How did the Congress party evolve from its origins in 1885?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
Congress underwent a significant transformation from its inception in 1885 as a pressure group representing the educated, professional, and commercial classes. Over time, it evolved into a mass movement, laying the foundation for its eventual transition into a dominant political party within the Indian political system. Initially, Congress primarily consisted of the English-speaking, upper caste, upper middle-class, and urban elites. However, with each civil disobedience movement it spearheaded, its social base expanded, bringing together diverse groups with often conflicting interests.