B. G. Kher, Indian Politician, First Chief Minister of Bombay State
Indian Politician, First Chief Minister of Bombay State

B. G. Kher

Born 24 August 1888 · Maharashtra — Died 8 March 1957

First Chief Minister of Bombay State from 1947 to 1952, leading its initial post-independence government.

Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher was an Indian politician who served as the prime minister of Bombay and the first chief minister of Bombay State (1947–1952). He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 1954. A lawyer, solicitor and social worker by choice and politician by necessity, Kher was often described as "Sajjan", good and gentle. Kher was a scholar, an accomplished orator, and a man with no pretensions.

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A detail that
surprised us

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The law firm Kher co-founded in 1918 was the only one in Mumbai to have its inauguration led by a British judge, Sir Frank Beaman.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1908, Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher scored top honors in Sanskrit at Wilson College, Mumbai, winning the Bhau Daji Lad prize — a rare academic feat for a future politician.
2
As a lawyer, Kher co-founded Manilal Kher & Co in 1918, inaugurated by judge Sir Frank Beaman, marking its unique place in Mumbai's legal history.
3Arrested multiple times during the freedom struggle, Kher faced rigorous imprisonment in 1930, 1932, 1940, and 1942, showcasing his unwavering commitment to India's independence.
4In 1937, he became Prime Minister of Bombay Province, a role he resumed in 1946, leading the region through the crucial transition to independence.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1954
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1908, Kher won the Bhau Daji Lad prize for standing first in Sanskrit at Wilson College, Mumbai, highlighting his scholarly prowess before entering politics.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher was born into a Maharashtrian family in Ratnagiri, setting roots in the Bombay Presidency.
1888
📚
Education
Graduated top in Sanskrit from Wilson College
Kher earned his B.A. with high distinction and won the Bhau Daji Lad prize for Sanskrit excellence.
1908
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Career
Founded law firm Manilal Kher & Co
Kher co-founded a firm inaugurated by Sir Frank Beaman, an unusual honor for Indian lawyers under British rule.
1918
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Career
Became Prime Minister of Bombay Province
Succeeded Dhanjishah Cooper as Prime Minister, leading the province before WWII disruptions.
1937
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Career
Reappointed Prime Minister of Bombay Province
Returned to lead Bombay through the critical final phase before independence.
1946
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Career
First Chief Minister of Bombay State
With independence, Kher became Bombay State's first Chief Minister, managing the postcolonial transition.
1947
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Career
Developed Kherwadi for Hindu-Khatik community
Allocated plots and established infrastructure improving lives of Scheduled Caste residents in Bandra East.
1950
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Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
Received India’s second-highest civilian award for public service amidst nation building.
1954
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Death
Death in Pune
Passed away while recovering from an asthma attack at a private nursing home.
1957
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Kher’s law firm inauguration in 1918 was uniquely presided over by Sir Frank Beaman, an unusual honor for an Indian legal practice during British rule.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Kher was imprisoned four separate times (1930, 1932, 1940, 1942) for his involvement in civil disobedience and the Quit India movement, reflecting his active resistance against colonial rule.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

The area known today as Kherwadi in Bandra East was named after him following his 1950–51 land allotments to the Hindu-Khatik community, a notable act of social equity.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Balasaheb Kher : First Prime Minister of Bombay Province
More from this archive
Balasaheb Kher : First Prime Minister of Bombay Province
01
Balasaheb Kher : First Prime Minister of Bombay Province
Indian Film Conference (1946)
02
Indian Film Conference (1946)

🌱 What changed because of them

Kher's political leadership bridged colonial Bombay to independent Bombay State, setting administrative foundations still relevant today. His efforts in establishing Poona University expanded higher education in Maharashtra, influencing generations of scholars. Additionally, his social reforms in Kherwadi improved living conditions for marginalized communities, embedding a precedent for inclusive urban development policies.

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