The Madras Mahajana Sabha was a Madras-based Indian nationalist organization that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. The Sabha was founded in May 1884 by M. Veeraraghavachariar, G. Subramania Iyer, and P. Ananda Charlu and is regarded as one of the forerunners of the Indian National Congress along with the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Indian Association.
The background of the Madras Mahajana Sabha can be traced back to the Madras Native Association, which was founded in 1852 to advocate for Indian rights. However, this organization did not last long and was eventually disbanded. The Sabha was founded in the aftermath of Lord Ripon’s liberal policy, which resulted in the formation of several political organizations throughout India. The Madras Mahajana Sabha was seen as a unique organization by the South Indians as it paved the way for India’s national liberation.
The Sabha had several features that made it an important player in the Indian independence movement. The office of the Sabha was initially located at the office of The Hindu at Ellis Road Junction on Mount Road, and in 1885, P. Rangaiah Naidu was elected as its president. In September 1885, the Sabha sent a delegation to England in collaboration with the Bombay Presidency Association and the Indian Association. The Sabha had a moderate policy in its early days, but its goals and objectives were deemed seditious.
The Madras Mahajana Sabha played a significant role in the Salt Satyagraha movement in Madras in 1930. The Sabha organized the movement in the George Town, Esplanade, High Court, and Beach areas, and its members were brutally attacked by the British police. The Sabha insisted on a legal investigation into the injustice done to the Satyagraha participants, and a three-member commission led by Justice T.R Ramachandra Iyer submitted its report to the government.
When the British police launched a similar attack on the Bal Gangadhar Tilak Public Meeting at Pycrofts Road in April 1930, Advocate Sri Govindasamy was killed. The Madras Mahajana Sabha took decisive action to establish an inquiry commission into the murder, which was led by Sri R. N. Arogyasamy Mudaliar. In 1942, many members of the Sabha participated in the Quit India Movement and were imprisoned. When the British government banned the Congress Party, the Sabha held exhibitions, including the All India Khadi Exhibition and the Swadeshi Exhibition, to instill patriotic feelings in their countrymen.
The Madras Mahajana Sabha also played a significant role in promoting Hindi as a language. Hindi was freely taught in the evenings at the Sabha, and this service benefited both government and private sector officials who learned the language. On December 31, 1969, members of the Sabha’s Executive Committee met with Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Frontier Gandhi) at Raj Bhavan in Madras.
Key points on Madras Mahajana Sabha
- Madras Mahajana Sabha was an Indian nationalist organization based in the Madras Presidency.
- It is regarded as a forerunner of the Indian National Congress, along with other organizations such as the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Indian Association.
- The Sabha was founded in May 1884 by M. Veeraraghavachariar, G. Subramania Iyer, and P. Ananda Charlu.
- The first conference of the Sabha was held in December 1884, where delegates from the Madras Presidency’s Tamil and Telugu districts discussed topics such as Legislative Council Reform, Separation of the executive and the judiciary, and Changes in the structure of the Indian government.
- The Sabha has advocated for Indian’s fundamental rights, such as national freedom and common social issues, since 1884.
- The Sabha was located at the office of The Hindu at Ellis Road Junction on Mount Road, and P. Rangaiah Naidu was elected its first President.
- The Sabha sent a delegation to England in collaboration with the Bombay Presidency Association and the Indian Association in September 1885.
- On April 22, 1930, the Sabha organized the Salt Satyagraha movement in Madras, which was met with a brutal attack by British police.
- The Madras Mahajana Sabha participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and held exhibitions to instill patriotic feelings among the people.
- Hindi was taught freely at the Sabha in the evenings, which benefited both government and private sector officials.
MCQs on Madras Mahajana Sabha
- What is the main objective of Madras Mahajana Sabha?
A. To promote national unity and promote the education of the masses.
B. To spread Hindu nationalism and protect Hindu rights.
C. To provide a platform for discussions and debates on important issues of the day.
D. To celebrate science by all and engage the common people with science in a joyful and entertaining manner.
- Who was the founder of Madras Mahajana Sabha?
A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B. G. Subramania Iyer
C. B. R. Ambedkar
D. Mahatma Gandhi
- What was the role of Madras Mahajana Sabha in the Indian independence movement?
A. It was a key participant in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
B. It was a leading supporter of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
C. It played a limited role in the independence movement.
D. It was not involved in the independence movement.
- What was the main contribution of Madras Mahajana Sabha?
A. Promoting Hindu nationalism
B. Advocating for the rights of women
C. Supporting the cause of Indian independence
D. Fostering social and cultural reforms
