Political Association before Indian National Congress | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Political Associations in the Nineteenth Century

• In the early nineteenth century, political associations were largely dominated by wealthy and aristocratic individuals, with a focus on local or regional issues. They petitioned the British Parliament for:
• Administrative reforms
• Involvement of Indians in administration
• Promotion of education

Rise of National Political Consciousness:

• In the latter half of the nineteenth century, there was a surge in national political consciousness and the establishment of an organized national movement.
• During this time, the modern Indian intelligentsia formed political associations to promote political education and initiate political work based on new ideas and objectives.
• The task was challenging as Indians were unfamiliar with modern political practices, the concept of organizing politically against their rulers was new.
• As a result, the efforts of these early associations and political workers progressed slowly, taking over fifty years to engage the common people in modern politics.

Shift in Dominance:

• In the second half of the nineteenth century, political associations became increasingly dominated by the educated middle class, including lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, who had a broader perspective and agenda.

Impact of the 1857 Revolt:

• The failure of the 1857 revolt highlighted that traditional political resistance under the leadership of the landed upper classes was no longer effective.
• Resistance to colonial rule needed to adopt different approaches.
• After 1858, British rule became more reactionary, Indian intellectuals became critical of British policies, recognizing the exploitative nature of British rule.

Evolution of Political Consciousness:

• The Indian intelligentsia took time to develop a critical understanding of British rule, but once this process began, it delved deeper into the nature of imperialism and transformed into modern political activity.
• Political conscious Indians realized that existing political associations were too narrowly focused to be effective in the changing circumstances.
• For instance, the British Indian Association had aligned itself with the interests of the Zamindars, which were in line with the ruling power.

Reactionary Measures and Nationalist Activity:

• The reactionary and anti-Indian measures introduced during Lytton’s viceroyalty from 1876 to 1880 accelerated Indian nationalistic activity.

Political Associations in Bengal

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy wrote against the British policy of allowing multiple zamindars to collect taxes in 1825. He sought reforms like the freedom of the press, trial by jury, separation of executive and judiciary, appointment of Indians to higher offices, protection of ryots from zamindari oppression, the development of Indian trade and industry.
• In 1836, the Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha was formed by Raja Ram Mohan Roy's associates, promoting the use of Bengali language in literature and education.
• British Indian Association (Landholders’ Society + British India Society)
• The Zamindari Association, also known as the Bengal Landholders’ Society, was established in 1836 by Dwarkanath Tagore,Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Radhakanta Deb to protect the interests of landlords.
• Despite its limited goals, the Landholders’ Society represented the start of organized political activity and constitutional agitation for addressing grievances.
• The British India Society was founded in 1843 in England, largely due to the efforts of William Adam, who had come to India and formed a friendship with Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The Society aimed to collect and disseminate information about the conditions of people in British India and promote their welfare and rights.
• In 1851, the Landholders’ Society and the Bengal British India Society merged to form the British Indian Association. This Association petitioned the British Parliament for various reforms, including the establishment of a separate legislature, separation of executive and judicial functions, reduction in salaries of higher officers, abolition of certain duties.
• Some of these demands were partially met in the Charter Act of 1853, which allowed for the addition of six members to the Governor-General’s council for legislative purposes.
• Initially, the Association focused on submitting petitions to the government and British Parliament to address grievances, trusting in the good intentions of the rulers.
• While aiming to represent all sections of society, the Association sometimes prioritized the interests of the landed aristocracy.
• The Association lacked a constructive policy and rarely proposed a systematic political advancement program for the country. It also did not establish a widespread network of branches.
• In 1857, during the Sepoy Mutiny, the Association supported the East India Company and called for severe punishment of the rebels.

East India Association:

• Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1867 in London to address the Indian issue and promote Indian welfare.
• Predecessor to the Indian National Congress.
• Countered negative propaganda about Asians by the Ethnological Society of London.
• Gained support from prominent English figures, influencing the British Parliament.
• Opened branches in India by 1869, became defunct in the 1880s.

Indian League and Indian Association of Calcutta (Indian National Association):

• The Indian League, founded by Sisir Kumar Ghosh in 1875, aimed to foster nationalism and political education.
• The Indian Association of Calcutta, established in 1876 by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose, sought to reform civil service examinations and unify Indians on political issues.
• The Indian Association was the first nationalist organization in British India, attracting educated Indians and civic leaders. It eventually merged with the Indian National Congress.
• The Association aimed to promote political, intellectual, material advancement for all Indians.

 Political Associations in Bombay

• In 1852, Jagannath Shankar Seth founded the Bombay Native Association, marking the establishment of the first political party in Bombay.
• The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, created in 1870 by Mahadeo Govind Ranade, G.V. Joshi, others, aimed to bridge the gap between the government and the people, actively promoting political education for 30 years.
• Founded in 1885 by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, the Bombay Presidency Association played a significant role in political advocacy.

Political Associations in Madras

• The Madras Native Association, established in 1852, was the first political party in the Madras Presidency.
• In 1884, the Madras Mahajan Sabha was founded by M. Viraraghavachari, B. Subramaniya Aiyer, P. Ananda- charlu, contributing to local political discourse.
• The East Indian Association, organized by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866-67 in London, later expanded with branches in major Indian cities, promoting Indian interests abroad.