Who among the following played an important role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Allan Octavian Hume.
The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in December 1885 in Bombay. While it was the collective effort of many prominent Indian intellectuals and leaders, Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer, played a particularly significant role in its establishment.
Hume is widely credited as the principal founder and convener of the first session. He took the initiative to gather educated Indians from various parts of the country to create a platform for civil and political dialogue. His intention was to provide a "safety valve" for the growing discontent among Indians, aiming to channel their grievances in a constitutional manner.
Besides Hume, several prominent Indian leaders were instrumental in the early years and actively participated in its formation, including:
- Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee), who presided over the first session.
- Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the "Grand Old Man of India."
- Surendranath Banerjee (though he convened a separate conference concurrently).
- Badruddin Tyabji.
- Pherozeshah Mehta.
These individuals, along with 72 delegates, formed the foundational body of the Indian National Congress.