Understanding the Foundations of the Indian National Movement

The question asks about the individual who established the Indian Association in Calcutta in 1876, an organization considered foundational to the Indian National Movement.

The Indian Association, also known as the Indian National Association, was a significant political organization formed during the pre-Congress era. It played a crucial role in awakening political consciousness among Indians and preparing the ground for a nationwide political movement.

Let's look at the formation and key figures of the Indian Association:

• The Indian Association was founded on 26 July 1876.
• It was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
• The principal founders were Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose.
• Its objectives included promoting political, intellectual, and material advancement of the people, fostering Hindu-Muslim unity, and mobilizing public opinion on important political issues.

The question specifically asks about the person who laid the foundations by founding the association in 1876 in Calcutta. Based on historical records, Surendranath Banerjee, along with Ananda Mohan Bose, was instrumental in its formation.

Let's briefly consider the other options:

• Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', he was a prominent nationalist and a founder of the Indian National Congress. He also founded the East India Association in London. He was not the founder of the Indian Association in Calcutta.
• Aurobindo Ghose: A revolutionary nationalist, philosopher, and yogi. His major political activity came much later than 1876, particularly during the Swadeshi movement. He was not associated with the founding of the Indian Association.
• Womesh Chandra Banerjee: He was a prominent lawyer and the first President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. While a key figure in the early INC, he was not the founder of the Indian Association.

Therefore, the individual who laid the foundations of the Indian National Movement by founding the Indian Association at Calcutta in 1876 among the given options is Surendranath Banerjee.

Revision Table: Key Organizations and Founders

Additional Information on the Indian Association (1876)

The Indian Association was a significant precursor to the Indian National Congress. It aimed to create a strong public opinion on political questions and unify the Indian people on a common political program. It organized several agitations, including:

• Agitation against the reduction of the maximum age for appearing in the Indian Civil Service examination (from 21 to 19).
• Agitation against the Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act.
• Agitation on the question of the condition of plantation labourers.
• Agitation on the Ilbert Bill controversy.

The Indian Association played a vital role in bringing together educated Indians from different parts of the country, laying the groundwork for a national political platform which was later provided by the Indian National Congress.