Badri Maharaj facts for kids

Badri Maharaj was an Indo-Fijian farmer, politician, and a generous person who helped others. He was born as Badri Dutt Bamola. He later took the name Maharaj after moving to Fiji.

He was the first Indian person to be a member of the Legislative Council. This was like a special group that helped make laws for Fiji. He served in this group from 1916 to 1923 and again from 1926 to 1929. He was chosen by the government, not elected by the people. Many Fiji Indians preferred a lawyer named Manilal Doctor to represent them instead.

Even though he wasn't everyone's first choice, Badri Maharaj was a person who stood up for what he believed in. He even resigned from the Council. He did this to protest a tax called a poll tax, which he thought was unfair to the Fiji Indian people. He also suggested new ways for Indians to manage their own communities, called panchayats. He was ahead of his time because he was against child marriage and strongly supported education for everyone.

Early Life and Education

Badri Maharaj was born in 1868 in a village called Bamoli in India. When he was about 12 years old, he left his village and went to Agra. In 1889, he came to Fiji as an indentured labourer. This meant he worked under a contract, often for a low wage.

Through hard work, he became a very successful farmer. He was the first Fiji Indian to understand how important schools were for Indian children. In 1898, he used his own money to start the Wairuku Indian School near Rakiraki. This was the very first school for Fiji Indian children in Fiji. A famous Fijian, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, who is seen as a founder of modern Fiji, even attended this school.

Becoming a Politician

In 1916, the government decided to have an Indian member in the Legislative Council. Badri Maharaj was chosen for this important role. However, many Fiji Indians were not happy with this choice. They wanted Manilal Doctor, who was a lawyer, to represent them. They felt a lawyer would be better than a farmer who had not had much formal schooling.

Even the Fiji Times newspaper suggested that Manilal Doctor or C. F. Andrews should be nominated instead. They encouraged Fiji Indians to protest the decision.

Ideas for Indian Communities

In 1918, Badri Maharaj suggested creating panchayats for Indian communities. A panchayat is a traditional system of local self-governance. He wrote a letter explaining his ideas. He believed panchayats would help solve arguments quickly among Fiji Indians. If people didn't agree with the panchayat's decision, they could still go to court.

He wanted these panchayats to include both Hindus and Muslims. This would help reduce disagreements between the two groups. Badri Maharaj also saw panchayats as a way to stop problems like child marriage. He thought they could also help keep Indian customs and traditions alive. He offered to help choose members for these groups.

The government official in charge of immigration thought panchayats were a good idea. But after looking into how they worked in India and other places, he decided it was too risky for Fiji at that time.

Against Child Marriage

In 1919, the Legislative Council discussed changes to the marriage laws. They wanted to officially recognize religious marriages among Fiji Indians. Badri Maharaj suggested changing the legal age for marriage. He wanted to raise it, but still allow younger ages for engagement ceremonies. He tried to explain the Hindu customs about marriage at that time. However, the Legislative Council did not listen to him. They did not give Fiji Indians the power to decide their own marriage laws.

Standing Up Against Unfair Taxes

In July 1923, the Fiji Government introduced a new tax called the residential tax, also known as a poll tax. This tax was £1 and had to be paid by all non-Fijian adult men between 18 and 60 years old.

Badri Maharaj, who was the Indian member of the Legislative Council, resigned from his position to protest this tax. He didn't completely disagree with the idea of a tax. But he argued that it should only apply to people who could afford it, like voters, not to poor labourers. In 1926, he was nominated to the Legislative Council again.

Supporting Arya Samaj

Badri Maharaj was one of the people who helped start the Arya Samaj in Fiji. This is a religious and social reform movement. He gave a lot of money to support its religious and educational programs. His sons continued his work with the Arya Samaj. In 1956, he was given a special award called the Dayanand Medal for his great service. This award was given after his death during the Arya Samaj's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Family Life

Badri Maharaj's son, Sadanand, also became a member of the Legislative Council in the early 1950s.