What was the contribution of the Indian National Congress to the National Movement
The Indian National Congress was initially founded as a body of reformers in 1885 with political reforms as their main objective. However, with the passage of time, it incorporated the demands of a wider spectrum of Indian society and ultimately led to goals of self-government and finally independence. The leadership of the Congress encompassed leaders with diverse views. There were moderate leaders like Gokhale and extremist leaders like Tilak. Finally, Gandhi assumed the leadership of the Congress with fellow leaders like Nehru, Patel and Rajendra Prasad. These leaders gave a direction to national movement while at the same time, working for political reforms and social awakening. It was a vehicle for national mass movements throughout the freedom struggle and strived to put forward the demands of all sections of society like workers, depressed classes, minorities, industrialists, professionals, farmers and tribals.