Foundation of the Indian Association through the efforts of Surendranath Banerjee, in July 1876, is an event of utmost importance in the history of organized political movement in India.

The Indian Association (Bharat Sabha) had been established with four main political objectives such as. (1) Organizing a strong public opinion in the country (2) Uniting the various people of India on the basis of a common political ideal (3) The promotion of friendly relations between the Hindus and the Muslims and (4) To rally the masses in the political movement.

To make the Association a national body, Surendranath Banerjee undertook countrywide tours. Blanches of the Association were established in all the important towns of India namely Lucknow, Meerut, Lahore, etc.