On Monday 11 May, the Indian Institute received a new portrait for its collection to commemorate its little known association to the founder of the India Home Rule Society. Pandit Shyamji Krishna Varma (1857-1930) was a graduate of Balliol College and founder of the Indian Home Rule Society, India House and the Indian Sociologist. London’s India House was opened in 1905 as a hostel for Indian students, many of whom found it difficult to find accommodation while in England. The Indian Sociologist, launched the same year, was aimed at inspiring mass opposition to British rule and stimulated many intellectuals to fight for the freedom of India.
Although better-known as a political activist, Pandit Shyamji Krishnavarma was also a noted scholar of Sanskrit and other Indian languages. The portrait was generously donated to the library by Hemantkumar Gajanan Padhya, the President of the Hindu Swatantryavir Smruti Sansthanam, Milton Keynes, and a regular reader in the Indian Institute Reading Room.
Thanks to Hemantbhai for providing us with the details .
