UPSC Prelims 2004 Q4: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
Consider the following statements:
1. The First Session of the Indian National Congress was held in Calcutta.
2. The Second Session of the Indian National Congress was held under the presidentship of
Dadabhai Naoroji.
3. Both Indian National Congress and Muslim League held their sessions at Lucknow in 1916 and
concluded the Lucknow Pact.
Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (c) 2 and 3
Explanation
Indian National Congress sessions
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. First Session at Calcutta | False: held at Bombay in 1885 under W. C. Bonnerjee |
| 2. Second Session under Dadabhai Naoroji | True — Calcutta, 1886 |
| 3. Congress and League sessions at Lucknow, 1916; Lucknow Pact | True |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The first session of the Congress was held at Bombay, not Calcutta.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 names the wrong city.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
Key point
INC: 1885 Bombay (Bonnerjee); 1886 Calcutta (Naoroji); 1916 Lucknow (Mazumdar), Lucknow Pact.
Remember
The first Congress session was held at Bombay in 1885.
Common mistakes
- Placing the first session at Calcutta.
- Forgetting Naoroji presided in 1886, 1893 and 1906.
- Mixing the 1916 Lucknow Pact with the 1942 proposals.
Exam tip
First session: Bombay, Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, 72 delegates.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Indian National Congress