The Prime Minister recently paid homage to Shyamji Krishna Varma, a prominent revolutionary freedom fighter on his birth anniversary on October 4th. This article will delve into the life and contributions of Varma to the nation’s freedom struggle.
Brief Background
Born on October 4th, 1857, in the Mandvi town of Kachchh district, Gujarat, Shyamji Krishna Varma was an erudite scholar mastering multiple languages, including Sanskrit. His exceptional language skills caught the attention of Monier Williams, an Oxford University professor who taught Sanskrit. He drew inspiration from many illustrious personalities including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, and Herbert Spencer.
Foundations in London
Varma founded three significant institutions: the Indian Home Rule Society, the India House, and The Indian Sociologist, all based in London. These organizations had a common aim – to inspire young Indians residing in Britain to engage in revolutionary activities against their British representatives back home. The monthly publication, The Indian Sociologist, served as a medium for nationalist ideas, and through the Indian Home Rule Society, Varma expressed his criticism of the British rule in India.
Leadership Roles and Inspirations
Shyamji Krishna Varma assumed various leadership roles, including being the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj. His revolutionary beliefs and actions profoundly influenced Veer Savarkar, a member of the India House in London. Apart from these, he also served as Divan in several Indian states.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s Connection
Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Hindu reform organisation, Arya Samaj, played an influential role in the life of Varma. The connection between the two stalwarts is significant to the history of the freedom struggle.
Legal Career and Controversies in London
Varma was practising as a barrister in London when, in 1905, he was accused of sedition for writing against the colonial government and was barred from practising law by the Inner Temple. This incident marked a crucial point in his life, as the Inner Temple is one of London’s four professional associations for barristers and judges. However, his name was reinstated posthumously by the Inner Temple in 2015 after the council admitted that Varma had not been given a fair hearing.
Moving Base: From England to Switzerland
Following these controversies and severe criticism from the British, Varma decided to shift his base from England to Paris, where he continued his pro-India movements. However, with the onset of the First World War (1914-18), he moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He breathed his last on March 30th, 1930.
The life and contributions of Shyamji Krishna Varma provide a high degree of inspiration to Indian nationalists, even today. His relentless efforts towards India’s independence movement play a crucial role in the country’s freedom struggle narrative.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024