(1842–1901) Lawyer,
judge, and one among nineteenth-century India's foremost Hindu social
reformers.
Ranade, like his younger contemporary Gopal Krishna Gokhale,
was known for his dedication to reforming Hindu society by enlisting the help
of the British government and working inside existing institutions.
Ranade was one of the first Indians to be educated in
British schools, and after graduating from Bombay University, he decided to
pursue a career in law.
Ranade worked dili softly to modify some religious practices
that were seen societal evils over his thirty years as a judge, notably
concerns affecting child marriage and widow remarriage.
In addition, he was a founder member of the Prarthana Samaj,
a Hindu reformist group with similar ideals.
In addition to his legal pursuits, Ranade studied economics
in order to give practical guidance for economic progress.
