Why this matters now
The early Congress is a core exam topic — its founding, the Moderate vs Extremist phases and their methods, the Surat Split, and the Lucknow Pact. It frames the evolution from petitions to mass politics.
Founding (1885)
The INC was founded in 1885, with the retired British civil servant A.O. Hume as a key organiser. Its first session was held in Bombay under W.C. Bonnerjee. It began as an all-India platform to voice educated Indian opinion and seek a greater share in governance.
The Moderate phase (1885-1905)
The Moderates — Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, Surendranath Banerjee — believed in constitutional methods: petitions, resolutions, debate and faith in British justice (the “3 Ps” — prayer, petition, protest). Their major contribution was the economic critique of colonialism, especially Naoroji’s “Drain of Wealth” theory.
The Extremist phase (1905-1919)
Disillusion with Moderate methods and the Partition of Bengal (1905) gave rise to the Extremists — Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal) and Aurobindo Ghosh. They demanded Swaraj (Tilak: “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”) and championed Swadeshi, boycott and self-reliance, with mass mobilisation through festivals and direct action.
The Surat Split and Lucknow Pact
The two camps clashed at the Surat session (1907), splitting the Congress. They reunited at the Lucknow session (1916), which also produced the Lucknow Pact — a historic agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League on joint demands and (controversially) separate electorates. This set the stage for Gandhi’s arrival and the mass phase.
UPSC angle
Know the founding (1885, Hume, Bonnerjee), Moderate methods + Drain of Wealth, Extremists (Lal-Bal-Pal, Swaraj/Swadeshi), and the Surat Split (1907) → Lucknow Pact (1916).
Frequently asked questions
When and by whom was the INC founded?
In 1885; A.O. Hume was a key organiser, and the first session in Bombay was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
What was the difference between Moderates and Extremists?
Moderates used constitutional methods (petitions, debate) and faith in British justice; Extremists (Lal-Bal-Pal) demanded Swaraj and used Swadeshi, boycott and mass action.
What was the Surat Split?
The 1907 split of the Congress between Moderates and Extremists over methods and leadership.
What was the Lucknow Pact?
A 1916 agreement between the Congress and the Muslim League on joint political demands (and separate electorates), accompanying the reunion of Moderates and Extremists.