This photograph captures the delegates of the first Indian National Congress, held in Bombay in 1885. There were 72 delegates at the first Congress.

What is the Indian National Congress?

The Indian National Congress is a political party in India which was founded in 1885 during the British Raj. The first members of the party were made up of politically aware Indians who had mostly been educated in Britain. Initially, they advocated for moderate political reform aiming towards greater autonomy within British India. The party also had a British lobby group based in London. Following events such as the partition of Bengal, and constant resistance from the British government, the Congress became increasingly interested in Indian nationalism and also broadened the party’s appeal to the Indian public. In the early 20th century, particularly under the leadership of Gandhi, the Congress spearheaded the Indian independence movement. In 1942 the party launched a mass civil disobedience movement in response to Britain declaring India to be at war with Germany without consulting Indian leaders. Leaders of the Congress were instrumental in the negotiations with Britain for India’s independence, and with the Muslim League in negotiating the Partition of India.

On 15 August 1947 the Congress became the first party to lead an independent India, with Jawaharlal Nehru as its first prime minister.