The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885 in Mumbai, shaped India’s political journey from colonial rule to independence. It later became the dominant political party in independent India and continues to play a significant role in national politics.

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• INC founded on December 28, 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Mumbai
• Created by A.O. Hume with Indian intellectual support
• First president: Womesh Chunder Banerjee, first general secretary: A.O. Hume
• Aim: provide dialogue platform between Indians and British
• Early members mostly educated Indians, promoting reform and modernization
• Gradually shifted from reforms to demand for complete independence
• Mahatma Gandhi led mass movements like Civil Disobedience, Quit India
• Split in 1905 between moderates and extremists
• Promoted national unity across caste, religion, province
• Post-1947: led by Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi; focus on democracy, secularism, social justice
• Still a key force in Indian politics, despite competition today