Which one of the following statements about the Indian Association of 1876 is not correct?
[amp_mcq option1=”It aimed at creating strong public opinion in the country on political questions and the unification of Indian people under a common political programme.” option2=”It did not charge any membership fee from the poorer people.” option3=”Branches were opened in the towns and villages of Bengal and in many towns outside Bengal.” option4=”It was led by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose.” correct=”option2″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
The Indian Association, founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876, was a prominent pre-Congress nationalist organization. Statement A is correct; its objectives included mobilizing public opinion and promoting Indian unity. Statement D is correct regarding its leaders. Statement C is correct; it established branches widely to increase its reach. Statement B is incorrect in stating it charged *no* membership fee from the poorer people. While it aimed to be accessible and had a very low fee (e.g., 4 annas per year), it did have a fee structure. This nominal fee distinguished it from some earlier, more elite associations and helped broaden its base, but it didn’t literally charge *no* fee from all poor people.