Indian National Congress in the years of Hardinge's Government (1910–1916)

This article examines the main activities of the Indian National Congress (INC, Congress) between 1910 and 1916, during the viceroyalty of Lord Charles Hardinge. The primary objectives for the INC during this period were the struggle for further expansion of rights for the Indian population following the Indian Councils Act of 1909, and addressing internal organizational tasks that required amendments to its constitution. A significant challenge for the Congress during Lord Hardinge's tenure was the intensification of internal divisions within the Indian national movement, driven by the growing popularity of its radical wing. Using historical-genetic, comparative-historical, and descriptive-narrative methods, the article explores the relationship between the INC and the British colonial administration from 1910 to 1916, as well as the specific features of the INC's development within the context of the national movement. The primary sources for this research are the annual reports of the Congress. The analysis covers the stance of the British colonial administration towards the INC and its influence on the development of the national movement. It is established that during the debate on the Indian Councils Act, Viceroy Minto relied on the leaders of the Congress's moderate wing as a counterbalance to the figures of the radical movement; following the Act's passage, INC leaders gained the opportunity to participate in the councils. Viceroy Hardinge continued Minto's policy of cooperating with the moderate Congress members while suppressing the radical wing and underground terrorist groups. An analysis of the INC's demands during the period under review shows that they did not undergo significant changes; however, this time was marked by the emergence of protest resolutions against the system of "separate electorates". A study of the INC's internal dynamics reveals that this period was characterized by a decline in the popularity of the dominant moderates, against a backdrop of growing mass support for the radical wing. This prompted the search for paths to reunify with the radicals. The method for reunifying the INC involved amendments to its 1908 constitution, which progressively expanded the pool of potential session delegates. These efforts paved the way for the reunification of the Congress and the subsequent exit of the moderates in 1918. The conclusion is drawn that Viceroy Hardinge continued his predecessor Minto's course of cooperation with the moderate Congress leaders. However, in the context of a radicalizing national movement, the Congress was forced to adapt to the changing conditions, which was reflected in its reunification with the radical wing of the movement in 1916. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

Keywords

Authors

References