Krishna Mohan Banerjee

Krishna Mohan Banerjee Biography

Krishna Mohan Banerjee was one of the greatest Indian thinkers of 19^th century who gave new definitions to Hinduism. He attempted to Hindu philosophy, religion and ethics and got converted to Christianity. He was the first president of the Bengal Christian Association and a prominent member of Young Bengal group.

He was born as the son of Jibon Krishna Banerjee and Sreemoti Devi on 24 May 1813 at Shyampur, Kolkata of Bengal. In 1819, Krishna Mohan joined the School Society Institution founded by David Hare at Kalitala. Impressed by his talents, Hare gave him admission to his Hare school in 1822. He got admission to Hindu college later and won a scholarship as well.  In 1831, he started a new magazine, The Inquirer. Same year, his play, The Persecuted: or, Dramatic Scenes Illustrative of the Present State of Hindoo Society in Calcutta was staged for the first time. He got married to Bindhyobashini Banerjee.

While at college, he was drawn towards the lectures of the Scottish Christian missionary, Alexander Duff. In 1829, Banerjee joined Pataldanga School as an assistant teacher. In 1932, he got converted to Christianity. As a result he lost his job at school.  Thus his wife was forced to return to her own father's house. She joined him later only. When the missionary society started their mission in Bengal, Banerjee became the first Bengali priest of Christ Church. He used to deliver speeches there. He converted his wife, his brother Kali Mohan, and Ganendra Mohan Tagore to Christianity. Later Ganendra Mohan married his daughter Kamalmani.

In 1852, he was appointed as professor of Oriental Studies at Bishop's College, Kolkata. He studied more about Christianity during this time. In 1864 he was elected to be a member of the Royal Asiatic Society. In 1876 the University of Calcutta honoured him with a doctorate.

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Updated: January 10, 2014