The Indian National Congress (INC), established in 1885, served as the principal political organization advocating for India’s independence from British colonial rule. Initially focused on moderate reforms within the British framework, the INC gradually escalated its demands toward complete self-governance. These demands evolved through phases, influenced by socio-economic grievances, global events, and leadership shifts, culminating in the attainment of independence in 1947. The INC’s resolutions emphasized constitutional changes, economic justice, social reforms, and ultimately full sovereignty, mobilizing mass participation and pressuring the British administration through petitions, protests, and non-violent campaigns.

Formation and Early Objectives (1885–1905)

The INC was founded in Bombay in December 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume and Indian leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha. Its initial aims centered on fostering national unity, promoting political education, and seeking incremental reforms rather than outright independence. Early demands included greater Indian participation in governance, protection of civil rights, and economic policies favoring local industries. The organization functioned as a platform for educated Indians to articulate grievances through annual sessions and resolutions.

Key early demands:

• Expansion of legislative councils with elected Indian representatives.
• Reforms in the Indian Civil Services to increase Indian recruitment.
• Reduction in land revenue and military expenditure.
• Protection of Indian industries from British economic exploitation.

These objectives aligned with liberal constitutionalism, aiming for self-government within the British Empire.

Shift to Radical Demands and the Extremist Phase (1905–1919)

The partition of Bengal in 1905 marked a turning point, leading to the Swadeshi Movement and a division between moderates and extremists within the INC. Led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai, extremists demanded swaraj (self-rule) through boycotts and direct action. The INC’s demands intensified, focusing on immediate political concessions and economic self-reliance.

Notable developments:

• Advocacy for boycott of British goods and institutions during the Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908).
• Demand for home rule leagues, initiated by Annie Besant in 1916, seeking dominion status similar to Canada or Australia.
• Post-World War I, the INC rejected the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) as inadequate, demanding full responsible government.

This phase emphasized mass mobilization and cultural revival to challenge colonial authority.

Gandhian Era and Escalation to Complete Independence (1919–1947)

Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership from 1919 transformed the INC into a mass movement organization. Demands shifted toward non-violent resistance, complete independence, and socio-economic reforms. Key campaigns included Non-Cooperation (1920–1922), Civil Disobedience (1930–1934), and Quit India (1942), each escalating pressure on the British.

Core demands during this period:

• Withdrawal of repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act (1919).
• Dominion status by 1929, evolving to purna swaraj (complete independence) after British non-compliance.
• Abolition of salt tax and land revenue reforms to alleviate peasant hardships.
• Unity among religious communities and eradication of untouchability.

The INC’s resolutions at sessions like Lahore (1929) and Bombay (1942) formalized these demands, leading to widespread civil disobedience.

Key Demands with Timelines

The following table outlines major demands of the INC, categorized by phase, with corresponding timelines and outcomes. This chronology highlights the progression from reformist petitions to revolutionary calls for independence.

Year/Period	Key Demand	Description	Outcome/Impact
1885–1890	Indian representation in councils	Expansion of legislative councils and civil service reforms for greater Indian involvement.	Led to the Indian Councils Act (1892), introducing limited elections.
1905–1908	Swadeshi and boycott	Promotion of indigenous goods and boycott of British products in response to Bengal partition.	Heightened national consciousness; partition annulled in 1911.
1916–1917	Home Rule	Demand for self-government within the British Empire, through leagues led by Tilak and Besant.	Influenced the Montagu Declaration (1917) promising responsible government.
1919–1920	Repeal of Rowlatt Act	Opposition to draconian laws curbing civil liberties; launch of Non-Cooperation Movement.	Movement suspended in 1922 after violence; increased INC’s mass base.
1929	Dominion status or complete independence	Resolution at Lahore session demanding purna swaraj if dominion status not granted by year-end.	Led to Civil Disobedience; Salt March (1930) symbolized defiance.
1930–1934	Civil Disobedience	Boycott of British institutions, salt laws, and taxes; demand for economic and political freedoms.	Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) provided temporary truce; resumed in 1932.
1942	Quit India	Immediate end to British rule; mass arrests followed the “Do or Die” resolution.	Weakened British hold amid World War II; paved way for post-war negotiations.
1946–1947	Transfer of power	Acceptance of Cabinet Mission Plan; demand for unified independent India.	Resulted in independence on August 15, 1947, with partition.

Legacy and Impact

The INC’s demands not only accelerated India’s path to independence but also laid the foundation for a democratic republic. By integrating diverse groups and promoting inclusive reforms, the organization influenced post-independence policies on education, economy, and social justice. Its strategies of non-violence and mass participation remain models for global freedom movements.