R. Balaji Rao

R. Balaji Rao (1842–1896) was an Indian politician and Indian independence activist who was a founder and first Secretary of the Madras Mahajana Sabha.^[1]

Personal life

Balaji Rao was born in a Thanjavur Marathi Deshastha Brahmin family^[2] in the year 1842.^[3] He had his schooling and higher education in Tanjore and Madras and graduated in law. On completion of his studies, Balaji Rao practised as a lawyer before entering the Indian independence movement.^[4]

Politics

Balaji entered politics and was one of the founding members of the Madras Mahajana Sabha.^[1] He represented Tanjore at the first session of the Indian National Congress along with S. A. Swaminatha Iyer.^[1] Balaji Rao established the Chingleput Ryots Relief Fund for the benefit of the ryots of Chingleput district.

Death

Balaji Rao died in 1896.