Biography of Mahadev Govind Ranade
Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901) was a prominent Indian scholar, social reformer, and judge during the British colonial era in India. He played a crucial role in the social, educational, and economic transformation of Maharashtra, especially in the late 19th century. Ranade was born on January 18, 1842, in Niphad, Maharashtra, and he passed away on January 16, 1901.
 |
| Biography of Mahadev Govind Ranade |
Early Life and Education:
Ranade belonged to a Chitpavan Brahmin family in Maharashtra. He received a Western-style education, studying in Elphinstone College in Bombay (now Mumbai). He later pursued law and became a successful lawyer.
Social and Educational Reforms of Mahadev Govind Ranade:
Mahadev Govind Ranade was a staunch supporter of social reform movements in India. He was a founding member of the Social Conference movement, which aimed at addressing various social issues prevalent in Indian society. He advocated for the abolition of child marriage, women’s education, widow remarriage, and the upliftment of the lower castes.
Ranade was also instrumental in establishing the Deccan Education Society in 1884, which later founded Fergusson College in Pune. He believed in the power of education for social progress and worked tirelessly to promote modern education in India.
M.G. Ranade’s Career and Public Service:
Ranade served as a judge in the Bombay High Court and later became a member of the Bombay Legislative Council. He used his position to advocate for legal and administrative reforms that would benefit the common people.
Literary Contributions:
Apart from his social and political work, Ranade was a prolific writer and scholar. He wrote extensively on various topics, including economics, history, and sociology. His notable works include a biography of Maratha ruler Shivaji and a study of the rise of the Maratha power.
Legacy:
Mahadev Govind Ranade is remembered as one of the pioneering social reformers of his time. His efforts in promoting education, women’s rights, and social equality laid the foundation for progressive movements in Maharashtra and India as a whole. He remains an inspiring figure in the history of Indian social reform and political thought.