Krishna Singh, Indian politician, 1st Chief Minister of Bihar (b. 1887)

Shri Krishna Sinha, often respectfully referred to as Shri Babu, was a towering figure in Indian politics and the foundational Chief Minister of the state of Bihar. Born on 21 October 1887 and passing away on 31 January 1961, his legacy is intrinsically linked with the shaping of modern Bihar, earning him a revered place among the 'Architects of Modern Bihar'.

Early Leadership and Enduring Tenure

Shri Krishna Sinha made history as the very first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, serving from 1946 until his demise in 1961. His political career, however, extended even further back; he initially assumed the mantle of leadership for the first Congress Ministry in Bihar in 1937. His tenure was remarkably long and impactful, interrupted only by the critical period of World War II. During this time, from 1939 to 1946, Congress ministries across British India, including Bihar, collectively resigned in protest against the Viceroy Lord Linlithgow's unilateral decision to declare India a belligerent in the war without consulting Indian political leaders. This act of non-cooperation highlighted the nationalist movement's resolute demand for self-rule. After the war and leading into India's independence in 1947, Sinha resumed his role, guiding Bihar through its crucial formative years and into a new era of development.

Architect of Modern Bihar: Social Reforms and Vision

Shri Babu is celebrated alongside other pre-eminent figures such as "Desh Ratna" Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who would become India's first President, and "Bihar Vibhuti" Anugrah Narayan Sinha, his close friend and eminent Gandhian, as a key architect who laid the foundational framework for modern Bihar. His visionary leadership extended beyond mere administration, focusing on profound social and economic reforms that fundamentally reshaped the state.

• Champion of Dalit Upliftment: Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, Shri Krishna Sinha famously led the entry of Dalits into the revered Baidyanath Dham temple (also known as Vaidyanath Temple) in Deoghar around 1938. This courageous and symbolic act was a direct challenge to the deeply entrenched caste discrimination and untouchability prevalent in society, marking a significant and pioneering step towards the social empowerment and integration of marginalized communities.
• Pioneer of Land Reform: A testament to his progressive outlook and dedication to economic justice, Shri Krishna Sinha holds the distinction of being the first Chief Minister in independent India to initiate and successfully abolish the oppressive Zamindari system. This feudal land tenure system, largely consolidated and exploited under British colonial rule, allowed landlords (zamindars) to act as intermediaries, extracting exorbitant rents from cultivators and holding vast tracts of land. His government's landmark Bihar Land Reforms Act was a monumental legislative achievement aimed at redistributing land, empowering millions of tenant farmers, and fostering a more equitable agrarian society. This bold move served as a crucial blueprint for subsequent land reform initiatives across other Indian states.

A Staunch Freedom Fighter and Charismatic Leader

Shri Krishna Sinha's unwavering commitment to India's independence from British colonial rule was profound, leading him to endure multiple terms of imprisonment. He spent a total of approximately eight years incarcerated in British Indian jails, a testament to his personal sacrifice for the nation's freedom. He actively participated in major nationalist movements, including Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement, showcasing his resolute stand against colonial oppression.

His immense popularity and extraordinary ability to connect with the masses were legendary. Known for his powerful and captivating oratory, he was affectionately called "Bihar Kesari," meaning the 'Lion of Bihar.' This evocative title was bestowed upon him for his thunderous, lion-like roars and compelling speeches that drew vast crowds to his public meetings, inspiring and mobilizing them for the cause of freedom and subsequent national development.

Scholarship, Statesmanship, and Lasting Legacy

Beyond his administrative acumen and political leadership, Shri Krishna Sinha was widely renowned for his profound scholarship and polymathy – a remarkable breadth of knowledge spanning various subjects. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to continuous learning were a distinctive aspect of his personality.

His statesmanship and collaborative spirit are further highlighted by the extensive correspondence he maintained with India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This invaluable collection of letters, compiled into the insightful book "Freedom and Beyond" and officially released by former President of India, Pratibha Patil, offers crucial insights into the formative years and challenges of Indian democracy in the making. Their exchanges delved into critical issues of nation-building, including the delicate dynamics of Centre-State relations, the constitutional role of governors in a federal structure, regional stability challenges such as turbulence in Nepal, the intricate processes of zamindari abolition, and the future of the education scenario in a newly independent India.

In a profound testament to his philanthropic spirit and unwavering commitment to public enlightenment, Shri Krishna Sinha generously donated his personal collection of 17,000 books to the public library in Munger in 1959. This invaluable and extensive collection now forms the core of the library, which has been fittingly renamed Sri Krishna Seva Sadan in his honor. This institution serves as a lasting symbol of his dedication to fostering knowledge, learning, and community service for future generations in Bihar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Krishna Sinha

Who was Shri Krishna Sinha?

Shri Krishna Sinha, affectionately known as Shri Babu, was the first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar. He was a prominent freedom fighter, a visionary social reformer, and a pivotal figure in shaping the policies and direction of post-independence Bihar.

What were Shri Krishna Sinha's most significant contributions to social justice?

Among his most significant contributions were leading the historic Dalit entry into the Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar, which directly challenged caste discrimination. Furthermore, he was the first Chief Minister in the country to successfully abolish the oppressive Zamindari system, a landmark land reform that empowered millions of farmers.

How long did Shri Krishna Sinha serve as Chief Minister of Bihar?

He served as Chief Minister of Bihar from 1937 to 1939 (as part of the first Congress Ministry before resigning in protest during WWII) and then continuously from 1946 until his death in 1961, making his tenure one of the longest and most influential in the state's history.

Why was Shri Krishna Sinha referred to as "Bihar Kesari"?

He earned the revered title "Bihar Kesari," meaning 'Lion of Bihar,' due to his powerful, charismatic, and lion-like oratory, which deeply resonated with and mobilized vast audiences during his public addresses.

What is the historical significance of the book "Freedom and Beyond"?

"Freedom and Beyond" is a collection of extensive correspondence between Shri Krishna Sinha and India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It provides invaluable insights into the complex challenges and critical debates surrounding nation-building, democratic governance, Centre-State relations, and social reforms during the early years of independent India.

What is Sri Krishna Seva Sadan?

Sri Krishna Seva Sadan is a public library located in Munger, Bihar, named in honor of Shri Krishna Sinha. It houses his impressive personal collection of 17,000 books, which he generously donated in 1959, symbolizing his deep commitment to education and the dissemination of knowledge.