Ghosh, Rashbehari

Ghosh, Rashbehari (1845-1921) lawyer, social worker, philanthropist. Born in the village of Khandaghosh in Burdwan district, Rashbehari Ghosh had an outstanding educational career, achieving top positions in all his public examinations from FA to MA. Ghosh was a famous figure in the legal profession during the early twentieth century. He made great fortune through his legal practice, and donated much of it by way of charity and endowments. In 1913, he established an endowment for scientific studies at Calcutta University with an initial capital of ten lakh rupees. He also donated thirteen lakh rupees to establish a nationalist, what was called then national institution at Jadavpur, which was later upgraded into the Jadavpur University.

Rashbehari Ghosh was a Congress activist of the moderate wing. He had deep faith in progress but was opposed to radicalist politics in any form. His great image and contributions earned him a series of honours, such as the Tagore Law Professorship (1875-76) at Calcutta University, an honorary DL degree from Calcutta University (1884), a seat on the Bengal Legislative Council (1891-94, 1906-09), and knighthood (1915). Rashbehari Ghosh died 28 February 1921. [Sirajul Islam] [Islam, Sirajul  Chief Editor, Banglapedia]