Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress (INC), presiding over its inaugural session in 1885?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, became the principal organisation leading India's struggle for independence. Its first session was held in Bombay (Mumbai), and a prominent Indian lawyer and nationalist was chosen to preside over the meeting. This question tests your knowledge of the first president of the INC.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year of the first INC session is 1885.
• The location was Bombay (now Mumbai).
• The question is about the presiding officer, that is, the president of the session.
• The options list several early Congress leaders and prominent public men.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, we must connect the founding of the Congress with the name of the person who chaired its first meeting. Historical references frequently mention him as a leading barrister from Bengal, who helped lend prestige and credibility to the infant organisation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that the INC was founded with the encouragement of A. O. Hume and a group of Indian leaders.2. The first session took place in December 1885 in Bombay, with 72 delegates.3. The president of this first session was Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, often written as W. C. Banerji or Bonnerjee.4. Ananda Charlu, S. Subramania Iyer, and Surendranath Banerjee were important figures but presided over later sessions.5. Dadabhai Naoroji was an early Congress president but not the very first; he presided at later sessions (e.g., 1886 and subsequent years).6. Therefore, the correct answer is W. C. Banerji.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most standard textbooks state clearly that W. C. Banerji presided over the first INC session. His presidency symbolised the Congress's early character as a constitutional and moderate body, seeking reform within the British Empire. Cross-checking multiple history guides confirms this consistent detail, leaving no doubt regarding the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ananda Charlu: A later Congress president, not associated with the 1885 inaugural session.
• S. Subramania Iyer: A respected leader and jurist, but not the first INC president.
• Surendranath Banerjee: A leading nationalist and orator, but he did not preside over the first Congress session.
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Although very prominent and one of the earliest Congress presidents, he was not the first; he presided at later sessions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse 'earliest leaders' with 'first president'. Because names like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee are very famous, learners may mistakenly select them. Always remember the specific pairing: first INC session in 1885 at Bombay and first president W. C. Banerji.

Final Answer:
The first president of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was W. C. Banerji (Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee).