Name the first major voluntary association representing primarily Indian landlord interests that was set up in Calcutta in 1851 ?

The British Indian Association was established on October 29, 1851, in Calcutta [2]. It was formed through the merger of two earlier organizations: the Landholders' Society (founded in 1838) and the Bengal British India Society (founded in 1843) [2]. Primarily representing the interests of the landed aristocracy and zamindars, it was the first major voluntary association of its kind in India. Led by prominent figures like Radhakanta Deb (President) and Debendranath Tagore (Secretary), the association aimed to secure improvements in local administration and influence the British Parliament regarding the Charter Act of 1853 [2]. While it maintained a conservative, pro-landlord stance, it played a critical role in early constitutional agitation, demanding the separation of executive and judicial functions and the establishment of a popular legislature [2]. Other options like the Madras Native Association and Bombay Association were founded later in 1852.

Sources

1. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Indian_Association