SIR T

See also:

• RAO, SIR DINKAR (1819–1896)
• SIR T RAO

RAO  . MADHAVA (1828–1891), Indian statesman, was born at Combaconum in Madras in 1828 . Madhava Rao created a new type of minister adapted to the modern requirements of a progressive native state, and he grafted it upon the old stock . He linked the past with the present, using the advantages of heredity, tradition and conservatism to effect reforms in the public administration and in Indian society . Sprung from a Mahratta Brahmin stock long settled at Tanjore, the son of a dewan of Travancore, he was educated in the strictest tenets of his sacred caste . But he readily imbibed the new spirit of the age . To mathematics, science and astronomy he added a study of English philosophy and international law, and a taste for art II and pictures . Although a devout student of the Shastras, he advocated female education and social reform . Refusing to cross the sea and so break caste by appearing before a parliamentary commission, he yet preached religious toleration . A patron of the Indian Congress, he borrowed from the armoury of British administration every reform which he introduced into the native states . He was respected alike by Europeans and natives, and received titles and honours from the British government . As tutor of the maharaja of Travancore, and then as revenue officer in that state, he showed firmness and ability, and became diwan or prime minister in 1857 .

He found the finances disorganized, and

trade cramped by mono-polies and oppressive duties . He co-operated with the Madras government in carrying out reforms, and when his measures led to misunderstandings with the maharaja, he preferred honourable resignation to retention of a lucrative office in which he was powerless for good . In 1872 he was engaged at Indore in laying down a plan of reform and of public works which he bequeathed to his successor, when a grave crisis at Baroda demanded his talents there . The Gaekwar had been deposed for scandalous misrule, and an entire reorganization was needed . Aided by Sir Philip 1\/Ielvill, Madhava Rao swept away the corrupt officials, privileged sirdars and grasping contractors who had long ruined Baroda . He wrote able minutes defending the rights and privileges of the Gaekwar from fancied encroachment, and justifying the internal reforms which he introduced . He resigned office in 1882, and in his retirement devoted his leisure to reading and writing upon political and social questions . He died on the 4th of April 1891 .