Dinkar Rao facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dinkar Rao
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Sir Dinkar Rao
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| Born | 10 December 1819 Ratnagiri District, Bombay Presidency, Company India
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| Died | 9 January 1896 (age 76) |
| Other names | Raja Sir Dinkar Rao Rajwade |
| Awards | KCSI |
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Raja Sir Dinkar Rao Rajwade (20 December 1819 – 9 January 1896) was an important Indian court official. He was born in the Ratnagiri district of the Bombay Presidency. His family, the Rajwades, were Chitpavan Brahmins. Dinkar Rao became famous for his leadership and loyalty during a challenging time in Indian history.
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Early Life and Learning
We don't know much about Dinkar Rao's early childhood. He started learning his mother tongue around age five. He also studied Sanskrit and Persian. His family paid special attention to his religious education. He grew up as a very religious Hindu. He also loved Hindu music and knew a lot about traditional Hindu medicine.
Starting His Career
At fifteen, Dinkar Rao began working for the Gwalior State. His ancestors had also served in this state. He quickly moved up in his job. He was put in charge of a division, showing his great skills. Because of his abilities, he became the Subahdar (a high-ranking official) of the Taranagar division. He was very good at organizing the police and tax departments. He helped bring order to areas that were in chaos.
Becoming a Prime Minister
In 1851, Dinkar Rao became the Dewan (which means Prime Minister). Before he took office, the state of Gwalior was in trouble. Its army was rebellious, money was scarce, and the government was weak. Dinkar Rao took strong action to fix these problems. He stopped disorder and removed unfair taxes. He also started public works projects. He even cut salaries, including his own, to turn a money shortage into a surplus.
During the Indian rebellion of 1857, Dinkar Rao remained loyal to the British. Even when the state's own troops rebelled in 1858, he stayed on the British side. He went with Maharaja Sindhia to the Agra Fort for safety. After things calmed down, he continued to serve as Prime Minister until December 1859. In 1862, he was chosen by Lord Canning to join his legislative council. This was a special group that helped make laws.
Serving as a Commissioner
In 1875, the Viceroy of India, Lord Northbrook, chose Dinkar Rao for an important job. He became a Commissioner, along with the Maharaja of Gwalior and Jaipur. Their task was to investigate the Gaekwad of Baroda on a serious charge.
Receiving Honors
Dinkar Rao was one of the first non-British members of the Legislative Council of India. This council was set up in 1861. In May 1866, he received a special honor. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI). This allowed him to be called "Sir Dinkar Rao." At a big gathering in Delhi that year, he was also given the title of "Raja." In 1884, Lord Dufferin made this title hereditary, meaning it could be passed down in his family.
Lord Dufferin admired Dinkar Rao greatly. He made sure that the British government respected him. He also recommended Dinkar Rao to British officials and leaders in other Indian states.
Later Life
Dinkar Rao passed away on 9 January 1896. He was one of the most respected Indian leaders of his time. It's amazing because he only started learning English when he was forty years old. He was never able to speak it perfectly. He preferred traditional ways and did not support some social reforms. He also kept his distance from the Indian National Congress.
