Shyamji Krishna Varma

Born 4 Oct 1857
Death 30 Mar 1930

Born in Mandvi, Kutch District (Gujarat). He was a scholar of Sanskrit and became the first non-Brahmin to be conferred the prestigious title of ‘Pandit’ by the Pandits of Kashi.

Arya Samaj Connection: He was profoundly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became the first President of the Bombay Arya Samaj in 1877.

Served as the Diwan (Chief Minister) in the princely states of Ratlam, Ajmer, and Junagadh.

In January 1905, he started an English monthly journal, “The Indian Sociologist” in London, which became a powerful ideological vehicle for anti-colonial propaganda and nationalist ideas.

Shyamji Krishna Varma was barred from practising law in London in 1905 for anti-colonial writings by the Inner Temple (one of the four historic Inns of Court in London, serving as a professional association and training body for barristers and judges), later reinstated posthumously in 2015.

In February 1905, he inaugurated the Indian Home Rule Society in London.

He was one of the earliest Indian political leaders to use the term “Swaraj” (Self-Rule) and demand complete independence from British despotism.

To shelter Indian students facing racial discrimination in England, he founded ‘India House’ in London (1905).

This hostel rapidly transformed into a vibrant hub for revolutionary activities, nurturing iconic freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Madam Bhikaji Cama, and Virendranath Chattopadhyaya.

In response to British criticism, Varma transitioned from England to Paris and subsequently settled in Geneva during World War I, where he remained until his death on 30th March 1930.

A memorial called Kranti Teerth dedicated to him was built and inaugurated in 2010 near Mandvi.

Our tributes to the great soul
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