Question

Q47) Consider the following statements
i). Indian Association took an active part in the Indian Civil service agitation of the 1870s
ii). The early political associations in India were regional in character
iii). The National Conference of Surendranath Banerjee was the precursor to the Indian National Congress
Which of the above is/are correct?

• A. a) i Only
  
• B. b) ii Only
  
• C. c) i and iii
  
• D. d) i, ii and iii

Answer 1

The correct option is D d) i, ii and iii

Ans (d)
Early political associations in India (before Indian National Congress) (For ex, Landholder’s society etc) were local/regional in character. They had limited subscription due to the high membership fee.
Lord Lytton had reduced the maximum age of entry into civil service from 21years to 19 years. This was protested by the Indian Association of Surendranath Banerjee. This agitation is called the ‘Indian Civil Service Agitation’
Due to the failure of early political associations, a need was felt for a pan-Indian organisation. Efforts towards this started when Indian Association decided to create a ‘National Fund’ in 1883 for agitation in India & in England. Eventhough the collection of the fund was not as expected, led to a widespread debate in the press. This debate highlighted the importance of coordinated political action and annual meeting of representatives of different political associations. In Dec 1883, an International Exhibition was held at Calcutta. Indian Association used this opportunity to invite prominent public men & associations in different parts of the country to meet and discuss questions of general concern. It was called the ‘National Conference. It provided the platform for INC. Also called the ‘Precursor of INC’ and the ‘Dress Rehearsal’ for it