Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress - Before the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, several political associations laid the groundwork for the organized nationalist movement in India. These early organizations were instrumental in fostering political awareness, advocating for Indian rights, and challenging British colonial policies. They reflected the growing discontent among the educated elite and marked the evolution of modern political consciousness in India.
Early Beginnings: Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha (1836)
The Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha, formed in 1836 by associates of Raja Rammohan Roy, is considered one of the earliest political forums in India. The Sabha primarily focused on discussing social and political issues of the time, becoming a precursor to later political movements.
The Zamindari Association (1837)
Also known as the Landholders' Society, this association was founded by Dwarkanath Tagore to protect the interests of landlords. It is considered the first organized political activity in India, representing a constitutional approach to grievance redressal. The Zamindari Association also marked the beginning of organized political activities in the country.
Bengal British India Society (1843)
Established by George Thompson, Dwarkanath Tagore, Chandramohan Chatterjee, and Parmananda Maitra, the Bengal British India Society aimed to disseminate information about the condition of Indians under British rule. It worked towards collecting data to highlight the plight of Indians and press for reforms.
British Indian Association (1851)
The British Indian Association emerged from the merger of the Landholders' Society and the Bengal British India Society. Under the leadership of Radhakant Deb and Debendranath Tagore, it became a significant voice in advocating for reforms. The association presented a petition to the British Parliament in 1852, demanding the establishment of universities, the abolition of certain taxes, and the separation of executive and judicial powers.
East India Association (1866)
Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in London, the East India Association aimed to influence British public opinion on Indian affairs. The association later expanded to establish branches in major Indian cities, providing a platform to discuss political and social issues affecting Indians.
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and the Indian League
The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, established in 1867 by Mahadev Govind Ranade, sought to act as a bridge between the government and the people. Similarly, the Indian League, founded in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh, aimed to promote education and stimulate nationalism among Indians.
Indian Association of Calcutta (1876)
The Indian Association of Calcutta, also known as the Indian National Association, was led by Surendranath Banerjee and Anand Mohan Bose. The association emerged as a reaction to the conservative policies of the British Indian Association. It played a critical role in organizing the first all-India conference in Calcutta, serving as a precursor to the formation of the Indian National Congress.
The Indian Association opposed repressive laws such as the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act while advocating for the simultaneous holding of civil service examinations in England and India and the Indianization of administrative posts.
All-India Conference (1883)
Sponsored by the Indian Association of Calcutta, the All-India Conference held in 1883 was a significant milestone in the journey towards an organized nationalist movement. The conference brought together representatives from across India, setting the stage for the eventual creation of the INC in 1885.
Madras Mahajan Sabha and Bombay Presidency Association
The Madras Mahajan Sabha, founded in 1884 by M. Viraraghavachari, B. Subramania Iyer, and P. Ananda Charlu, was instrumental in voicing political concerns in southern India. The Bombay Presidency Association, established in 1885 by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and K.T. Telang, sought to represent the interests of western India. Both associations were actively involved in advocating for reforms and were precursors to the broader nationalist movement.
FAQs About Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress
What was the first political association in India?
The Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha, formed in 1836 by associates of Raja Rammohan Roy, is considered one of the first political associations in India.Who founded the Zamindari Association, and what was its objective?
The Zamindari Association, also known as the Landholders' Society, was founded by Dwarkanath Tagore in 1837 to safeguard the interests of landlords and address grievances through constitutional means.What role did the Indian Association of Calcutta play in Indian politics?
Led by Surendranath Banerjee and Anand Mohan Bose, the Indian Association of Calcutta opposed repressive British policies, organized the first all-India conference, and advocated for administrative reforms.What was the significance of the British Indian Association?
Established in 1851, the British Indian Association presented a petition to the British Parliament in 1852, demanding educational and administrative reforms, including the separation of executive and judicial powers.How did the East India Association contribute to Indian political awareness?
Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866, the East India Association aimed to influence British opinion on Indian affairs and later expanded to serve as a platform for discussing political issues in India.How did these associations lead to the formation of the Indian National Congress?
These associations laid the groundwork for political awareness and organized nationalist activities, culminating in the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 to represent Indian interests on a national platform.These early political associations represent the first steps towards organized resistance against British colonial rule, laying the foundation for the eventual success of the nationalist movement in India.
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