• INC is Indian National Congress.
• It was founded on 28th dec of 1885.
• The aim was to represent the values and views of the educated middle class.
• Foundations was laid by Surendranath Banerjee with the help of A.O. Hume(retired british official).

Moderates Phase[1885 - 1905]:

• They had faith in the honesty and sincerity of the British government. They linked the progress of the British with the prosperity of India.
• They believed the British to be essentially good.
• Demands:
  • More fairness for Indians.
  • Representation of Indians in legislation.
  • Separation of Judiciary from the executive.
  • ICS exams for Indians along with the British
• Achievements
  • National awakening.
  • Popularized the ideas of democracy, freedoms, and representation.
  • Indian Councils Act of 1892
  • Exposed the exploitative character of colonial rule.
  • Failed to widen the democratic base of movement.
• Limitations
  • British largely ignored them.
  • Nationalist lost faith as result.
  • Nationalism did not spread to the grass root level.
  • People wanted a more active resistance.
  • Absence of mass participation.

Extremist Phase[1905 - 1918]:

• This group was growing and was strictly critical of the old ideology and leadership.
• They wanted to achieve freedom through sacrifice rather than through begging.
• The economy of India was deteriorating.
• They advocated for the adoption of Swaraj as the goal of the Congress.

Muslim League:

• The feared the loss of their identity if they joined the Congress.