Shyamji Krishna Varma Legacy — Bhanushali Overseas Support System

Shyamji Krishna Varma

Born 4 October 1857, Mandvi, Kutch · Patriot, Scholar & Founder of India House

The Patriot

A scholar and freedom fighter who lifted others

Pandit Shyamji Krishna Verma was one of those staunch nationalists and patriots who lived in England and mentored the cause of India’s freedom from the British rule. He led an eventful life, largely in Europe during the most crucial period of India’s struggle for freedom, helping revolutionaries and creating a nucleus for their activities.

Shyamji Krishna Verma was born on 4th October, 1857 at Mandvi village of Kutch District in Gujarat. He lost his mother during early childhood. He had his primary education in the village school at Mandvi and secondary education at Bhuj. He was a brilliant student. He acquired a deep knowledge of Sanskrit for which he was awarded the title of ‘Pandit’. He was married to Bhanumati, the daughter of a rich merchant, Seth Chhabildas Lalubhai of Bombay in 1875.

Shyamji Krishna Verma was greatly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj. He later joined the Oxford University and was appointed Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at Balliol College. Subsequently, he entered Temple’s Inn and was the first Indian Bar-at-law. He returned to India in January, 1888 and served for a short time as Diwan of Ratlam. He started practice at Ajmer and earned fame as an advocate. He became a member of the Municipality of Ajmer city, served as Diwan of Ajmer and later as Diwan of Junagarh.

He started the publication of a monthly ‘Indian Sociologist’ which became a vehicle of revolutionary ideas. In February 1905, he established the Indian Home Rule Society to raise his voice against British domination in India. He established ‘India House’ in London to help Indians visiting England.

The BOSS Connection

BOSS takes pride in getting inspired in founding the Bhanushali Overseas Support System from Pandit Shyamji Krishna Varma and his founding of the India House in London. India House served as a stepping stone for Indian Students in Britain. Indians faced racism while in Britain and India House provided the support system for these students, the network to get work while in London and build a foundation. The purpose of BOSS is the same, to provide the guidance from India and build many virtual India House’s across the world to support the Bhanushali community to become global citizens.