The circle was formed around 1820 by brothers Bonawentura and Wincenty Niemojowski, two liberal politicians from the western provinces of Poland.
Its main aims were the defence of the autonomy of Congress Poland within the Russian Empire and the Polish Constitution of 1815.
[1] Although opposing to any means of revolutionary changes,[2] the Kaliszanie eventually supported the November Uprising and joined the ranks of the National Government in 1830.
During the period of struggle against Russia the Kaliszanie practically dominated the government, controlling the ministries of internal affairs, treasury and war.
[3] Following the fall of the uprising in 1831, most of its members had to flee Poland and continued their political activities abroad,[4] notably in London and Paris.