8.3 The Foundation of the Indian National Congress

I. Introduction to the Indian National Congress

History and Context of its Formation

• The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, emerged as a pivotal player in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
• The formation of the INC was influenced by a growing sense of Indian nationalism and a desire for greater political representation.
• Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a significant role in its establishment, alongside prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, and Dinshaw Wacha.
• Initially, the Congress was envisioned as a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns and engage in political dialogue with the British.

Significance in Indian Nationalism

• The INC quickly became the principal voice for India’s aspirations for self-governance and played a vital role in mobilizing the Indian populace against colonial rule.
• It facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas, turning political awareness into a widespread movement across diverse Indian communities.
• The Congress became synonymous with the Indian nationalist movement, bringing together various social, cultural, and religious groups under a common cause for independence.

Overview of the Congress’s Role in the Freedom Struggle

• The Congress led several national movements and campaigns against British policies, significantly shaping India’s political landscape in the early 20th century.
• Notable movements included the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942), which saw widespread participation and marked a shift from moderate petitioning to direct action.
• The INC’s strategies evolved over the years, from peaceful protests and negotiations to more assertive and sometimes radical approaches.

Key Figures in the Early Congress

• Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’, was a significant figure in the early Congress, advocating for self-rule and economic reforms.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent leader, promoted a more aggressive stance against the British and is known for his famous assertion, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale, another influential leader, believed in moderate methods and worked towards social and educational reforms.

The Evolution of the Congress from a Deliberative Assembly to a Mass Movement

• Initially, the Congress functioned more as a debating society where educated elites discussed India’s future and submitted petitions to the British.
• Under the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress transformed into a mass movement, incorporating diverse sections of Indian society and employing non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
• The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) and the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) marked significant shifts, bringing grassroots issues to the forefront and expanding the Congress’s base beyond the educated elite.
• The Congress’s transformation was instrumental in mobilizing millions of Indians, making the independence struggle a mass phenomenon and significantly weakening British hold on India.

II. The Ideological Underpinnings of the Congress Foundation

The Blend of Western Liberal and Indian Traditional Ideas

• The Indian National Congress (INC), since its foundation in 1885, exhibited a unique blend of Western liberal ideologies and Indian traditional values.
• Western concepts like democracy, liberalism, and individual rights were amalgamated with Indian philosophies emphasizing social justice, religious tolerance, and moral ethos.
• Influential leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, educated in the Western tradition, advocated for adopting Western methods of political organization and agitation while maintaining an Indian ethos.

Influence of Contemporary Global Political Movements

• The INC’s ideology was shaped by global political movements of the time, such as the Irish Home Rule movement and the American struggle for independence.
• These movements provided both a framework for political action and a moral justification for resisting colonial rule.
• The success of these movements, particularly in achieving significant political rights through organized struggle, served as an inspiration for Indian leaders.

The Philosophical Roots of Indian Nationalism in the Context of the Congress

• Indian nationalism, as represented by the Congress, was rooted in a deep philosophical understanding of India’s history, culture, and heritage.
• The teachings of ancient Indian texts and the philosophical notions of Dharma (duty/righteousness) and Swaraj (self-rule) were integral to the Congress’s ideology.
• This philosophical grounding gave the Congress a distinct identity, differentiating its approach to nationalism from merely imitating Western models.

Influence of Socio-Religious Reform Movements

• The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century, like the Brahmo Samaj founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the Arya Samaj by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, significantly influenced the Congress.
• These movements aimed at reforming Hindu society by advocating for education, gender equality, and the abolition of caste discrimination and untouchability.
• The reform movements paved the way for a socio-political environment conducive to the growth of a nationalistic spirit, which was later harnessed by the Congress.

The Interplay of Modernity and Tradition in Shaping the Congress Ideology

• The Congress’s ideology represented a nuanced balance between modernity and tradition, embracing modern ideas while respecting traditional Indian values.
• This duality is evident in the Congress’s early demands, which included both constitutional reforms (a modern concept) and the protection of traditional industries (reflecting traditional values).
• The incorporation of traditional cultural symbols and practices in Congress’s political activities, like the use of traditional forms of protest and the incorporation of regional languages, helped in garnering mass appeal.

III. The Organizational Structure and Early Strategies

The Establishment of Congress as a Political Platform

• The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, was established as a political platform to voice the aspirations of the Indian people under British rule.
• Its primary objective was to create a unified platform for Indians from various regions and social backgrounds to articulate their political and social demands.
• The Congress served as a forum for intellectual and political dialogue, promoting the idea of a united Indian identity beyond regional and communal divides.

The Administrative Framework of Early Congress

• The organizational structure of the early Congress was centralized with an annual session being the main event where delegates from different parts of India gathered.
• The Congress leadership included the President, a position of great prestige, and a Working Committee which functioned as the executive body.
• Provincial Congress committees were established, enabling the Congress to have a presence across British India and mobilize support at the grassroots level.

Strategies for Mobilizing Support

• The early Congress adopted various strategies to mobilize support from different sections of Indian society.
• Public meetings and rallies were organized to disseminate the Congress’s message and to educate the masses about their rights and the injustices of British rule.
• Pamphlets, leaflets, and journals were distributed to spread political awareness and to articulate the Congress’s viewpoint on various issues.

Relationship with the British Authorities

• In its initial years, the Congress sought to engage with the British authorities through petitions, memorandums, and delegations.
• The leadership advocated for constitutional reforms and greater representation for Indians in the government and administrative services.
• This approach was marked by a sense of moderate politics, emphasizing dialogue and negotiation rather than confrontation.

Tactics of Petitioning and Advocacy

• The Congress employed petitioning as a key tactic, submitting numerous petitions to the British government both in India and in the United Kingdom.
• Advocacy involved presenting well-researched and reasoned arguments to persuade the British to make concessions and introduce reforms.
• These tactics reflected the belief in the power of moral and ethical persuasion and were aligned with the contemporary ethos of liberal democracy.

The Role of Press and Public Opinion in Early Congress Activities

• The press played a crucial role in the activities of the early Congress, with newspapers and journals being key tools for spreading its message.
• Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak used newspapers such as ‘Kesari’ to reach a wider audience and to criticize British policies vehemently.
• Public opinion was shaped through articles, editorials, and speeches, which were widely disseminated, helping to build a national consciousness and a sense of unity among the Indian populace.

IV. Key Personalities and Their Contributions

Profiles of Founding Members

• Allan Octavian Hume: A retired British civil servant who played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Congress in 1885. He was motivated by a desire to provide Indians with a platform to express their political aspirations.
• Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee: The first president of the INC, he was a prominent lawyer and advocate for political reform and greater Indian representation in government.
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Often referred to as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’, Naoroji was a key figure in the early Congress, known for his economic theories regarding the drain of wealth from India.
• Surendranath Banerjee: An influential leader and educator, he played a significant role in mobilizing Indian opinion and was a key figure in articulating the demands of the early Congress.

Analysis of Political Philosophies and Strategies

• Allan Octavian Hume: Believed in gradual reform and collaboration between the British and Indians. He envisioned the Congress as a means to peacefully express Indian grievances.
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Advocated for self-government and economic independence. He articulated the theory of economic exploitation of India by Britain, influencing nationalist thought.
• Surendranath Banerjee: Emphasized constitutional methods and education in national awakening. He was a moderate who believed in petitioning and legislative action.

The Role of Allan Octavian Hume

• Foundation of INC: Hume’s efforts were crucial in bringing together diverse Indian leaders to form a unified political front.
• Mediator: He often acted as a mediator between the British government and Indian leaders, advocating for reform and increased Indian participation in governance.
• Organizational Development: Played a significant role in structuring the early Congress and setting the agenda for its initial sessions.

Contributions of Early Indian Leaders

• Dadabhai Naoroji: His work on the ‘Drain Theory’ highlighted the economic impact of British rule on India, laying the groundwork for economic nationalism.
• Surendranath Banerjee: His focus on education and constitutionalism helped shape the Congress’s early approach to political engagement and public mobilization.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A later entrant, he advocated for direct action and was pivotal in transforming the Congress from a moderate body to a more assertive force.

Comparative Analysis of Their Leadership Styles and Ideologies

• Moderates vs Extremists: Early Congress leaders like Naoroji and Banerjee were moderates focusing on constitutional reforms, whereas later leaders like Tilak advocated for more radical approaches.
• Vision of Independence: While Hume envisioned a more collaborative approach with the British, Indian leaders like Naoroji and Tilak saw self-rule as the ultimate goal.
• Methodologies: The moderates believed in petitions, dialogue, and legal frameworks, whereas the extremists were inclined towards direct action and mass mobilization.

V. The Evolution of Congress’s Political Strategies

Comparison of Early Strategies with Later Approaches

Early Strategies

• Petitioning and Advocacy: Initially, the Congress adopted a moderate stance, focusing on petitioning the British Government and advocating for incremental reforms.
• Intellectual Debates and Conferences: The early Congress sessions were more about intellectual debates, where the elite discussed India’s future and submitted resolutions.
• Collaboration with British Authorities: There was an emphasis on collaborating with the British for constitutional reforms and more Indian representation in administration.

Later Approaches

• Mass Movements and Direct Action: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi introduced mass movements, including civil disobedience and non-cooperation, directly challenging British authority.
• Use of Symbolic Acts and Boycotts: Symbolic acts like the Salt March and boycotts of British goods became prominent tools of resistance.
• Nationwide Campaigns for Complete Independence: The demand shifted from constitutional reforms to complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

Analysis of Shifts in Tactics and Policies

From Moderate Petitioning to Assertive Demands

• Shift in Goals: The focus shifted from seeking moderate reforms within the British framework to demanding complete self-rule.
• Change in Leadership and Ideology: This shift was partly due to changes in leadership, with figures like Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose playing pivotal roles.
• Response to British Intransigence: The hardening of British attitudes, particularly after events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, fueled the move towards more assertive strategies.

The Transition from Elitist Representation to Mass Involvement

• Inclusivity in Participation: The Congress evolved from an elite club to a mass movement, involving peasants, workers, and women.
• Grassroots Mobilization: Strategies were developed to mobilize the masses, including local-level organization and the use of vernacular languages.
• Use of Indian Cultural Symbols: The incorporation of Indian cultural symbols and festivals helped in garnering widespread support.

Table: Evolution of Congress’s Political Strategies

Era	Strategy	Key Features	Example Actions
Early Congress (1885-1919)	Petitioning and Advocacy	Intellectual debates, Collaboration with British	Submission of petitions, Conferences
Post-1919	Mass Movements and Direct Action	Civil disobedience, Non-cooperation	Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March
Post-1930	Nationwide Campaigns	Demand for complete independence	Quit India Movement, Purna Swaraj Demand

VI. The Congress and Its Interactions with Other Nationalist Movements

The Relationship Between Congress and Regional Movements

• The Indian National Congress, since its inception in 1885, often had a complex relationship with various regional movements across India.
• In regions like Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab, regional movements had their distinct nationalist agendas, which sometimes aligned with or diverged from the Congress’s strategies.
• The Congress attempted to incorporate regional demands into its broader national agenda, balancing regional aspirations with the overarching goal of Indian independence.

Comparative Analysis of Congress’s Strategies with Other Nationalist Groups

• Bengal Renaissance and Anushilan Samiti: The cultural renaissance in Bengal was more intellectual and reformist, while groups like Anushilan Samiti were revolutionary. Congress initially maintained a moderate stance but later adopted more assertive strategies.
• Gadar Party and Congress: The Gadar Party, predominantly comprising Indian immigrants in the USA and Canada, advocated armed struggle for independence, contrasting with the early peaceful approaches of the Congress.
• Home Rule Movement and Congress: Led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, the Home Rule Movement shared common ground with the Congress in seeking self-rule but differed in its methods and immediacy of demands.

Synergy and Conflicts within the Broader Indian Nationalist Movement

• Synergy: The Congress collaborated with various regional and ideological groups during specific movements, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Conflicts: Differences in ideology and methods led to conflicts within the nationalist movement, as seen in the Swadeshi Movement’s split into Moderate and Extremist factions.
• Resolution of Conflicts: Over time, the Congress worked towards resolving these conflicts, seeking to present a united front against British rule.

The Role of Congress in Unifying Diverse Regional and Communal Perspectives

• Bridging Regional Divides: The Congress played a significant role in unifying diverse regional movements by providing a common platform for articulating their demands.
• Addressing Communal Issues: Congress leaders like Gandhi emphasized communal harmony and worked to integrate various religious communities into the nationalist movement.
• Unity in Diversity: The Congress’s efforts in unifying diverse perspectives were pivotal in creating a broad-based national movement that transcended regional and communal barriers.

Table: Interactions of Congress with Other Nationalist Movements

Nationalist Movement	Region/Group	Congress’s Interaction	Outcome/Impact
Bengal Renaissance	Bengal	Intellectual engagement and reformist collaboration	Cultural and intellectual nationalism growth
Anushilan Samiti	Bengal	Ideological divergence on revolutionary methods	Influenced radical nationalist thought
Gadar Party	Overseas Indian Community	Differed in approach; Congress less radical	Highlighted global dimension of Indian struggle
Home Rule Movement	Pan-India	Shared goals with Congress; differed in immediacy and methods	Strengthened demand for self-rule

VII. The Impact of Socio-Economic Changes on Congress’s Evolution

Analysis of How Socio-Economic Transformations Influenced Congress Policies and Strategies

Role of Urbanization

• The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant urbanization in India, creating new urban centers that became hotbeds of political activity.
• Urbanization brought together diverse groups, fostering a sense of shared experiences and grievances against colonial rule.
• Cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras became centers for Congress activities, hosting major conferences and rallies.

Modern Education

• The spread of modern education, influenced by British and Western models, created a new class of educated Indians who played a pivotal role in the Congress.
• This educated elite, exposed to liberal and democratic ideals, became the intellectual backbone of the Congress, articulating demands for self-rule and reforms.
• Educational institutions became centers of nationalist thought, with students and teachers actively participating in Congress-led movements.

Impact of Economic Policies

• British economic policies, particularly those related to taxation, land revenue, and trade, significantly impacted Indian society.
• The economic discontent due to exploitative policies galvanized many to join the Congress, which promised economic reforms and relief.
• The Congress’s economic resolutions and promises of better fiscal policies garnered support from various strata, including peasants and traders.

Agrarian Issues and Mass Appeal

• The majority of India’s population was agrarian, and their distress due to high taxes, land tenureship issues, and famines drew them towards the Congress.
• The Congress addressed these issues by advocating for agrarian reforms and the rights of peasants, thereby expanding its base to include rural populations.
• Leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru worked extensively in rural areas, strengthening Congress’s appeal among the agrarian community.

The Role of Urbanization and Modern Education in Congress’s Evolution

Urbanization as a Catalyst

• Urban areas, with their concentration of educational institutions, media, and political forums, became breeding grounds for nationalist ideologies.
• The Congress utilized urban networks and infrastructure to organize protests, disseminate information, and mobilize support.

Educational Institutions as Nurseries of Nationalism

• Universities and colleges produced leaders and thinkers who shaped the direction and strategies of the Congress.
• Student movements and youth wings affiliated with the Congress played a crucial role in spreading nationalist fervor.

The Impact of Economic Policies and Agrarian Issues on Congress’s Mass Appeal

Economic Discontent as a Mobilizing Factor

• Widespread economic dissatisfaction due to colonial policies led to mass mobilization, with the Congress positioning itself as the champion of economic justice.
• The Congress’s focus on economic issues allowed it to connect with diverse social and economic groups, transcending regional and caste divides.

Agrarian Distress and Congress’s Response

• Addressing agrarian distress was central to Congress’s strategy in gaining mass support, particularly in rural areas.
• The Congress’s advocacy for peasant rights and agrarian reforms resonated with the rural populace, who saw the party as a vehicle for change and relief.

VIII. The Role of Congress in Shaping Public Opinion and Political Discourse

The Use of Media and Public Platforms by Congress

Newspapers and Journals

• The Congress utilized newspapers and journals as key tools to disseminate its views, mobilize support, and counter British propaganda.
• Publications like ‘Young India’, ‘Harijan’, edited by Mahatma Gandhi, and ‘Kesari’, edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, played a crucial role in influencing public opinion.
• These publications provided a platform for intellectual debate, criticism of British policies, and promotion of nationalist ideals.

Public Rallies and Speeches

• Leaders of the Congress regularly held public rallies and delivered speeches that galvanized the masses and spread nationalist sentiments.
• These public gatherings were instrumental in educating the populace about their rights and the Congress’s vision for an independent India.
• The speeches often contained powerful and emotive language that stirred people’s emotions and motivated them to participate in the freedom struggle.

Influence on Public Opinion and Nationalistic Sentiments

Creating a National Consciousness

• The Congress played a pivotal role in creating a national consciousness among Indians, uniting diverse linguistic, cultural, and religious groups under the common cause of independence.
• By highlighting the injustices of colonial rule and envisioning a future independent India, the Congress helped in fostering a sense of national identity.

Mobilizing Support through Emotional Appeal

• The use of symbols like the Charkha (spinning wheel) and slogans like “Quit India” resonated with the masses, creating a sense of belonging and participation in the national movement.
• Emotional appeals based on shared historical grievances, cultural pride, and aspirations for self-rule were effective in mobilizing diverse social groups.

Analysis of Congress’s Contributions to Political Discourse

Ideological Debates

• The Congress was a platform where diverse ideological perspectives, ranging from moderate reformist views to radical and revolutionary ideas, were debated and discussed.
• These debates shaped the political discourse of the time, influencing not just Congress’s policies but also the broader narrative of Indian nationalism.

Impact on National Politics

• The Congress’s stance on various issues like constitutional reforms, civil rights, economic policies, and social justice shaped the political agenda of the time.
• The party’s debates and resolutions influenced legislative discussions and policies, both under British rule and later in independent India.

Table: Congress’s Role in Influencing Public Opinion and Political Discourse

Media/Public Platform	Type of Influence	Example	Impact on Public Opinion/Political Discourse
Newspapers and Journals	Intellectual and Ideological	‘Young India’, ‘Kesari’	Spread of nationalist ideas, criticism of British policies
Public Rallies and Speeches	Emotional and Motivational	Gandhi’s speeches, Congress rallies	Mobilization of masses, creation of national consciousness

IX. Critical Analysis of Congress’s Early Years

Strengths and Limitations of Early Congress

Strengths

• Unification of Diverse Groups: The Congress succeeded in bringing together diverse linguistic, religious, and regional groups under a common nationalist agenda.
• Promotion of Intellectual Debate: It provided a platform for intellectual and political discussions, fostering a culture of democratic debate in India.
• Moderate Approach: In its early years, the Congress’s moderate approach helped in articulating a constructive critique of British policies without provoking harsh repression.

Limitations

• Limited Mass Appeal: Initially, the Congress was criticized for representing only the elite and educated classes, lacking widespread appeal among the masses.
• Lack of Direct Action: The early focus on petitioning and advocacy was seen as insufficient to bring about significant political change.
• Regional Imbalances: The Congress was more active and influential in some regions than others, leading to uneven national representation.

Comparative Analysis with Other Contemporary Nationalist Movements

Compared to Revolutionary Movements

• Strategies: While Congress initially relied on constitutional methods, revolutionary groups opted for more radical means, including armed struggle.
• Appeal: Congress’s intellectual approach appealed to the educated classes, whereas revolutionary movements resonated more with those seeking immediate and drastic action.

Compared to Regional Movements

• Scope: Congress worked towards a pan-Indian nationalist agenda, while regional movements focused on specific regional or communal issues.
• Influence: The Congress influenced national policies, whereas regional movements had a more localized impact.

Critiques and Defenses of Congress’s Strategies and Ideologies

Critiques

• Slow Progress: Critics argued that the Congress’s moderate approach delayed the process of achieving independence.
• Elitist Nature: The early Congress was seen as disconnected from the realities of ordinary Indians, particularly rural populations.
• Neglect of Socio-economic Issues: Initially, the Congress focused more on political rights than on pressing socio-economic issues affecting the majority.

Defenses

• Foundation for Future Struggles: Supporters contend that the early Congress laid the groundwork for future, more vigorous nationalist struggles.
• Non-Violent Approach: The emphasis on non-violence and constitutional methods is defended as a pragmatic strategy in a colonial context.
• Evolution Over Time: Defenders argue that the Congress evolved to become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of the Indian populace.

Perspectives from Contemporary and Modern Historians

• Contemporary Views: Early Indian nationalists and British officials often had contrasting views on the Congress, with nationalists seeing it as a legitimate representative of Indian interests and the British viewing it as a potential threat.
• Modern Historical Analysis: Modern historians analyze the early Congress in the broader context of colonialism and nationalism, acknowledging both its achievements and shortcomings.

Table: Critical Analysis of Congress’s Early Years

Aspect	Congress’s Approach	Critiques	Defenses
Representativeness	Initially elitist	Limited appeal to masses	Evolved to be more inclusive over time
Method of Struggle	Constitutional, non-violent	Seen as slow and ineffective	Laid groundwork for future movements
Addressing Socio-Economic Issues	Focused more on political rights	Neglected socio-economic issues	Adapted to include socio-economic issues later

X. Conclusion

Summarizing the Foundational Years of the Indian National Congress

• Formation and Early Goals: Founded in 1885, the Indian National Congress initially aimed at representing Indian interests and voicing grievances against British policies through constitutional means.
• Unification of Diverse Groups: The INC played a key role in uniting diverse Indian communities and regions, fostering a sense of national identity and common purpose against colonial rule.
• Evolution of Strategies: Over time, the Congress evolved from a platform for moderate debate to a leader of mass movements, significantly influencing India’s struggle for independence.

Overall Impact on Indian Nationalism and the Freedom Struggle

• Mobilization of the Masses: The INC was instrumental in mobilizing widespread public support across India, transforming the freedom struggle into a mass movement.
• Shaping Political Thought and Action: Through its strategies, ideologies, and leadership, the Congress shaped the course of Indian political thought and action during the colonial period.
• Legacy in Democratic Principles: The Congress’s commitment to democratic ideals, despite various challenges, laid the foundation for India’s future as a democratic republic.

Reflections on the Legacy and Historical Significance of the Congress in the Context of Indian History

• Pioneer in National Movement: The Congress is recognized as a pioneering force in the Indian national movement, setting the stage for subsequent political developments and independence.
• Symbol of Unity and Diversity: Its ability to bring together various social, cultural, and religious groups underlines its significance as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity.
• Contributions Beyond Independence: The legacy of the Congress extends beyond independence, influencing India’s post-independence political landscape, social reforms, and international standing.

Relevance in Contemporary Times

• Inspiration for Modern Politics: The foundational principles and struggles of the Congress continue to inspire modern political movements and leaders in India and beyond.
• Role in Shaping Modern India: The Congress’s contributions during its formative years played a vital role in shaping the political and social fabric of modern India.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Dealing with Criticisms: Despite its significant achievements, the Congress faced criticisms regarding its elitist beginnings, slow pace of progress initially, and regional imbalances.
• Overcoming Challenges: Over time, the Congress addressed many of these challenges, evolving to become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of the Indian populace.

Table: Historical Significance of Indian National Congress

Aspect	Contribution	Impact on Indian History and Freedom Struggle
National Unity	Unification of diverse Indian communities	Fostered national identity and common cause
Political Strategy	Shift from moderate debate to mass movement	Transformed the nature of the freedom struggle
Democratic Principles	Commitment to democratic ideals	Laid the groundwork for post-independence India

1. Analyze the impact of socio-religious reform movements on the ideological foundations of the Indian National Congress. (250 words)
2. Compare and contrast the early strategies of the Indian National Congress with those adopted during the Swadeshi Movement. (250 words)
3. Evaluate the role of media and public platforms in shaping the Congress’s influence on nationalistic sentiments and political discourse. (250 words)