The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marked a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. However, the path leading to the INC was paved by a series of early political and social organizations that laid the groundwork for political consciousness, debate, and reform. These associations, founded across India and even in Britain, played a crucial role in uniting Indians and voicing their concerns against British policies. Here's a detailed look at key organizations that emerged before the INC, their founders, and their significance.
1. Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha (1836)
Founder: Raja Ram Mohan Roy
This was one of the earliest socio-political associations. It aimed to promote the Bengali language and create awareness about Indian issues. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a pioneer of Indian reformism, used this platform to voice rational thought and oppose colonial injustice.
2. Zamindari Association (1837)
Location: Bengal
Founder: Dwarkanath Tagore
Also known as the Landholders' Society, this was India's first political organization. It mainly represented the interests of zamindars (landowners) and sought to protect their property rights under British rule. Although elitist, it marked the beginning of organized political activity
3. British India Society (1839)
Location: London
Founder: William Adam
This association was created by British and Indian reformers in London. It focused on exposing the exploitative nature of British colonialism to the British public and Parliament. It also sought better governance in India.
4. The Bengal British India Society (1843)
Location: Bengal
Founders: Dwarkanath Tagore, Radhakant Deb
This society merged with the Zamindari Association in 1851 to form the British India Association. It raised political awareness and criticized unjust colonial policies.
5. British India Association (1851)
Location: Bengal
Founders: Dwarkanath Tagore, Radhakant Deb
A merger of earlier Bengal-based societies, it represented Indian grievances in British courts and legislatures. It functioned like a pressure group advocating administrative reforms.
6. Madras Native Association (1852)
Location: Madras
Founder: Gazulu Chetty
It was the first political organization in South India. Though it had limited reach and dissolved quickly, it inspired the formation of later South Indian associations.
7. Bombay Association (1852)
Location: Bombay
Founder: Jagannath Shankar Seth
This was the first political association in Western India. It promoted legal and constitutional reforms and submitted petitions to British authorities on behalf of Indian citizen
8. East India Association (1866)
Location: London
Founder: Dadabhai Naoroji
One of the most significant organizations, it aimed to inform the British public about Indian issues. Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India,’ used it to critique British economic policies and promote Indian welfare.
9. Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870)
Location: Poona (now Pune)
Founders: M. G. Ranade, Ganesh Vasudev Joshi, S. H. Chipalunkar
This Sabha worked to bridge the gap between the government and the people. It also encouraged Indians to participate in public affairs and express their opinions through petitions and debates
10. National Indian Association (1870)
Location: London
Founder: Mary Carpenter
Founded to promote social reform and education in India, it supported Indian students in Britain and encouraged intellectual exchange between British and Indian reformers.
11. Indian Society (1872)
Location: London
Founder: Anand Mohan Bose
Formed by Indian students in Britain, this society fostered political dialogue and national pride among the Indian diaspora.
12. Indian League (1875)
Location: Bengal
Founder: Sisir Kumar Ghosh
It advocated for the political rights of Indians and the representation of Indians in British institutions. The League was an early voice for civil liberties and constitutional reforms.
13. The Indian Association of Calcutta (1876)
Location: Bengal
Founders: S. N. Banerjea, Anand Mohan Bose
This was a powerful and inclusive organization that brought together students, professionals, and political thinkers. It aimed to unify Indian voices against colonial policies and became a forerunner to the INC.
14. Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884)
Location: Madras
Founders: M. Veeraraghavachari, G. Subramania Aiyer, P. Anand Charlu
This was South India’s most prominent political platform before the INC. It worked for administrative reforms and became instrumental in national-level movements.
15. Bombay Presidency Association (1885)
Location: Bombay
Founders: K. T. Telang, Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozshah Mehta
It represented educated Indians of Bombay and actively pushed for Indian participation in legislative councils. Badruddin Tyabji later became the third president of the INC.
Conclusion: The Silent Builders of a Nation
While the Indian National Congress is often seen as the beginning of organized nationalism, these early organizations played a foundational role in shaping India’s political landscape. They helped nurture
political awareness, built communication networks among reformers, and exposed Indians to democratic principles. Their legacy lives on in the democratic institutions of modern India.
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