Monday, March 29, 2021
Biography of Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao
Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao (1854-1937) was a prominent Indian civil servant, administrator, and statesman during the British colonial rule in India. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the administration of several princely states and British India. Here's a brief biography of Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao:
Early Life and Education:
Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao was born on June 11, 1854, in Bangalore, in the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom (present-day Karnataka, India).
He received his early education at the Central High School in Bangalore and later attended the prestigious Presidency College in Madras (Chennai), where he excelled in academics.
B. S. Madhava Rao's Civil Service Career:
In 1872, Madhava Rao joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) during the British colonial era, a highly prestigious administrative service in India at that time.
He served in various capacities in different princely states and British India, including the Madras Presidency, Mysore State, and Baroda State (present-day Gujarat), where he made significant administrative reforms.
Administrative Reforms in Baroda:
Madhava Rao served as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the princely state of Baroda from 1881 to 1885 under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
During his tenure as Diwan, he implemented several progressive reforms in education, judiciary, and administration, earning him praise for his efficient governance.
Later Career:
After his tenure in Baroda, Madhava Rao served as the Diwan of Travancore (in present-day Kerala) from 1898 to 1904.
He was also appointed as a member of the Executive Council of the Viceroy of India, the highest level of administration in British India at that time.
Legacy of B. S. Madhava Rao:
Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao is remembered for his statesmanship, administrative acumen, and commitment to social and educational reforms.
He played a crucial role in shaping the administrative systems of various princely states, leaving a lasting impact on the governance of these regions.
Bangalore Srinivasa Madhava Rao's contributions to the Indian civil service and administration have earned him a place of respect in Indian history. His reforms and policies continue to be studied and admired by scholars interested in the history of colonial and princely India.