4679 - The birth of the Indian National Congress
Author: Amar Chitra Katha
Description This volume in the March of Freedom series narrates the beginnings of India’s organized political awakening with the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885. It portrays the social and political conditions under British rule, the role of early reformers and moderates such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, Surendranath Banerjee, and others, and how the Congress emerged as a platform to voice India’s demand for greater participation in governance. The story highlights the gradual transformation from petitions and debates to a sense of collective national identity (rāṣṭrīya caitanya), marking the first steps on India’s long march toward independence (svatantratā). Keywords Indian National Congress, freedom struggle (svatantra-saṅgrāma), colonial India, reformers, petitions, nationalism (rāṣṭrīya bhāva), awakening (jāgaraṇa), politics (rāj-nīti), governance (śāsana), moderates. Ideal For Readers interested in Indian history, the freedom struggle, biographies of leaders, and the roots of India’s national movement presented in a simple, visual manner. Age Recommended for ages 12 to 16 years, though equally valuable for older students of history and general readers who want a concise introduction. Theme The rise of political consciousness in colonial India; unity and collective identity (ekatva and rāṣṭrīya caitanya); leadership and reform; the foundations of organized resistance through dialogue and petition. Tone Educational, inspiring, patriotic, and reflective, balancing factual narration with a motivating spirit of early nationalism. Book Type Comic book / graphic historical account; part of the Amar Chitra Katha special series The March of Freedom, first volume in the set. Length Approximately 32 pages.