Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress

Early Political Associations

Before the Indian National Congress, several political associations emerged across India, each contributing to the early political landscape. These included early associations with administrative and educational demands, various regional groups like those in Bengal, Bombay, and Madras, and their evolving political agendas. Key organizations included the Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha, Zamindari Association, and Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, which laid the groundwork for future political movements.

• Initial Demands: Early associations primarily demanded administrative reforms, Indian participation in administration, and the spread of education.
• Aristocratic Influence: These associations were mostly dominated by wealthy and aristocratic elements and had a local or regional focus.
• Political Agenda: Over time, these associations evolved to address broader political and social issues.

Political Associations in Bengal

• Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha (1836): Formed by associates of Raja Rammohan Roy, focused on promoting Bengali language and literature.
• Zamindari Association (Landholders’ Society): Founded to safeguard the interests of landlords, marking the beginning of organized political activity.
• Bengal British India Society (1843): Aimed to collect and disseminate information about British India’s conditions and advocate for the welfare of all classes.
• British Indian Association (1851): Resulting from the merger of the Landholders’ Society and the Bengal British India Society, it petitioned for administrative and legislative reforms.
• East India Association (1866): Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in London to discuss Indian issues and influence British public opinion.
• Indian League (1875): Started by Sisir Kumar Ghosh to stimulate nationalism and encourage political education.
• Indian Association (1876): Superseded the Indian League, founded by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose, aimed at political advancement and unification of Indian people.

Political Associations in Bombay

• Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1867): Founded by Mahadeo Govind Ranade and others, aimed at serving as a bridge between the government and the people.
• Bombay Presidency Association (1885): Established by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozshah Mehta, and K.T. Telang, focusing on political reforms and public welfare.

Political Associations in Madras

• Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884): Founded by M. Viraraghavachari, B. Subramaniya Aiyer, and P. Ananda-charlu, focused on political and social reforms in Madras.