 In 1857 , many Indians had risen in revolt against British rule . In the aftermath of the conflict , some Anglo @-@ Indians , as well as Indians in Britain , called for greater self @-@ government for the subcontinent , resulting in the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885 . Most founding members had been educated in Britain , and were content with the minimal reform efforts being made by the government . Muslims were not enthusiastic about calls for democratic institutions in British India , as they constituted a quarter to a third of the population , outnumbered by the Hindus . Early meetings of the Congress contained a minority of Muslims , mostly from the elite . 
