The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the most important political organisations in the history of India’s freedom struggle. It was founded in 1885 with the objective of providing a common political platform for educated Indians and gradually became the principal organisation leading the movement against British rule. The history of the Congress can be understood effectively through its annual sessions and presidents, because important political decisions, resolutions, ideological changes and strategies were often associated with particular sessions.
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885, under the presidentship of Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee). 72 delegates attended this historic session.
Early Congress Sessions and Moderate Phase
The early Congress was dominated by moderate leaders who believed in constitutional methods such as petitions, resolutions, speeches and appeals to the British government.
The first session (1885) was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee. The second session was held at Calcutta in 1886, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji. The third session was held at Madras in 1887, under Badruddin Tyabji, the first Muslim president of the Congress.
In 1888 at Allahabad, George Yule became the first English president of the Congress. His election demonstrated that the early Congress attempted to present itself as an inclusive political organisation.
Other important moderate presidents included Pherozeshah Mehta, Surendranath Banerjee, Anandacharlu and Romesh Chunder Dutt. Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the “Grand Old Man of India,” played an important role in developing the economic critique of British rule.
The Calcutta Session of 1906, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji, was particularly significant. The Congress adopted the objective of Swaraj and supported the ideas of Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education.
Surat Split and the Rise of Extremism
Differences between the Moderates and Extremists became increasingly sharp. The conflict reached its peak at the Surat Session of 1907, where the Congress split into the Moderate and Extremist groups.
The session was presided over by Rash Behari Ghosh. Leaders associated with the extremist tendency included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.
The split weakened the Congress temporarily, but nationalist politics continued to develop. The Lucknow Session of 1916 became a major turning point. Under the presidentship of Ambika Charan Mazumdar, the Moderates and Extremists reunited. The session also witnessed the Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League.
Gandhi and the Transformation of Congress
The arrival of Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Congress from a largely elite political organisation into a mass movement.
At the Calcutta Special Session of 1920, presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai, the Congress approved the programme of Non-Cooperation. Later in the same year, the Nagpur Session of 1920, presided over by C. Vijayaraghavachariar, reorganised the Congress on a broader and more democratic basis and strengthened its mass character.
The Gaya Session of 1922, presided over by Chittaranjan Das, witnessed an important debate over whether Congressmen should enter legislative councils. This eventually led to the formation of the Swaraj Party by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru.
Important Sessions of the 1920s
The Madras Session of 1927, presided over by M.A. Ansari, strongly opposed the Simon Commission and supported complete independence as an objective.
The Calcutta Session of 1928, presided over by Motilal Nehru, discussed constitutional reforms. The Nehru Report was also associated with this period.
The most important session of this period was the Lahore Session of 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress adopted the historic goal of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence). It was decided that 26 January 1930 would be observed as Independence Day. This declaration marked a decisive shift from the earlier demand for dominion status towards complete independence.
Karachi Session of 1931
The Karachi Session of 1931, presided over by Vallabhbhai Patel, was historically significant for adopting resolutions on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme.
The Fundamental Rights resolution reflected the Congress's vision of an independent India based on political equality, civil liberties and social justice. It is particularly important for understanding the intellectual background of several principles later incorporated into the Constitution of India.
Faizpur Session and Congress Ministries
The Faizpur Session of 1936, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, was the first Congress session held in a rural area. It highlighted the problems of peasants and rural India.
The Haripura Session of 1938, presided over by Subhas Chandra Bose, emphasised economic planning and industrial development. Bose was re-elected president at the Tripuri Session of 1939, defeating the candidate supported by Gandhi. However, differences with the Congress leadership led to Bose's resignation.
Rajendra Prasad subsequently became Congress president.
Quit India Movement and Independence
During the Second World War, tensions between the Congress and the British government increased. The Bombay Session of August 1942 adopted the historic Quit India Resolution, calling for an end to British rule. Gandhi gave the famous call of “Do or Die.”
The Congress leadership was arrested shortly afterwards, but the Quit India Movement became one of the most significant mass movements of the freedom struggle.
After independence, the Congress continued to play a central role in building the new Indian state. J.B. Kripalani was the Congress president at the time of independence in 1947.
*****PRACTICE SET: MCQ WITH EXPLANATIONS*****
1. Consider the following pairs:
* 1887, Madras -- Badruddin Tyabji
* 1888, Allahabad -- George Yule
* 1906, Calcutta -- Dadabhai Naoroji
* 1907, Surat Rash -- Behari Ghosh
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2 and 3
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. Only 1, 3 and 4
Answer: C
Explanation:
1. Badruddin Tyabji presided over the 1887 Madras Session and was the first Muslim President of the INC.
2. George Yule became the first English President at Allahabad in 1888.
3. Dadabhai Naoroji presided over the historic Calcutta Session of 1906
4. Rash Behari Ghosh presided over the Surat Session of 1907, associated with the Moderate–Extremist split.
2. Which Congress session is correctly associated with the formal adoption of Purna Swaraj as the goal of the Congress?
A. Calcutta Session, 1928
B. Lahore Session, 1929
C. Karachi Session, 1931
D. Madras Session, 1927
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lahore Session of 1929, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, adopted Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as the Congress objective. The Congress subsequently observed 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. This was a major transition from earlier constitutional demands toward complete independence.
3. Who among the following was the only person to preside over an Indian National Congress session during the period of British rule as President while simultaneously being Mahatma Gandhi himself?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Vallabhbhai Patel
C. Mahatma Gandhi
D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: C. Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi presided over the Belgaum Session of 1924. It was the only Congress session over which Gandhi presided.
4. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was:
A. Sarojini Naidu
B. Annie Besant
C. Nellie Sengupta
D. Vijayalakshmi Pandit
Answer: B
Explanation: First woman → Annie Besant (1917) Calcutta session. First Indian woman → Sarojini Naidu (1925) Kanpur session
5. Which Congress session witnessed the reunion of the Moderates and Extremists?
A. Surat, 1907
B. Lucknow, 1916
C. Calcutta, 1917
D. Nagpur, 1920
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lucknow Session of 1916, presided over by Ambika Charan Mazumdar, brought about the reunion of the Moderates and Extremists.
The same year also witnessed the Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League.
6. Which of the following combinations regarding the Calcutta Session of 1906 is correct?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji — Swaraj — Swadeshi — Boycott
B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale — Home Rule — Council Entry
C. Rash Behari Ghosh — Purna Swaraj — Quit India
D. Bal Gangadhar Tilak — Fundamental Rights — Karachi
Answer: A
Explanation: 1906 Calcutta Session, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji, was extremely important. The Congress accepted Swaraj as its goal and supported Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education. It represented the growing influence of nationalist politics within the Congress.
7. The Congress session of 1907 is historically important mainly because:
A. Purna Swaraj was adopted
B. Gandhi presided over the Congress
C. The Moderate–Extremist split occurred
D. Quit India Resolution was passed
Answer: C
Explanation: The Surat Session of 1907 witnessed the dramatic split between the Moderates and Extremists. Rash Behari Ghosh was the president. The disagreement concerned leadership, methods and the direction of the nationalist movement.
8. Which Congress session is correctly described as the first session held in a rural area?
A. Haripura, 1938
B. Faizpur, 1936
C. Tripuri, 1939
D. Ramgarh, 1940
Answer: B
Explanation: The Faizpur Session of 1936 was the first Congress session held in a rural setting. It was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru and gave considerable importance to peasant and rural issues.
9. The Karachi Session of 1931 is particularly remembered for:
A. Adoption of Purna Swaraj
B. Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement
C. Resolution on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme
D. Formation of the Swaraj Party
Answer: C
Explanation: The Karachi Session of 1931, presided over by Vallabhbhai Patel, adopted important resolutions concerning Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme. These ideas later became significant in understanding the constitutional and socio-economic vision of independent India.
10. Who presided over the Congress session at Haripura in 1938?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Subhas Chandra Bose
C. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: B. Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: His presidency emphasised industrialisation, economic planning and a more aggressive approach toward British rule. Bose later won re-election at the Tripuri Session of 1939, but political differences with the Congress leadership resulted in his resignation.
11. Which sequence is arranged correctly in chronological order?
A. Surat → Lucknow → Calcutta 1920 → Lahore
B. Lucknow → Surat → Lahore → Calcutta 1920
C. Calcutta 1906 → Lucknow → Surat → Lahore
D. Lahore → Surat → Lucknow → Karachi
Answer: A
Explanation: The correct chronology is: 1907 Surat → 1916 Lucknow → 1920 Calcutta Special → 1929 Lahore
12. Which of the following statements about Badruddin Tyabji is correct?
A. He was the first English President of the INC.
B. He was the first Muslim President of the INC.
C. He presided over the Lahore Session of 1929.
D. He was the first woman President of the INC.
Answer: B
Explanation: Badruddin Tyabji presided over the Madras Session of 1887 and became the first Muslim President of the Congress.
Important sequence:
* 1885 — W.C. Bonnerjee → First President
* 1887 — Badruddin Tyabji → First Muslim President
* 1888 — George Yule → First English President
13. Which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?
A. 1924 — Belgaum — Mahatma Gandhi
B. 1925 — Kanpur — Sarojini Naidu
C. 1929 — Lahore — Jawaharlal Nehru
D. 1931 — Karachi — Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: D
Explanation: The Karachi Session of 1931 was presided over by Vallabhbhai Patel, not Subhas Chandra Bose.
14. Consider the following statements:
1. Annie Besant was the first woman President of the INC.
2. Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President of the INC.
3. Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Belgaum Session.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore Session of 1929.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
* Annie Besant — 1917 — first woman President
* Sarojini Naidu — 1925 — first Indian woman President
* Gandhi — 1924 — Belgaum
* Nehru — 1929 — Lahore
15. The Gaya Session of 1922, presided over by Chittaranjan Das, is associated with which major controversy?
A. Whether to support the Simon Commission
B. Whether Congress should enter legislative councils
C. Whether to launch the Quit India Movement
D. Whether to adopt Purna Swaraj
Answer: B
Explanation: After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, an important debate developed over Council Entry. Chittaranjan Das favoured entering legislative councils to obstruct colonial governance from within. This disagreement contributed to the formation of the Swaraj Party by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru.
16. Which Congress President is correctly associated with the Ramgarh Session of 1940?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
C. J.B. Kripalani
D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: B
Explanation: He remained Congress President during a crucial phase of the national movement, including the period surrounding the Second World War and the Quit India Movement.
17. Which of the following correctly represents the significance of the Tripuri Session of 1939?
A. Gandhi became Congress President for the first time
B. Subhas Chandra Bose was elected Congress President and subsequently resigned amid political differences
C. Purna Swaraj was adopted
D. The Congress-League Lucknow Pact was signed
Answer: B
Explanation: Tripuri 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose was re-elected Congress President. However, serious differences developed between Bose and the Congress leadership, particularly over the future strategy of the organisation. Bose eventually resigned, and Rajendra Prasad took over as Congress President.
18. Arrange the following Congress Presidents in chronological order of their presidencies:
* Sarojini Naidu
* Annie Besant
* Jawaharlal Nehru
* Mahatma Gandhi
A. 2 → 4 → 1 → 3
B. 4 → 2 → 1 → 3
C. 2 → 1 → 4 → 3
D. 1 → 2 → 4 → 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
* Annie Besant — 1917
* Mahatma Gandhi — 1924
* Sarojini Naidu — 1925
* Jawaharlal Nehru — 1929
19. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. W.C. Bonnerjee
C. A.O. Hume
D. Surendranath Banerjee
Answer: B. W.C. Bonnerjee
Explanation: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee) presided over the first Congress session at Bombay in 1885.
A.O. Hume was one of the principal organisers associated with the foundation of the Congress but was not its first President.
20. Which of the following correctly identifies the Congress President who was also the first Englishman to preside over the INC?
A. William Wedderburn
B. George Yule
C. Henry Cotton
D. Alfred Webb
Answer: B. George Yule
21. Consider the following statements regarding the 1916 Lucknow Session:
1. Moderates and Extremists reunited.
2. The Congress and Muslim League reached the Lucknow Pact.
3. Ambika Charan Mazumdar presided over the session.
4. Purna Swaraj was formally adopted.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lucknow Session of 1916 was presided over by Ambika Charan Mazumdar. It witnessed the reunion of the Moderates and Extremists and the Congress-League Lucknow Pact.
Purna Swaraj was adopted later at the Lahore Session of 1929.
22. Which one of the following pairs is CORRECTLY matched?
A. Annie Besant — Kanpur, 1925
B. Sarojini Naidu — Calcutta, 1917
C. Nellie Sengupta — Calcutta, 1933
D. Maulana Azad — Lahore, 1929
Answer: C
Explanation:
1. Nellie Sengupta presided over the Calcutta Session of 1933
2. Annie Besant was President at Calcutta in 1917
3. Sarojini Naidu presided at Kanpur in 1925
4. Jawaharlal Nehru was President at Lahore in 1929
23. The Congress session associated with the boycott of the Simon Commission was:
A. Madras, 1927
B. Calcutta, 1928
C. Lahore, 1929
D. Karachi, 1931
Answer: A
Explanation: At the Madras Session of 1927, presided over by M.A. Ansari, the Congress decided to boycott the Simon Commission, which had been appointed by the British government without Indian representation.
24. Which Congress President is associated with the Amritsar Session of 1919?
A. Motilal Nehru
B. Lala Lajpat Rai
C. Madan Mohan Malaviya
D. C.R. Das
Answer: A
Explanation: Motilal Nehru presided over the Amritsar Session of 1919, held in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and amid intense political tension following the Rowlatt Act.
25. Which session is associated with the beginning of the organisational transformation of Congress into a mass-based political organisation?
A. Nagpur Session, 1920
B. Surat Session, 1907
C. Lahore Session, 1929
D. Karachi Session, 1931
Answer: A
Explanation: The Nagpur Session of 1920, presided over by C. Vijayaraghavachariar, approved major organisational changes. Congress membership was widened, provincial organisations were reorganised largely on linguistic lines, and the organisation was better prepared for mass mobilisation.
26. Which pair of Congress sessions took place in the same year, 1920?
A. Calcutta Special and Nagpur
B. Bombay Special and Madras
C. Lucknow and Nagpur
D. Calcutta and Lahore
Answer: A
Explanation: There were two significant Congress sessions in 1920:
1. Calcutta Special Session → Lala Lajpat Rai
2. Nagpur Annual Session → C. Vijayaraghavachariar
The Calcutta session approved the Non-Cooperation programme, while Nagpur formally strengthened and reorganised the Congress machinery.
27. Who among the following presided over the Gaya Session of 1922?
A. Motilal Nehru
B. Chittaranjan Das
C. Rajendra Prasad
D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: The major controversy concerned whether Congressmen should enter legislative councils. The No-Changers opposed council entry, while C.R. Das and others favoured it, eventually leading to the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1923.
28. Which Congress President is correctly matched with the 1928 Calcutta Session?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Motilal Nehru
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: B
Explanation: The Calcutta Session of 1928 was presided over by Motilal Nehru. The session discussed the constitutional proposals associated with the Nehru Report and the question of India's constitutional future.
29. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence?
1. Calcutta Session, 1906
2. Surat Session, 1907
3. Lucknow Session, 1916
4. Lahore Session, 1929
A. 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
B. 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
C. 1 → 3 → 2 → 4
D. 3 → 2 → 1 → 4
Answer: A
Explanation: 1906 Calcutta → 1907 Surat → 1916 Lucknow → 1929 Lahore
The progression also reflects major political developments: Swaraj/Swadeshi → Surat Split → Reunion/Lucknow Pact → Purna Swaraj.
30. Consider the following pairs:
1. Haripura — Subhas Chandra Bose
2. Tripuri — Subhas Chandra Bose
3. Karachi — Vallabhbhai Patel
4. Faizpur — Jawaharlal Nehru
Which are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
* Haripura, 1938 → Subhas Chandra Bose
* Tripuri, 1939 → Subhas Chandra Bose
* Karachi, 1931 → Vallabhbhai Patel
* Faizpur, 1936 → Jawaharlal Nehru
31. Which Congress session is associated with the Gandhi-Irwin Pact being endorsed and the Fundamental Rights resolution?
A. Lahore, 1929
B. Karachi, 1931
C. Faizpur, 1936
D. Haripura, 1938
Answer: B
32. Which statement about Subhas Chandra Bose's Congress presidency is correct?
A. He presided only over Haripura in 1938.
B. He presided over Haripura in 1938 and was re-elected at Tripuri in 1939.
C. He presided over Lahore in 1929 and Tripuri in 1939.
D. He was never elected Congress President.
Answer: B
Explanation: Bose became Congress President at Haripura in 1938. He was re-elected in 1939 at Tripuri, defeating Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the candidate supported by Gandhi. Political differences subsequently resulted in Bose's resignation.
33. Who succeeded Subhas Chandra Bose as Congress President after his resignation in 1939?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Rajendra Prasad
C. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
D. J.B. Kripalani
Answer: B. Rajendra Prasad
34. Which one of the following sequences correctly connects the Congress President, year and major event?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru — 1929 — Purna Swaraj
B. Vallabhbhai Patel — 1929 — Purna Swaraj
C. Subhas Bose — 1931 — Fundamental Rights
D. Gandhi — 1929 — Only Congress presidency
Answer: A
Explanation: The Lahore Session of 1929 was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru and adopted Purna Swaraj as the Congress goal.
* Patel → Karachi, 1931
* Bose → Haripura 1938 and Tripuri 1939
* Gandhi → Belgaum 1924, his only Congress presidency
35. Who presided over the Benares Session of the Indian National Congress in 1905?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
C. Surendranath Banerjee
D. Pherozeshah Mehta
Answer: B
Explanation: It was held against the background of the Partition of Bengal (1905) and the growing Swadeshi movement.
36. Which of the following correctly identifies the Congress President of the 1893 Lahore Session?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. Alfred Webb
C. George Yule
D. Romesh Chunder Dutt
Answer: A. Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation: He was one of the most influential early Congress leaders and developed the famous Drain of Wealth theory, which criticised the economic exploitation of India under British rule.
37. Consider the following pairs:
* 1896 — Rahimatullah M. Sayani
* 1905 — Gopal Krishna Gokhale
* 1906 — Dadabhai Naoroji
* 1907 — Rash Behari Ghosh
Which of the above are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
38. At which Congress session was Vande Mataram first sung?
A. Calcutta, 1896
B. Calcutta, 1906
C. Benares, 1905
D. Madras, 1887
Answer: A
Explanation: Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was first sung at the Calcutta Session 1896, presided over by Rahimatullah M. Sayani.
It subsequently became a powerful symbol of Indian nationalism.
39. Which of the following Congress sessions occurred before the Surat Split of 1907?
Benares, 1905
Calcutta, 1906
Madras, 1887
Lahore, 1909
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The Surat Split occurred in 1907. Therefore, the 1887 Madras, 1905 Benares, and 1906 Calcutta sessions preceded it. The 1909 Lahore Session came later.
39. Which Congress session was presided over by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1918?
A. Bombay Special Session
B. Delhi Session
C. Calcutta Session
D. Madras Session
Answer: A
40. Which statement regarding the 1918 Congress sessions is correct?
A. Both sessions were held in Calcutta.
B. Syed Hasan Imam presided over the Bombay Special Session and Madan Mohan Malaviya over the Delhi Session.
C. Annie Besant presided over both sessions.
D. Motilal Nehru presided over both sessions.
Answer: B
Explanation: The Congress held two sessions in 1918:
* Bombay Special Session → Syed Hasan Imam
* Delhi Session → Madan Mohan Malaviya
41. Which Congress session is correctly associated with Motilal Nehru?
A. Amritsar, 1919
B. Gaya, 1922
C. Calcutta, 1928
D. Both A and C
Answer: D
Explanation: Motilal Nehru presided over the Amritsar Session of 1919 and later the Calcutta Session of 1928.
The Gaya Session of 1922 was presided over by Chittaranjan Das.
42. The Belgaum Session of 1924 is unique because:
A. It was the first Congress session held in a rural area.
B. Mahatma Gandhi presided over it.
C. Sarojini Naidu became President.
D. Purna Swaraj was adopted.
Answer: B
43. Which of the following is the correct sequence?
A. Gandhi → Belgaum → 1924 → Only Congress presidency
B. Gandhi → Lahore → 1929 → Purna Swaraj
C. Gandhi → Karachi → 1931 → Fundamental Rights
D. Gandhi → Haripura → 1938 → Economic Planning
Answer: A
Explanation: Gandhi's only Congress presidency was at Belgaum in 1924.
The other major sessions were presided over by different leaders:
* Lahore 1929 → Jawaharlal Nehru
* Karachi 1931 → Vallabhbhai Patel
* Haripura 1938 → Subhas Chandra Bose
*****These are high-value factual combinations for WBCS, UPSC, SSC, Railways and other competitive examinations.
44. Which session is associated with the Congress decision to observe 26 January 1930 as Independence Day?
A. Calcutta, 1928
B. Lahore, 1929
C. Karachi, 1931
D. Madras, 1927
Answer: B
Explanation: Lahore 1929 -- Jawaharlal Nehru, adopted Purna Swaraj as the goal. The Congress decided to observe 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. This date later became constitutionally significant when India began celebrating Republic Day on 26 January 1950.
45. Which of the following Congress Presidents was elected twice consecutively in 1938 and 1939?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Rajendra Prasad
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: C. Subhas Chandra Bose
46. Who was the Congress President at the Meerut Session of 1946, one year before independence?
A. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
B. J.B. Kripalani
C. Rajendra Prasad
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: B
Explanation: J.B. Kripalani became Congress President in 1946 and presided over the Meerut Session. He was Congress President during the crucial final phase leading to independence.
47. Which of the following pairs contains all correct combinations?
A. 1905 — Gokhale — Benares
B. 1917 — Annie Besant — Calcutta
C. 1924 — Gandhi — Belgaum
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
48. Which of the following statements about the first session of the Indian National Congress is correct?
A. It was held at Calcutta under Dadabhai Naoroji.
B. It was held at Bombay under W.C. Bonnerjee.
C. It was held at Madras under Badruddin Tyabji.
D. It was held at Allahabad under George Yule.
Answer: B
49. Which of the following was NOT a feature of the early Congress sessions?
A. Constitutional agitation
B. Use of petitions and resolutions
C. Immediate demand for complete independence from the beginning
D. Demand for greater Indian participation in administration
Answer: C
Explanation: The early Congress was dominated by Moderates who generally believed in constitutional methods and initially sought administrative and political reforms rather than immediate complete independence.
Purna Swaraj became the official Congress goal much later, at Lahore in 1929.
50. Which sequence correctly represents the first three Congress Presidents?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji → W.C. Bonnerjee → Badruddin Tyabji
B. W.C. Bonnerjee → Dadabhai Naoroji → Badruddin Tyabji
C. W.C. Bonnerjee → Badruddin Tyabji → Dadabhai Naoroji
D. Badruddin Tyabji → W.C. Bonnerjee → Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: B
Explanation:
* 1885 → W.C. Bonnerjee
* 1886 → Dadabhai Naoroji
* 1887 → Badruddin Tyabji
***This sequence is a basic but frequently tested Congress fact.
51. Who among the following was associated with the Surat Session of 1907?
A. Dadabhai Naoroji
B. Rash Behari Ghosh
C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
D. Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: B
Explanation: Rash Behari Ghosh was the President of the Surat Session of 1907, where the Congress experienced the famous Moderate–Extremist Split.
Exam Trap: Do not confuse Rash Behari Ghosh (Congress leader) with Rash Behari Bose (revolutionary).
52. Which Congress session marked the reunion of the Moderates and Extremists after the Surat Split?
A. Calcutta, 1906
B. Lucknow, 1916
C. Amritsar, 1919
D. Nagpur, 1920
Answer: B. Lucknow, 1916
53. Which pair of Congress sessions is correctly matched with the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A. Calcutta Special Session, 1920 — Lala Lajpat Rai
B. Nagpur Session, 1920 — C. Vijayaraghavachariar
C. Both A and B
D. Lahore Session, 1929 — Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: C
54. Which Congress session is particularly associated with the debate between “Pro-Changers” and “No-Changers”?
A. Gaya, 1922
B. Nagpur, 1920
C. Lahore, 1929
D. Karachi, 1931
Answer: A
Explanation: The Gaya Session of 1922, presided over by Chittaranjan Das.
The Pro-Changers favoured council entry, while the No-Changers preferred continuing constructive work outside the councils. The dispute contributed to the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1923.
55. Consider the following events:
* Simon Commission boycott
* Nehru Report
* Purna Swaraj
* Fundamental Rights Resolution
Which is the correct chronological order?
A. 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
B. 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
C. 1 → 3 → 2 → 4
D. 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
Answer: A
Explanation:
* 1927 → Simon Commission boycott
* 1928 → Nehru Report
* 1929 → Purna Swaraj
* 1931 → Fundamental Rights Resolution
56. Who presided over the Congress when Purna Swaraj was adopted as the official objective?
A. Motilal Nehru
B. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. Vallabhbhai Patel
D. Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru Lahore Session of 1929
57. Which one of the following is incorrectly matched?
A. 1927 — M.A. Ansari — Madras
B. 1928 — Motilal Nehru — Calcutta
C. 1929 — Jawaharlal Nehru — Lahore
D. 1931 — Jawaharlal Nehru — Karachi
Answer: D
Explanation:
* 1927 → M.A. Ansari
* 1928 → Motilal Nehru
* 1929 → Jawaharlal Nehru
* 1931 → Vallabhbhai Patel
58. Which Congress President is associated with the National Economic Programme and Fundamental Rights resolutions?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Vallabhbhai Patel
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Rajendra Prasad
Answer: B. Vallabhbhai Patel The Karachi Session of 1931
59. Which pair is CORRECTLY matched?
A. Faizpur — 1936 — Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Haripura — 1938 — Rajendra Prasad
C. Tripuri — 1939 — Maulana Azad
D. Ramgarh — 1940 — J.B. Kripalani
Answer: A
Explanation:
* Faizpur 1936 → Jawaharlal Nehru
* Haripura 1938 → Subhas Chandra Bose
* Tripuri 1939 → Subhas Chandra Bose
* Ramgarh 1940 → Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
60. Which statement about the Haripura and Tripuri Sessions is correct?
A. Bose presided over Haripura but not Tripuri.
B. Bose presided over both Haripura and Tripuri, but the Tripuri presidency led to a major internal crisis.
C. Nehru presided over both sessions.
D. Patel presided over Haripura and Bose over Tripuri.
Answer: B
61. Which of the following is the most accurate chronological chain of major Congress milestones?
A. Surat Split → Lucknow Pact/Reunion → Non-Cooperation → Purna Swaraj → Fundamental Rights
B. Lucknow Pact → Surat Split → Purna Swaraj → Non-Cooperation → Fundamental Rights
C. Non-Cooperation → Surat Split → Lucknow Pact → Purna Swaraj → Fundamental Rights
D. Purna Swaraj → Surat Split → Non-Cooperation → Lucknow Pact → Fundamental Rights
Answer: A
****This sequence is particularly useful for solving chronology-based WBCS/UPSC questions.
62. Which of the following correctly identifies the President of the 1890 Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress?
A. Pherozeshah Mehta
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Surendranath Banerjee
D. George Yule
Answer: A
Explanation: The 1890 Calcutta Session was presided over by Pherozeshah Mehta, one of the prominent Moderate leaders of the early Congress. He was popularly known as the “Lion of Bombay.”
63. Consider the following pairs:
* 1893 — Dadabhai Naoroji — Lahore
* 1894 — Alfred Webb — Madras
* 1895 — Surendranath Banerjee — Poona
* 1896 — Rahimatullah M. Sayani — Calcutta
Which of the pairs are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
64. Who was the President of the Madras Session of 1894?
A. Alfred Webb
B. George Yule
C. Henry Cotton
D. William Wedderburn
Answer: A. Alfred Webb
65. Which Congress President is correctly matched with the 1895 Poona Session?
A. Surendranath Banerjee
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Pherozeshah Mehta
D. Romesh Chunder Dutt
Answer: A. Surendranath Banerjee
Explanation: The 1895 Poona Session was presided over by Surendranath Banerjee, a prominent early nationalist and founder of the Indian National Association.
66. Who presided over the 1904 Bombay Session of the Indian National Congress?
A. Sir Henry Cotton
B. Sir William Wedderburn
C. Henry John Stedman Cotton
D. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta
Answer: A
Explanation: Sir Henry Cotton presided over the Bombay Session of 1904. He was a British civil servant who sympathised with Indian nationalist aspirations.
66. Arrange the following Congress sessions in chronological order:
1. Ahmedabad
2. Calcutta
3. Madras
4. Benares
A. Calcutta → Ahmedabad → Madras → Benares
B. Ahmedabad → Calcutta → Benares → Madras
C. Calcutta → Madras → Ahmedabad → Benares
D. Madras → Calcutta → Ahmedabad → Benares
Answer: A
Explanation:
* 1901 → Calcutta → Dinshaw Wacha
* 1902 → Ahmedabad → Surendranath Banerjee
* 1903 → Madras → Lal Mohan Ghosh
* 1905 → Benares → Gopal Krishna Gokhale
67. Which of the following Congress Presidents was not a Moderate-era President?
A. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Surendranath Banerjee
D. Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: D
Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Surendranath Banerjee were major leaders of the early Moderate tradition.
Subhas Chandra Bose belonged to a much later generation and represented a more radical nationalist approach within Congress politics.
68. Which of the following represents the best chronological progression of major Congress developments?
A. First Congress Session → Swaraj Resolution → Surat Split → Lucknow Reunion → Purna Swaraj
B. Surat Split → First Congress Session → Lucknow Reunion → Swaraj Resolution → Purna Swaraj
C. First Congress Session → Lucknow Reunion → Surat Split → Purna Swaraj → Swaraj Resolution
D. Swaraj Resolution → First Congress Session → Surat Split → Purna Swaraj → Lucknow Reunion
Answer: A
69. The 1905 Benares Session is particularly significant because it:
A. Marked the beginning of the Swadeshi-era nationalist response to the Partition of Bengal
B. Adopted Purna Swaraj
C. Created the Swaraj Party
D. Passed the Quit India Resolution
Answer: A
70. The 1906 Calcutta Session is particularly significant because:
A. The Congress accepted Swaraj as its goal and supported Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education
B. Congress was divided into two groups
C. Gandhi became President
D. Fundamental Rights were adopted
Answer: A
71. The 1907 Surat Session is particularly significant because:
A. Congress and the Muslim League signed the Lucknow Pact
B. Moderates and Extremists split
C. Purna Swaraj was adopted
D. Non-Cooperation was launched
Answer: B
72. The 1916 Lucknow Session is particularly significant because:
A. It witnessed the reunion of Moderates and Extremists and the Congress-League Lucknow Pact
B. It adopted the Quit India Resolution
C. It declared Purna Swaraj
D. It created the Swaraj Party
Answer: A
Explanation: Lucknow Session of 1916, presided over by Ambika Charan Mazumdar, is famous for two major developments:
* Moderates and Extremists reunited
* Lucknow Pact between the Congress and Muslim League
73. The 1920 Calcutta Special Session is particularly significant because:
A. The Non-Cooperation programme was approved
B. Purna Swaraj was adopted
C. The Fundamental Rights resolution was passed
D. The Swaraj Party was formed
Answer: A
Explanation: The Calcutta Special Session of 1920, presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai, approved Gandhi's Non-Cooperation programme. The programme was subsequently endorsed and organisationally strengthened at the Nagpur Session of 1920.
74. The Benares Session associated with Gopal Krishna Gokhale and the Swadeshi-era political response was held in:
A. 1903
B. 1904
C. 1905
D. 1906
Answer: C. 1905
75. The famous Surat Split in the Indian National Congress took place in:
A. 1905
B. 1906
C. 1907
D. 1908
Answer: C. 1907
Explanation: The Congress split between Moderates and Extremists at the Surat Session of 1907.
76. The Amritsar Session of the Congress, held after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, took place in:
A. 1918
B. 1919
C. 1920
D. 1921
Answer: B. 1919
Explanation: The Amritsar Session of 1919 was presided over by Motilal Nehru and took place against the background of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
77. The Congress Session at Nagpur, which reorganised the Congress organisation and strengthened its mass character, was held in:
A. 1919
B. 1920
C. 1921
D. 1922
Answer: B. 1920
Explanation: The Nagpur Session of December 1920, presided over by C. Vijayaraghavachariar, reorganised Congress committees largely along linguistic lines and strengthened the organisation's mass base.
78. Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress for the only time at Belgaum in:
A. 1922
B. 1923
C. 1924
D. 1925
Answer: C. 1924
Explanation: Gandhi presided over the Belgaum Session of 1924. It was his only Congress presidency.
79. The Congress decided to boycott the Simon Commission at its Madras Session in:
A. 1926
B. 1927
C. 1928
D. 1929
Answer: B. 1927
Explanation: The Madras Session of 1927, presided over by M.A. Ansari, adopted a strong position against the Simon Commission.
80. The Congress Karachi Session, famous for its Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme resolutions, was held in:
A. 1929
B. 1930
C. 1931
D. 1932
Answer: C. 1931
Explanation: The Karachi Session of 1931 was presided over by Vallabhbhai Patel. The session adopted important resolutions on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme.
*****HIGH-LEVEL REVISION TRICKS | SESSION | SIGNIFICANCE*****
1885 Bombay → First INC Session
1887 Madras → First Muslim President
1888 Allahabad → First English President
1896 Calcutta → Vande Mataram first sung
1905 Benares → Swadeshi-era Congress
1906 Calcutta → Swaraj + Swadeshi + Boycott
1907 Surat → Moderate–Extremist Split
1916 Lucknow → Reunion + Lucknow Pact
1917 Calcutta → First Woman President
1919 Amritsar → Post-Jallianwala Bagh
1920 Calcutta Special → Non-Cooperation
1920 Nagpur → Congress reorganisation
1922 Gaya → Council Entry debate
1924 Belgaum → Only Gandhi presidency
1925 Kanpur → First Indian Woman President
1927 Madras → Simon Commission boycott
1929 Lahore → Purna Swaraj
1931 Karachi → Fundamental Rights
1936 Faizpur → First Rural Session
1938 Haripura → Subhas Bose + Economic Planning