Political movemenst before Indian National Congress ( UPSC, PCS etc.)

"Indian National Congress was the culmination of other political  movements in India." Explain (200 Words)

Structure:-

1.     Introduction- Some background of political movements before INC

2.     With examples, explain some political movements before the establishment of INC

3.    How these political movements led to the establishments of INC

Answer:-

Though the Indian National Congress (INC) turned out to be the most influential political organization after 1885, yet there were many other political movements before that which paved the way for a pan Indian movement in the form of INC.

Political movements before 1885:-

1.     Bengal Landholder's Society,1838:- It was the first political organization which introduced organized efforts and constitutional remedies for complaints. Its main purpose was to secure the interests of landlords.  Other aims were-(1) securing a halt to the resumption of rent-free tenures (2)the grant of lease of wasteland to their occupants. Though  Landholders' Society failed in areas, where the Permanent Settlement was not implemented. ( except Bengal

2.    The Bengal British India Society:-It was founded in 1843 and the main object was  to collect and disseminate the information relating to the actual condition of the people of British India and to secure the welfare, extend the just rights and advance the interests of all classes of our fellow-subjects”

3.   Bombay Presidency Association- Started by Firoz Shah Mehta in 1885 later merged in Indian National Congress.

4.   Poona Sarvajanik Sabha:- It was founded in 1867 by Mahadeo Govind Ranade and others. The main  objective of this was to serve as a bridge between the Government on the one hand and the people on the other.

                     There were few other political organizations in Madras as well such as Madras Mahajan Sabha, The East Indian Association etc. The sole objective of these was to work in the direction of the welfare of Indian Citizens.

                      All above-mentioned organizations were regional in their character and area of influence. Hence they witnessed limited successes only. In 1885, many leaders from all over India came together and formed a new Pan Indian Party known as Indian National Congress with the pioneer efforts of A.O. Hume. The main objectives of INC in initial years were (1) To eradicate all the prevailing caste, creed, race or province related prejudices from the country.(2)To strengthen the feelings of National unity (3) To formulate guidelines for future plan of action in the public interest.

                    As can be seen that the objective of these movements was to take steps for the welfare of Indian citizens in constitutional manners only. INC was a wider representation of all other regional movements to serve the larger interest. Hence, it is also called the Culmination of other political movements in India