Indian Association of Calcutta and its Significance in Pre-Congress Nationalist Movement

Introduction:
In the pre-independence era, various organisations played a critical role in India's struggle for freedom. The Indian Association of Calcutta was one of the most significant pre-Congress nationalist organisations.

Founding of Indian Association:
The Indian Association of Calcutta was founded in 1876 by S.N. Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose. The primary objective of the organisation was to promote the political, economic, and social interests of the Indian people.

Role in Nationalist Movement:
The Indian Association of Calcutta played a significant role in the nationalist movement. It organised a series of public meetings and conferences to raise awareness among the Indian people about the need for political reforms and the importance of self-rule.

The association also organised a series of protests against the British government's policies. In 1883, it launched a massive campaign against the Bengal Tenancy Act, which was seen as a tool to exploit the poor farmers.

In 1885, the Indian National Congress was founded, and many members of the Indian Association of Calcutta played a crucial role in its formation. A.O. Hume, the founder of the Congress, was a member of the association.

The Indian Association of Calcutta also played a significant role in the Swadeshi movement, which aimed to promote Indian goods and boycott foreign goods. The association supported the movement and organised various campaigns to promote Indian goods.

Conclusion:
The Indian Association of Calcutta was a significant pre-Congress nationalist organisation that played a pivotal role in India's struggle for freedom. It raised awareness among the Indian people about the need for political reforms and self-rule and organised various campaigns to achieve these objectives. Its contribution to the Swadeshi movement and the formation of the Indian National Congress was also significant.