Which organization was started at the Haridwar Kumbh Mela in 1915?

The Hindu Mahasabha was formally established in 1915 during the Haridwar Kumbh Mela [2]. The organization emerged following resolutions passed at various provincial Hindu conferences, such as those in Punjab, which highlighted the need for an all-India body to safeguard Hindu interests in the wake of the Muslim League's formation and the 1909 reforms [2]. Madan Mohan Malaviya was a key figure in its founding, and the first session was held in April 1915 with the Maharaja of Kasim Bazar presiding [3]. While the organization initially had its headquarters in Dehra Dun and drew support from the educated middle class and urban traders, it functioned as a pressure group for Hindu unity [2]. Mahatma Gandhi was also notably present during its inauguration at the Haridwar Kumbh.

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Communal and Regional Parties > p. 643
2. [2] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 6: Communalism in Nationalist Politics > 6.3 Emergence of the All India Hindu Mahasabha > p. 76
3. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 24: Post-War National Scenario > Communal Reaction by Majority Community > p. 484