Identifying the First Women's Association Founded by Women

The question asks us to identify the earliest association from the given options that was founded specifically by women for women's welfare and upliftment.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Arya Mahila Samaj: This association was founded by Pandita Ramabai in Pune in 1882. Pandita Ramabai was a prominent social reformer and advocate for women's education and rights. The society aimed at promoting education among women and addressing their social issues. It was founded by women themselves.
• Bharat Mahila Parishad: This was an organisation established later than Arya Mahila Samaj.
• The Muslim Women's Association: While important, this organisation was founded later and focused on Muslim women's issues.
• Bharat Stree Mahamandal: Founded by Sarala Devi Chaudhurani in 1910 in Allahabad, this was one of the significant women's organizations, but it was established much later than Arya Mahila Samaj.

Comparing the founding dates and founders of these organizations, Arya Mahila Samaj stands out as being founded by Pandita Ramabai, a woman, in 1882, making it one of the earliest, if not the first, significant women's associations in India founded by women themselves.

Therefore, based on historical records regarding the founding of early women's organizations in India, Arya Mahila Samaj is recognised as the first association from the given list that was founded by women.