Baldeo Das Birla (1863–1956) was an Indian industrialist and philanthropist. He contributed to the establishment of the

Medical College Calcutta Medical College, Kolkata, also known as Calcutta Medical College, is a Government medical college and hospital located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest existing hospitals in Asia. The institute was established on 28 Janua ...

, and also built the Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi, also known as ''Birla Mandir'', which was inaugurated by

Mahatma Gandhi Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2October 186930January 1948) was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalism, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethics, political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful Indian ...

in 1939.

Business

When Britain was trading opium with China, Baldeo Das Birla, who was an adopted son of Shiv Narayan Birla used this opportunity to engage cargo ships in partnership with other tradesmen to trade opium with China. In 1887, Baldeo Das moved to Calcutta to set up business.

Personal life

In the book by his great-grandson, Yash Birla mentioned that Baldeo Das Birla was named Raja by the British. The book further states that both Baldeo and his wife were both simple people who were deeply religious and superstitious. Baladeo Birla and his wife had four sons: Jugal Kishore, Rameshwar Das,

Ghanshyam Das Birla Ghanshyam Das Birla (10 April 1894 – 11 June 1983) was an Indian businessman and member of the Birla Family. Birla family history Ghanshyam Das Birla was born on 10 April 1894 at Pilani town in Jhunjhunu district, in the region known as ...

, and

Brij Mohan Birla Brij Mohan Birla (1904 – 1981) was one of the scions of Birla family and an industrialist and philanthropist. He was the youngest and 4th son of Baldeo Das Birla. He was chairman of Hindustan Motors, Ruby General Insurance, India Exchange Ltd ...

. Baldeo Das was awarded the Raibahadur title in 1917. In 1920, he retired from business and started living in Banares pursuing religious studies. In 1925, he was awarded the title of "Raja" by the Maharaja of Dumraon. He was awarded D. Litt. by

Banaras Hindu University Banaras Hindu University (BHU), formerly Benares Hindu University, is a collegiate, central, and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, and founded in 1916. The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, ...

Writings by Baldeo Das Birla

* Chhandogyopnishada Rahasya, 1926 * Vedanta va Atmavichara, 1935 * Darshanik Vichara, 1950

References

* URL accessed on 1 April 2006 Indian philanthropists Rajasthani people Baldeo Das 1863 births 1956 deaths Founders of Indian schools and colleges Businesspeople from British India People from the Bengal Presidency {{Philanthropist-stub

Business

Personal life

Writings by Baldeo Das Birla

See also

References