Karsandas Mulji, born on July 25, 1832, into a family from the Kapol caste

Maharaj movie real story: Who was Karsandas Mulji and what was 1862 Maharaj Libel Case? The people are looking for the same information ever since the film has started creating abuzz on social media which also features the son of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan. 

“One must understand that the progress of society depends not just on the education of men, but equally on the education and upliftment of women”, this quote exemplifies Karsandas Mulji’s belief in the importance of gender equality and education in societal advancement.

Maharaj movie real story: Who was Karsandas Mulji? 

Karsandas Mulji – The Forgotten ‘Indian Luther’, was known for his philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare, making significant contributions to society, especially in Gujarat, India, leaving a lasting impact on the society. Karsandas Mulji was given the nickname “Indian Luther” to draw parallel comparisons between Mulji’s philanthropic efforts and the transformative impact of Martin Luther in Europe. 

Just as Martin Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Christianity, Karsandas Mulji's philanthropy have been seen as revolutionary or transformative in the context of Indian society, particularly in Gujarat where he made significant contributions.

Karsandas Mulji, born on July 25, 1832, into a family from the Kapol caste, a trading community in western India, was Gujarati language journalist, writer and social reformer from India. He was repudiated by his family because of his views on widow remarriage. Karsandas Mulji received his education and became a vernacular schoolmaster and established Satyaprakash, a weekly newspaper in Gujarati. His education likely provided him with the foundation and skills necessary for his later endeavors in philanthropy and journalism. Through Satyaprakash, he criticized what he saw as the immoralities of the Maharajas, who were the hereditary high priests of the Pushtimarg Vaishnavism sect, to which the Bhatias, his own community, belonged.

Maharaj movie real story: What was Karsandas Mulji's 1862 Maharaj Libel Case? 

Karsandas Mulji led a remarkable life marked by notable achievements and contributions to the society of 19th-century Bombay and Gujarat. One of his pivotal moments came in 1862 when he gained acclaim for successfully defending himself in the Maharaj Libel Case at the Bombay High Court, demonstrating his legal acumen and commitment to justice. The case was called the “greatest trial of modern times since the trial of Warren Hastings”.

Despite facing social exclusion following an unsuccessful business venture in the English cotton trade, Mulji persisted in various endeavors. His resilience and leadership were further evident when he was entrusted in 1874 with administering a native state in Kathiawar during the chief's minority. As a journalist, author, and advocate for social reform, Mulji left a lasting impact through his founding of influential publications and his tireless efforts for justice and societal progress. His legacy as a champion of truth was cemented by his triumph in the Maharaj Libel Case, highlighting his unwavering dedication to honesty and the advancement of society.

There is a discrepancy regarding the year of Karsandas Mulji's death. While some sources suggest he died in 1871, others, including the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, indicate his death occurred in 1875. The latter seems more plausible considering his appointment to administer a state in Kathiawar in 1874, which would align with a death date of 1875. This discrepancy underscores the importance of consulting multiple sources to establish historical accuracy.

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