Question

Throw light on the Madras Native Association or MNA. When did it cease to exist?

Answer 1

1. The Madras Native Association was the earliest organization to be founded in South India.
   It was started by Gazulu Lakshminarasu, Srinivasanar, and their associates in 1852. It consisted primarily of merchants.
2. The objective of MNA was to promote the interests of its members and their focus was on reduction in taxation. It also protested against the support of the government to Christian missionary activities.
3. It drew the attention of the government to the condition and needs of the people. Its main contribution was its agitation against the torture of the peasants by revenue officials.
4. The efforts of MNA led to the establishment of the Torture Commission and the eventual abolition of the Torture Act, which justified the forcible collection of land revenue through torturous methods.
5. The Madras Native Association ceased to exist by 1862.