Hara Chandra Ghosh Biography 
Hara Chandra Ghosh was one of the prominent leaders of the Young Bengal group of 19th century. He was the first Bengali to be a judge of the Calcutta Small Causes Court from 1854 to 1868. He earned fame as a judge and was not involved in religion and social reform.
Ghosh was born on 23 July 1808 in Sarsuna, South 24 Parganas of West Bengal. In those days, it was a custom to learn Persian. Yet young Ghosh was interested in learning English. Thus he joined the newly founded Hindu College and later became a favourite student of Derozio. Later he became a part of Academic Association and used to deliver speeches. Very soon, he got an offer from Lord William Bentinck as his personal staff. But he couldn’t join it as it was opposed by his mother. However, Bentinck appointed him munsif of Bankura in 1832, newly designated post for Indians. When there was shortage of staff, Ghosh himself took down notes and wrote out judgments. His dedication towards work earned appreciation from many and he earned respect as well. He worked in Bankura for 6 years.
He was transferred to Hooghly in 1838, and in 1844, he became principal sadar amin of 24 Parganas. He served as a member of the subordinate Civil Judiciary in Bengal for long 20 years. After his dedicated service, he was gazetted as junior police magistrate of Kolkata in 1852 with recommendations of the judges of the Sadar Diwani Adalat. In 1854, he was transferred to the Small Causes Court, where he remained till his death. Thus he gained popularity as a talented judge.
He has been associated with a few social services as well. He helped John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune in the formation of the Bethune School and was a member of the school committee. He won the confidence of Lord William Bentinck, Lord Auckland and Lord Dalhousie and was made a Rai Bahadur. He has also been associated in the construction of a memorial statue for David Hare by Derozians.
Published: N/A
Updated: April 22, 2014
