Bombay Presidency Association, Background, Features, Founders

The Bombay Presidency Association, established in 1885, was a major political organisation in British India that advocated for Indian representation and reform within the colonial system. The association, founded by prominent leaders such as Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji, arose in response to growing political discontent caused by British policies, particularly Lord Lytton's reactionary measures and the Ilbert Bill controversy. 

The association provided a crucial platform for the educated Indian elite in the Bombay region, laying the groundwork for political collaboration with the Indian National Congress.

Bombay Presidency Association Background

Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji founded the Bombay Presidency Association in January 1885, at a time when India was experiencing a surge in political consciousness. 

• It succeeded the Bombay Association (1952), which had petitioned the British Parliament for an Indian-led legislative council and criticised Indians' exclusion from high administrative positions. 
• However, the Ilbert Bill controversy and Lord Lytton's regressive policies in the 1880s fuelled discontent, prompting the establishment of the Bombay Presidency Association to represent Indian grievances and advocate for reforms.
• The association worked with groups such as the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and was important in coordinating nationalist efforts with the Indian National Congress.
• Following the Congress's second session in Calcutta (1886) under the leadership of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Bombay Presidency Association assisted in the formation of the Bombay Provincial Congress Committee (BPCC).
  • BPCC focused on political education and the organisation of provincial conferences to advance the Congress's reform agenda. 

Bombay Presidency Association Features

The Bombay Presidency Association featured a moderate political approach, advocating for reforms within the colonial framework, increased Indian representation, and economic justice. It collaborated with other organizations, opposed regressive policies, protested censorship, and coordinated with the Indian National Congress.

• Moderate Political Approach: The association adopted a moderate stance, prioritizing reforms within the colonial framework over radical methods. It advocated for constitutional changes, increased Indian representation, and economic justice.
• Opposition to Regressive Policies: The Association was formed in response to Lord Lytton's reactionary policies and the Ilbert Bill controversy, thus it opposed discriminatory practices, challenging British legislative and administrative dominance.
• Censorship and Deportation: In June 1919, the association protested the unjust deportation of B.G. Horniman, an editor of the Bombay Chronicle, condemning government censorship and demanding its cessation.
• Political Coordination: The association collaborated closely with the Indian National Congress. Following the Congress's second session in 1886, the Bombay Provincial Congress Committee (BPCC) was established to promote political education and reform colonial governance.
• Leadership of the "Triumvirate": Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, and K.T. Telang, known as the "Triumvirate" or "Three Stars" of Bombay, led the association and shaped its moderate nationalist agenda.

Bombay Presidency Association Founders

The Bombay Presidency Association was founded in January 1885 by three prominent figures: Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, and K.T. Telang. This organization emerged in response to the political climate of the time, particularly the controversy surrounding the Ilbert Bill.

Pherozeshah Mehta

Pherozeshah Mehta was a prominent Indian political figure known for his moderate stance and commitment to constitutional reform. 

• He was educated at Lincoln's Inn and influenced by Dadabhai Naoroji, was a key figure in Indian politics' Liberal School, standing in contrast to more radical figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak. 
• His contributions include founding the Bombay Municipal Corporation, presiding over the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta in 1890, and assisting in the establishment of the Central Bank of India.
• He also established the Bombay Chronicle in 1913 to promote nationalist causes, demonstrating his dedication to advancing India's political and economic landscape.

Kashinath Trimbak Telang

Kashinath Trimbak Telang was a renowned judge and social reformer, who co-founded the Bombay Presidency Association. 

• Telang was a strong supporter of legal reform and educational development, believing in education's ability to uplift society. 
• He was instrumental in promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and greatly influenced the development of Indian legal and political thought. 
• His work at the Bombay High Court strengthened his position in the Indian nationalist movement.

Badruddin Tyabji (1844-1906)

Badruddin Tyabji, born on October 10, 1844, was the first Indian barrister in Bombay, qualifying in April 1867. A distinguished legal and political figure, he advocated for reforms in the Bombay Municipal Corporation and served in the Bombay Legislative Council. 

• Tyabji co-founded the Bombay Presidency Association and played a pivotal role in its leadership. 
• He was president of the Indian National Congress at its third session in Madras (1887) and co-founded the Anjuman-i-Islam in 1876 with his brother Camruddin Tyabji.
• His progressive views on education, secularism, and women’s rights were significant, and as a judge at the Bombay High Court, he became Chief Justice in 1902, known for his landmark decisions, including granting bail to Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Bombay Presidency Association FAQs

Q1. Who founded the Bombay Presidency Association?

Ans. Pherozshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji founded the Bombay Presidency Association in 1885.

Q2. What are the aims of the Bombay Presidency Association?

Ans. The Bombay Presidency Association was founded in 1850. It aimed to contribute to the Bombay Presidency's social, educational, and economic progress.

Q3. Who is known as the Bombay Triumvirate?

Ans. Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Kashinath Telang were collectively known as 'The Triumvirate' or 'The Three Stars' of Bombay's public life.

Q4. Who is known as Bombay Lion?

Ans. Pherozeshah Mehta was referred to as 'The Lion of Bombay' and 'Uncrowned King of Bombay'.

Q5. How did the association collaborate with other organizations?

Ans. In September 1885, the Bombay Presidency Association joined forces with the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, the Madras Mahajana Sabha, and the Indian Association of Calcutta. Together, they sent a joint delegation to England to present Indian grievances to the British electorate.