Early Political Associations | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Emergence of Indian Nationalism and Early Political Associations 

• The period following the significant revolt of 1857 marked a phase of disillusionment among Indians. Expectations stemming from Queen Victoria's proclamation remained unfulfilled, revealing that foreign governance posed a genuine obstacle to India's economic, political, and cultural advancement.
• The failure of the British to honor the pledges made during Queen Victoria's proclamation intensified the realization among Indians that foreign domination hindered India's progress on various fronts.
• It was during this era that the seeds of Indian Nationalism were sown. The disillusionment with British rule coupled with the influence of religious and social reform movements catalyzed the growth of nationalist sentiments.

Factors leading to the emergence of Indian Nationalism

Political unity

• British rule facilitated the political unification of India, encouraging people to perceive the nation as a cohesive entity.
• Social and religious reform movements played a vital role in fostering awareness and unity among the populace.

Economic Exploitation by the British

• The primary objective of the British was to siphon off India's wealth to Britain.
• By the late 19th century, India had transformed into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British manufactured goods, serving as a lucrative investment destination for British capital.

Contact with other European Nations

• The adoption of English as the language of the educated Indians facilitated exposure to Western ideas and cultures.
• Inspired by the unification processes in Germany and Italy, Indians were motivated to strive for their own independence.

Social and Religious Movements 

• Influential figures like Raja Rammohan Roy, Swamy Dayananda Saraswathi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, and Dr. Annie Besant played pivotal roles in revitalizing the spirit of India and its people. They laid the groundwork for the emergence of the Indian national movement.
• Swamy Dayananda Saraswathi was the first Indian to articulate the concept of Swaraj, reflecting a vision for self-governance and independence.

Development of Communication and Transport 

• The introduction of railways, telegraphs, wireless communication, postal services, and the construction of roads and canals significantly bolstered industrial development in India. This growth in industry played a unifying role among the diverse populace of the country.
• The proliferation of press and newspapers further facilitated the spread of information and ideas across the nation, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared identity.

Press and Newspapers 

• The Indian press played a crucial role in fostering and spreading the sentiment of Nationalism.
• A plethora of newspapers emerged in various regional languages, predominantly espousing anti-British sentiments.
• These newspapers effectively mirrored public sentiments, thereby cultivating a sense of national identity among the masses.
• The enactment of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 severely restricted press freedom, while the Arms Act of 1878 prohibited Indians from possessing arms.
• Under these circumstances, the Indian National Congress was established in 1885 to champion the rights of Indians.

Political Organizations in Colonial India

During the colonial era in India, various political organizations emerged to address grievances and advocate for the rights of Indians.
Let's delve into the significant associations that played crucial roles in shaping India's political landscape:

The British Indian Association (1851)

• The British Indian Association, founded in 1851, was the first political organization from Bengal that united Indians.
• Raja Radhakanta Deb served as the President of its inaugural committee, with Debendranath Tagore as the secretary.
• The society's newspaper was named the "Hindu Patriot."

The Bombay Association (1852)

• Established in 1852 by Dadabhai Naoroji, the Bombay Association was the first political association in the Bombay presidency.
• Its primary aim was to voice public grievances to the British authorities.

Madras Native Association (1852)

• Formed in 1852 in the Madras Presidency by Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty, the Madras Native Association provided a platform for educated Indians to protest against injustices by the British.

London Indian Society (1865)

• Established in 1865 by four students - Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, W. C. Bonnerjee, and Manmohan Ghose - the London Indian Society aimed to foster Indian interests.

East India Association (1866)

• Founded in 1866 by Indian students in London under the leadership of Dadabhai Naoroji, the East India Association was a precursor to the Indian National Congress.

Poona Sarvojanik Sabha (1870)

• Established in 1870 by S. H. Chiplunkar, Ganesh Vasudeo Joshi, and Mahadev Govind Ranade, the Poona Sarvojanik Sabha served as a mediator between the government and Indian populace, advocating for peasants' legal rights.

The Madras Mahajana Sabha (1884)

• Formed in 1884 by S.Ramaswami Mudaliar, P. Rangaiah Naidu, and P. Anandacharlu, the Madras Mahajana Sabha aimed to liberate India from British rule and address the challenges faced by Indians.