Summary

● Foundation of Indian National Congress

First session held in 1885 (Bombay).

Indian National Union, formed by A.O. Hume, became Indian National Congress.

Foundational theories of INC and prominent believers: Safety Valve Theory —Lala Lajpat Rai

Conspiracy Theory—R.P. Dutt

Lightning conductor Theory—G.K. Gokhale

Important leaders of Moderate Phase: Dadabhai Naoroji, Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, P. Ananda Charlu, Surendranath Banerjea, Romesh Chandra Dutt, Ananda Mohan Bose, G.K. Gokhale, etc.

● Early Nationalist Methodology

Constitutional agitation within four walls of law

Create public opinion in India and campaign for support to Indian demands in England

Political education of people

Political connections with Britain in India’s interests at that stage Time not ripe for direct challenge to colonial rule

● Contributions of Moderate Nationalists

Economic critique of British imperialism Constitutional reforms and propaganda in legislature Campaign for general administrative reforms Defence of civil rights

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