Albion Rajkumar Banerjee Biography 
Albion Rajkumar Banerjee was an Indian civil servant and administrator from Bengal, who lived during the period, 10 October 1871 – 25 February 1950. He has served many administrative positions in British India. He served as the Diwan of Cochin (1907 – 1914), Diwan of Mysore Kingdom (1922 – 1926) and Prime Minister of Kashmir (1927 – 1929). He cleared the Indian Civil Service examinations in 1894. Also known as travelling Diwan, he has played a few more roles. As Diwan of Mysore he led a negotiating team for Cauvery Waters Agreement in 1924. Banerji is credited with many developmental projects in Kochi and Mysore.
Albion Banerjee was born in Bristol to Indian parents on 10 October 1871. His father Sasipada Banerji was a social worker and leader of the Brahmo Samaj, best known for his fights for women’s rights. His mother Rajkumari Banerji was an Indian social worker and Bengali philanthropist, and the first Indian woman to visit England in 1871. Albion was born in England when his mother was in England. Albion Banerjee completed his education in General Assembly's Institution, University of Calcutta and Balliol College, Oxford. Albion Banerjee married Nalini Gupta, daughter of Sir Krishna Govinda Gupta. Nalini’s sister was married to Atul Prasad Sen, an artist, writer and philanthropist from Bengal.
Albion Banerjee cleared the Indian Civil Service examinations in 1894. He was appointed as Assistant Collector and Magistrate in the Madras Presidency. In 1907 he was appointed as Diwan of Kochi, a position he served for next 7 years. During his tenure he brought in many reforms inside the state, including the introduction of The Cochin State Manual. He later served as Diwan of Mysore Kingdom and Prime Minister of Kashmir. Though he tried hard to enter British parliament as an MP, it didn’t happen. He dreamt of a federal India, but his idea was swept away by the nationalist movement.
Published: October 02, 2018
Updated: October 02, 2018
