Allan Octavian Hume (A.O. Hume) was a British civil servant, social reformer, and founder of the Indian National Congress (INC). He played a key role in the early political awakening of India.
1. Early Life & Career
✔ Born: June 4, 1829, in England.
✔ Joined Indian Civil Service (ICS): 1849.
✔ Served in India for 44 years (1849–1894).
✔ Positions Held:
- District Collector of Etawah (U.P.) – Worked for famine relief and local reforms.
- Secretary to the Government of India (Home Department) (1870-1879).
- Retired from ICS in 1882 due to differences with the British government.
2. Role in Founding Indian National Congress (INC)
✔ Founded INC on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (Mumbai).
✔ Reason for INC Formation:
- Hume believed that Indians should be given a platform to voice their grievances peacefully.
- The British government feared a mass uprising like the Revolt of 1857, so Hume wanted to provide an outlet for political discussions.
✔ Role in the First INC Session (1885): - Helped organize the first session in Bombay, attended by 72 delegates.
- W.C. Bonnerjee was elected the first President.
✔ Encouraged Indian leaders to unite for reforms under British rule.
3. Contributions to India
✔ Political Awakening:
- Helped create a national platform for educated Indians.
- Inspired moderate leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee.
✔ Social Reforms: - Advocated for education, famine relief, and administrative improvements.
- Worked on agricultural and irrigation policies to help Indian farmers.
✔ Environment & Ornithology: - A.O. Hume was also a noted ornithologist (bird expert).
- He wrote “The Game Birds of India, Burma, and Ceylon”.
- Founded the Indian National Congress of Birds (precursor to the Bombay Natural History Society).
4. Later Years & Death
✔ Left India in 1894 and settled in England.
✔ Continued to advocate for Indian interests.
✔ Died on July 31, 1912, in London.
5. MCQs on AO Hume
1. Who is known as the “Father of the Indian National Congress”?
- (a) Dadabhai Naoroji
- (b) A.O. Hume
- (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- (d) W.C. Bonnerjee
- Answer: (b) A.O. Hume
2. In which year was the Indian National Congress founded?
- (a) 1883
- (b) 1885
- (c) 1905
- (d) 1919
- Answer: (b) 1885
3. A.O. Hume was associated with which field apart from politics?
- (a) Medicine
- (b) Ornithology
- (c) Engineering
- (d) Law
- Answer: (b) Ornithology
4. Why did A.O. Hume help in the formation of INC?
- (a) To overthrow British rule
- (b) To provide a platform for Indian political discussions
- (c) To suppress Indian uprisings
- (d) To promote English education in India
- Answer: (b) To provide a platform for Indian political discussions
6. Quick Revision – Key Facts on A.O. Hume
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Allan Octavian Hume |
| Born | June 4, 1829, England |
| Indian Civil Service (ICS) | 1849-1894 |
| Key Contribution | Founder of Indian National Congress (1885) |
| First INC Session | Bombay (1885) |
| Famous For | Political reform, Ornithology |
| Died | July 31, 1912, London |
A.O. Hume is important for UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs as he played a vital role in India’s political awakening. Let me know if you need mind maps or further details! 😊