Founded in 1885 in Mumbai by 72 delegates, initiated by Allan Octavian Hume; Womesh Chunder Banerjee was first president.

BulletsIn

•  Began as a forum for educated Indians to present moderate political demands under British rule.
•  Gradually evolved into the principal leader of India’s freedom struggle.
•  Led key movements: Swaraj, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
•  After independence, became the dominant political party, shaping India’s governance and social structure.
•  Promoted ideals of secularism, democracy, social justice, and national unity.
•  Different founding theories: Safety-Valve Theory, Conspiracy Theory, Lightning-Conductor Theory.
•  Faced major internal challenges — splits between moderates and extremists, regional decline, new political rivals.
•  Continues as a relevant national party, though its dominance has declined in recent decades.