Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was an Indian scholar, educational reformer, and prominent moderate politician who led the Indian National Independence Movement. He was a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle against British Rule and also a notable face of Hindu Mahasabha.

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya founded the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) which was popularly known as the “Mahamana”. In this article, we will learn about Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya with his works and notable contributions in detail.

Who was Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was born on 25th December 1861 in Allahabad (Present Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name was Pandit Brijnath and his mother’s name was Moona Devi. Pandit Malviya got his early education in Sanskrit pathshalas and graduated from Muir Central College, Allahabad in 1879. Later, he completed his B. A from the University of Calcutta on a scholarship. After completing his B.A., he decided to work as a teacher in Allahabad. Malviya made his political debut in Calcutta (Present Kolkata). His political career started after the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1886. Let us see the overview of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s life.

Educational Journey of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s educational journey began at the early age of five when he enrolled at Mahajani Pathsala. As he continued his education, he joined Hardeva’s Dharma Gyanopadesh Pathshala, where he completed his basic schooling. Subsequently, he attended a school operated by Vidha Vardini Sabha. His educational path led him to Allahabad Zila School, where he not only pursued academic studies but also expressed his creativity by writing poems under the pen name Makarand. These poems gained recognition as they were published in various magazines.

In the year 1879, Malaviya accomplished his matriculation from Muir Central College, now recognized as the University of Allahabad. During this time, he faced financial challenges, but the Principal of Harrison College came to his aid by offering a monthly scholarship. With this support, Malaviya completed his B.A. degree at the University of Calcutta. Although Malaviya harbored aspirations to pursue an M.A. in Sanskrit, family circumstances hindered this ambition. His father, adhering to family traditions, urged him to engage in the family profession of Bhagavat recital. In July 1884, Malaviya embarked on a new chapter in his life as he started working as an assistant teacher at the Government High School in Allahabad, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Facts About Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Full Name	Pandit Madam Mohan Malaviya
Born	25th December, 1861
Birthplace	Allahabad (Present Prayagraj), British India
Education	Graduated from Calcutta University. Studied at Allahabad University and Muir Central College. L.L.B at Allahabad University.
Contribution	Founded Hindu Mahasabha. Founded Banaras Hindu University. Prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
Political Affiliation	Associated with the Indian National Congress. Served as the President of Indian National Congress for four times.
Awards and Honors	Bharat Ratna in 2014 (Posthumous). Known as “Mahamana” (Great Soul). ‘Silver-Tongued Orator’. Prince of Beggars.
Died	12th November, 1946

Professional Career of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Madan Mohan Malaviya’s professional career was characterized by his unwavering dedication to education, his impactful role in the Indian independence movement, and his commitment to social reforms. Here is an overview of his significant contributions during his professional journey:

• Assistant Teacher at Government High School, Allahabad (1884): Malaviya embarked on his professional career in July 1884 when he assumed the position of an assistant teacher at the Government High School in Allahabad. This marked the beginning of his commitment to education.
• Role in Indian National Congress: Alongside his career in education, Malaviya actively participated in the Indian National Congress, a political party that played a pivotal role in the struggle for Indian independence. His association with the Congress highlighted his dedication to the broader cause of national freedom.
• Advocacy for Educational Reforms:Throughout his career, Malaviya championed educational reforms aimed at fostering a modern and inclusive system of learning. He believed in the power of education to transform society and worked towards providing accessible and quality education to all.
• Founder of Banaras Hindu University (1916):One of the crowning achievements of Malaviya’s professional life was the establishment of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. Founded with the vision of integrating traditional Indian values with modern education, BHU stands as a testament to Malaviya’s commitment to educational excellence.
• Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (1919–1938, 1941–1946):Malaviya served as the Chancellor of BHU for multiple terms, overseeing its growth into a prestigious institution. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping the university’s ethos and academic standards.
• Journalistic Pursuits:In addition to his roles in education and politics, Malaviya was involved in journalism. He contributed articles to various newspapers and journals, expressing his views on a range of issues, including education, social reforms, and political developments.
• Member of the Imperial Legislative Council:Malaviya’s engagement in the political arena expanded as he became a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, where he actively participated in debates and discussions on legislative matters.
• Advocacy for Social Reforms:Throughout his career, Malaviya was a vocal advocate for social reforms. He worked tirelessly to combat social issues such as untouchability and caste discrimination, emphasizing the need for a more egalitarian society.

Political Career (1886-1940) of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

Madan Mohan Malaviya’s professional career was characterized by his unwavering dedication to education, his impactful role in the Indian independence movement, and his commitment to social reforms. Here is an overview of his significant contributions during his professional journey:

• Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya started his political career at the age of 25.
• His political career started in 1886 when he addressed the second session of the Indian National Congress (INC) at Calcutta.
• He was elected as the president of the Indian National Congress (INC) four times (1909, 1918, 1932, and 1933).
• He was a congress leader who was equally respected by the both Moderates and Extremists.
• He became a member of the United Provinces’ (U.P.) council in 1903.
• In 1908 he became a member of the Central Council in Delhi.
• In 1906, he helped to build Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha which brought so many Hindu nationalist movements together.
• He addressed the Gaya session of Hindu Mahasabha in 1922 and 1924.
• He was the Imperial Legislative Council’s member from 1912 to 1926.
• In 1912, he left his lawyer career but he fought for the 177 freedom fighters who were to be hanged for the Chauri Chaura case (1922).
• In 1918, Malaviya was elected as the Municipal Corporation of Allahabad. He served here for three decades.

Role of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in Indian National Movement

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya played a very significant role in the Indian Freedom Struggle Movement:

• Malaviya was closely associated with the Indian Freedom Struggle.
• He sacrificed a lot to improve the political and educational status of the Indian citizens.
• As he was a member of the councils who opposed the British officials so many times.
• Being a member of the Industrial Commission (1916-18) he provided the dissenting note by indicating the British economic policy.
• At the Economic Conference of Congress, he proposed to establish the “Central Purchasing Agency” to run a fluent administration.
• He was the main figure of the Non-Cooperation Movement but he disliked the politics of the Khilafat movement.
• He also joined with Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others to protest against the Simon Commission of 1928.
• He also participated in Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha and was also arrested by the Britishers.
• During the Civil Disobedience Movement, he was arrested twice.
• He represented represented Indian National Congress (INC) at the Round Table Conference held in 1931 in London.
• Malaviya opposed the idea of separate electorates for Muslims which was proposed under the Lucknow Pact (1916).

Contribution of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya to Indian Education

The contribution of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya In Indian Education is provided below:

• Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was a visionary educationalist who felt the need for education for the Indian people.
• He establishes the “Bharti-Bhawan” library with Pandit Balkrishna Bhatt in Allahabad.
• He established the “Hindu Boarding House” in the year 1901 at the Allahabad University. It is the largest hostel of the university.
• To prevent the colonial brain drain, he established Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya which is popularly known as Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.).
• He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.) for over 20 years.

Contribution of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya to Hindi Language

The contribution of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in Promotion of the Hindi language is very significant:

• Pandit Malaviya knew the importance of the Hindi language and he worked on the development of the Hindi language.
• He was the first person who introduce Hindi as a dedicated subject at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at the B.A. level. 
• He established “Hindi Uddharini Pratinidhi Sabha” at Prayag to strengthen Hindi to overcome the complex process of learning English and Parsi.
• He established “Hindi Sahitya Sammelan” in Prayag for learning and reading Hindi. 

Achievements and Legacy – Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

• He was the founder of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. It was established for scouting education for Indian students.
• He was thus popularly known as the ‘Silver-Tongued Orator’ as he was a fluent speaker of Hindi, Sanskrit, and English.
• He was the person who credited and made popular the slogan “Satyamev Jayate”.
• He started the daily aarti that is performed at Har Ki Pauri till date.
• He played a significant role to end the Indian indenture system.

162nd Birth Anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

On the occasion of the 162nd birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi released the first series of 11 volumes of ‘Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’, at a program in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi 25th Dec,2023. Shri Modi also paid floral tributes to Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya. The illustrious founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya occupies a leading place among the makers of modern India. He is remembered as an outstanding scholar and freedom fighter who worked immensely to raise national consciousness among people.

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Summary – Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was a highly respected Indian scholar, educational reformer, and key leader in the Indian National Independence Movement. Born on December 25, 1861, in Allahabad, he received his early education in Sanskrit pathshalas and later graduated from Muir Central College, Allahabad. Despite facing financial challenges, he completed his B.A. from the University of Calcutta on a scholarship. Malaviya entered the political arena after the 1886 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. He made significant contributions to education, founding Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916, and serving as its Chancellor. Malaviya was a four-time president of the Indian National Congress and played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle. He actively advocated for educational and social reforms, opposed untouchability, and worked towards a more inclusive society. Malaviya’s contributions extend to the promotion of Hindi language, involvement in journalism, and his impactful role in various movements like the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements. He passed away on November 12, 1946, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.

FAQs on Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

What is Madan Mohan Malviya famous for?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was an Indian scholar, educational reformer, and prominent moderate politician who led the Indian National Independence Movement.

Which university was founded by Pandit Malviya in Banaras?

Banaras Hindu University was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in Banaras in 1916.

What is the caste of Madan Mohan?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was born in a Gaur Brahmin family to Pandit Brijnath Malaviya and Moona Devi.

What is the scheme of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya?

The Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission was launched for Teachers and Teaching. It is a Central Scheme with All- India coverage.

Who is called Prince of beggars?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya is known as the Prince of beggars.

Who founded BHU?

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded BHU with the cooperation of Dr. Annie Besant in Banaras in 1916.