Before the formation of the Indian National Congress (1885), several political associations and organizations were established in India. These groups were formed mostly by educated Indians and reformers who sought to represent Indian interests before the British government. Though their demands were moderate and constitutional, they played a pioneering role in awakening political consciousness among Indians.
Background
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Growth of Western education and emergence of a new educated middle class.
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Spread of English language and press helped Indians exchange ideas.
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Influence of social reform movements (Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Aligarh Movement) in promoting modern political thought.
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Discontent with British economic policies, heavy taxation, and racial discrimination.
Important Early Political Organisations
The Bengal British India Society (1843):
First political association in Bengal. Demanded reforms in Company’s administration and spread of education.
British India Association (1851):
Formed in Calcutta by merging earlier groups. Petitions sent to British Parliament demanding Indian representation and reduction of taxes.
Bombay Association (1852):
Founded in Bombay by local elites. Voiced grievances about revenue policies and supported social reforms.
Madras Native Association (1852):
First political association in Madras Presidency. Later merged into the Madras Mahajana Sabha.
Indian Association (1876):
Founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in Calcutta. Worked to unite Indians and spread political education. Organized the Indian National Conference (1883–1885), considered a forerunner of the Indian National Congress.
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870):
Founded by M.G. Ranade and others in Poona. Represented Indian public opinion and submitted memorials to the British.
Madras Mahajana Sabha (1884):
Founded by M. Viraraghavachari, Subramania Aiyar, Ananda Charlu. Later played an active role in the formation of the Indian National Congress.
Bombay Presidency Association (1885):
Formed by Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji. Opposed unjust policies and promoted Indian representation.
Contribution of Early Organisations
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Created political awareness among Indians.
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Acted as a training ground for future nationalist leaders.
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Popularized the method of petitions, memorials, and constitutional reforms.
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Paved the way for the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885.
Limitations
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Dominated by elites, landlords, and professionals — not mass-based.
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Focused mainly on reforms and representation, not independence.
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Restricted largely to urban centres.
Key Takeaway
The early political organisations of the 19th century were the precursors of the national movement. Though moderate and limited in scope, they laid the foundation for the rise of Indian nationalism, culminating in the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885, which became the most important platform for India’s struggle for freedom.