Virachand Gandhi

Virachand Gandhi Biography

Virachand Gandhi was a Jain scholar who represented Jainism at the first World Parliament of Religions in 1893. He was a barrister by profession. He has written many books on Jainism and its philosophy and worked for this religion and rights of Jains. Apart from religious works like The Life of Saint Iss and Religion and philosophy of the Jains, he has also translated the French work, Unknown Life of Jesus Christ to English. His speeches were collectively published by Bhagu F. Karbhari as Speeches and Writings of Virchand R. Gandhi. He could speak 14 languages. He has been honored by many literary and spiritual institutions, churches and societies. His statues were erected in Chicago and Mahuva during 1990’s.

Gandhi was born in Mahuva, Gujarat on August 25, 1864 as the son of a businessman. Gandhi was educated as a lawyer. In 1885 he became the first honorary secretary of the Jain Association of India. He was only 21 then. At that time, a tax was levied for visiting Mount Shatrunjay, Palitana. He fought against the tax rules imposed by the ruler of Gujarat. With the help of Lord Reay, the British colonial governor of Mumbai and Colonel John Watson of the Kathiawar Agency, he negotiated an annual fixed payment of Rs. 15000. His agitation against pig slaughterhouse close to Mount Sametshikhar, a pilgrim place was successful. He spent 6 months in Bengal learning Bengali and fought the case and eventually won it.

Gandhi represented Jainism at the first World Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893. He attended the meeting on behalf of Acharya Vijayanand Suri, as Jain monks do not travel overseas. Later a statue of Gandhi was erected in famous Jain temple at Chicago. Later he spent 3 years abroad in UK and US delivering speeches. He is known for giving about 535 lectures on Jainism.  

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Updated: December 28, 2013