Congress and RSS, covering their origin, pre-independence activities, and post-independence evolution, organized chronologically and contextually:

 Congress and RSS, covering their origin, pre-independence activities, and post-independence evolution, organized chronologically and contextually:

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1. Indian National Congress (INC)

Origin:

Founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, and Badruddin Tyabji.

Purpose: Initially a platform for dialogue between Indians and the British, seeking political reform, greater representation in governance, and addressing administrative grievances.

Early members were largely Western-educated elite, lawyers, teachers, and professionals from urban centers.

Pre-Independence Phase (1885–1947):

Moderate Phase (1885–1905):

Congress focused on petitions, dialogues, and reforms rather than agitation.

Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Demands: Increased Indian participation in administration, economic reforms, and civil rights.

Extremist Phase (1905–1919):

Rise of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai.

Advocacy of self-rule (Swaraj) and mass mobilization.

Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908): Protest against the partition of Bengal, promoting Indian goods.

Gandhian Era (1919–1947):

Post World War I, mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), Civil Disobedience (1930), Quit India Movement (1942).

Congress became a mass organization, involving peasants, workers, students, and women.

Core ideology: Non-violence (Ahimsa), Civil Resistance, and Swaraj.

Key Contributions:

Uniting different sections of Indian society against colonial rule.

Negotiating with British for reforms and eventually independence.

Building an organizational and political framework that would later govern India.

Post-Independence Phase (1947 onwards):

Congress became the dominant political party in independent India.

Leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi.

Role:

Drafted the Constitution of India (1950).

Established democratic institutions, planned economy, and non-aligned foreign policy.

Challenges:

Emergence of opposition parties, regionalism, and factionalism within Congress.

Legacy:

Seen as the architect of modern India, though criticized for later centralization and dynastic politics.

2. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

Origin:

Founded in 1925 by Dr. K. B. Hedgewar in Nagpur.

Ideology: Hindu nationalist organization, focusing on cultural revival and social discipline.

Objective: Strengthen Hindu society through physical, moral, and intellectual training, preparing for national service.

Organizational Structure:

Shakhas (daily training centers) for physical drills, ideological education, and social bonding.

Pre-Independence Phase (1925–1947):

Initially focused on social and cultural awakening rather than political action.

Goals:

Strengthen Hindu identity, discipline, and communal unity.

Address social issues such as caste divisions and regional disparities among Hindus.

Political Role:

Limited direct political activity; however, RSS members were involved in nationalist movements, especially during crises like partition riots.

Criticism:

Seen as communal by some historians due to emphasis on Hindu identity.

Often contrasted with Congress’s secular and inclusive nationalism.

Post-Independence Phase (1947 onwards):

After independence, RSS became more structured and extensive.

Banned in 1948 briefly after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination (Nathuram Godse, his assassin, was a former RSS member), later reinstated.

Focus areas:

Nation-building through education, social service, and moral training.

Influenced politics indirectly through Bharatiya Jana Sangh (later Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP).

Present Role:

Grassroots social influence through schools, shakhas, and welfare programs.

Ideologically shapes the Hindutva discourse in Indian politics.

3. Comparison: Congress vs RSS

Aspect Congress RSS

Founded 1885 1925

Founders Allan O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji K. B. Hedgewar

Core Ideology Political reform, secular nationalism, democracy Hindu cultural revival, nationalism (Hindutva)

Pre-Independence Role Mass movements, civil disobedience, political negotiations Social discipline, cultural revival, limited political role

Post-Independence Role Governing party, democratic institutions Social and cultural organization, political influence via BJP

Methodology Non-violent protest, political negotiation Shakhas, ideological education, community service

Summary Insight:

The Congress was primarily a political engine driving India’s independence through inclusive mass mobilization and secular ideals. The RSS, while also nationalist, emphasized cultural rejuvenation and discipline, focusing on Hindu identity rather than mass political engagement. After independence, Congress became the main governing party, while RSS continued to shape society and politics indirectly, influencing parties like BJP and the broader discourse of Hindutva.