Shyamji Krishna Varma was one of those staunch nationalists and patriots, who served the cause of India's fredom from outside the country. He led an eventful life, largely in Europe during the most crucial period of India's struggle for freedom, helping revolutionaries and creating a nucleus for their activities. Shyamji Krishna was born 4th October, 1857 at Mandvi village of Kutch District in Gujarat. He lost his mother during early childhood. He had his primary education in the village schol at Mandvi and High School education at Bhuj. He was an extraorinarily brilliant student. He acquired a dep knowledge of Sanskrit for which he was awarded the title of 'Pandit'.

He was married to Bhanumati, the daughter of a rich merchant, Seth Chhabildas Lallubhai of Bombay in 1875. Shyamji Krishna Varma was greatly influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj. He later joined the Oxford University and was appointed Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at Balliol College. Subsequently he entered Temple's Inn and was the first Indian Bar-at-law.

He returned to India in January, 1888 and served for a short time as Diwan of Ratlam. He started practice at Ajmer and earned fame as an advocate. He became a member of Municipality of Ajmer city, seved as Diwan of Ajmer and later as Diwan of Junagarh. In January 1905, he returned to England and to active plitics. He stated the publication of a monthly 'Indian Sociologist' which became a vehicle of revolutionary ideas.

In February 1905, he establiched the Indian Home Rule Society to raise his voice against British domination in India. He established 'India House' in London to help Indians visiting England. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his brother Ganesh, Lala Hardayal, Biren Chattopadhyaya and V.V.S. Iyer were some of the beneficiaries of 'India House'. He raised strong protests against British rule in India by publishing pamphlets, writing books and delivering speeches.

on account of his political activities, he was forced to leave England. Due to the outbreak of the Second World War, he could not stay in Paris and had to go to Geneva in Swetzerland, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in Geneva on 31st March, 1930.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India