Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Indian Association Marks 150 Years of Freedom Struggle History
The Indian Association is an old political organization in Kolkata.
It was founded in 1876 in a building called Bharat Sabha.
Indians used it to express their concerns during British rule.
The building also hosted some of the early meetings of the Indian National Congress.
Freedom leader Surendranath Banerjee helped establish the organization.
Its old hall still contains furniture, portraits, books and other historic objects.
The building is now surrounded by shops, but its interior preserves memories of the freedom movement.
On July 26, 2025, the association celebrated 150 years with walks, speeches, music, films and other events.
Bharat Sabha, also known as the Indian Association, was established in Bowbazar in 1876.
The organization served as an early forum for Indians opposing British dominance and hosted some early Indian National Congress meetings.
Surendranath Banerjee, a founder member, is closely associated with the organization’s history.
The building retains a historic hall, furniture, portraits, books, clock and ceiling fans dating back more than a century.
The Indian Association celebrated its 150th foundation anniversary on July 26, 2025, with heritage and cultural programs.
- Who
- Bharat Sabha, or the Indian Association, along with figures including Surendranath Banerjee and other Indian nationalist leaders.
- What
- The Indian Association’s history, heritage building and 150th foundation anniversary were highlighted.
- When
- The organization was founded in 1876 and celebrated its 150th anniversary on July 26, 2025.
- Where
- At Bharat Sabha on Bipin Bihari Ganguly Street in Bowbazar, Kolkata, described in the article as Calcutta.
- Why
- The association was created as a forum for Indians to express their grievances under British rule and later contributed to the freedom movement.
- Historic name
- Bharat Sabha, also known as the Indian Association
- Founded
- 1876
- Location
- Bipin Bihari Ganguly Street, Bowbazar, Kolkata
- Historical role
- An early forum for articulating Indian grievances before British rule
- Congress connection
- The building is described as an early home of the Indian National Congress and hosted some of its first meetings
- Anniversary
- The 150th foundation anniversary was celebrated on July 26, 2025
- Anniversary programs
- A heritage walk, citizen felicitation, book release, speeches, music and screenings about Matangini Hazra and Cellular Jail