspects, ensuring a balanced presentation of arguments and evidence.

Incorporate historiographical debates to add depth to your answers.

Vyyuha Quick Recall

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).