R. Balaji Rao Explained

R. Balaji Rao (1842–1896) was an Indian politician and Indian independence activist who was a founder and first Secretary of the Madras Mahajana Sabha.^[1]

Personal life

Balaji Rao was born in a Thanjavur Marathi Deshastha Brahmin family^[2] in the year 1842.^[3] He had his schooling and higher education in Tanjore and Madras and graduated in law. On completion of his studies, Balaji Rao practised as a lawyer before entering the Indian independence movement.^[4]

Politics

Balaji entered politics and was one of the founding members of the Madras Mahajana Sabha. He represented Tanjore at the first session of the Indian National Congress along with S. A. Swaminatha Iyer. Balaji Rao established the Chingleput Ryots Relief Fund for the benefit of the ryots of Chingleput district.

Death

Balaji Rao died in 1896.

Notes and References

1. Book: Rayalaseema during colonial times: a study in Indian nationalism. 139. Northern Book Centre. 2003. P. Yanadi Raju. 8172111398.
2. Book: The legal profession in colonial South India. John Jeya Paul. 220. Oxford University Press. 1991. R. Balaji Rao, a Desastha Brahman and a family friend from Tanjore, under whom they apprenticed;. 978-0195625585.
3. Book: Politics and nationalist awakening in South India, 1852-1891. registration. 352. R. Suntharalingam. University of Arizona Press. 1974. 0816504474.
4. Book: The legal profession in colonial South India. 220. John Jeya Paul. Oxford University Press. 1991. 0195625587.