Monomohun Ghose Biography 
Monomohun Ghose, from Bengal was the first practicing barrister of Indian origin. He has been one of the earliest Indians in organised national politics. He has given significant contributions in the field of women’s education and known for arousing the patriotic feeling of his countrymen. But his Anglicised habits have often resulted in criticism from his fellowmen. He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress and has served as the chairman of the reception committee of its session held at Kolkata in 1890. He has authored one book - Administration of Justice in India.
He was born in March 13, 1844 of Boiragidi, Munshiganj, now a part of Bangladesh. His father was a sub-judge and a patriot, and a great fan of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Ghose’s childhood days were spent at Krishnanagar and passed the Entrance Examination in 1859 from Krishnanagar College. He joined Presidency College in 1861. During this time he came close to Keshub Chunder Sen and together they started the Indian Mirror. In 1862, he along with Satyendranath Tagore sailed to England to prepare for and appear in the Indian Civil Service examinations. They share the credit of being the first Indians to sail abroad to attend ICS exams. However, he had to face racial discrimination and failed though he attempted twice. Thus Satyendranath Tagore, a member of great Tagore family became the first Indian to win Civil service examination. During his stay in England, he extended his support to fellow Kolkata poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta during his bad times.
Ghose was called to the bar from Lincoln's Inn, the second Indian after Gnanendramohan Tagore to get this invitation and returned to India only in 1866. He started practising as a barrister in Calcutta High Court in 1867 thus becoming the first Indian to receive this honour. As Gnanendramohan Tagore never practised in Calcutta High Court, Ghose is considered the first practising Indian barrister. Ghose is also remembered for his valuable contributions in the field of women’s education. He was associated with Hindu Mahila Vidyalaya and has revived the school as Banga Mahila Vidyalaya.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 06, 2014
