Indian lawyers and journalists gather at Bombay to found the Congress Party

Background. Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Civil Servant, outlined the concept of a body representing Indian interests in an 1883 open letter. He initiated contacts with prominent Indian leaders, issuing a notice for a meeting in Poona. However, the actual first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay, reflecting the city's role as a significant political hub during the late 19th century.

First Session. The inaugural session took place from 28 to 31 December 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay. Seventy-two delegates attended, with lawyers forming the majority. These representatives came from various provinces of India, demonstrating the broad geographic reach of the early movement. The session focused on presenting resolutions to British authorities regarding administrative reforms and legislative councils.

Resolutions. During the first session, Indian delegates presented nine resolutions to the British authorities. Key demands included abolishing the India Council in London, creating legislative councils for specific provinces like NWFP, Sindh, and Awadh, and reforming the Civil Services. They also requested a commission to investigate the working of the Indian Administration from 1858 onwards, highlighting early political grievances.