2018-08-04 Sat

Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Indian Political leader and leading lawyer of Bombay, born on August 4, 1845. He was known as 'The Lion of Bombay' and 'Uncrowned King of Bombay'.

Mehta was born to a Parsi business family. Graduating from the Elphinstone College in 1864, Pherozeshah obtained his Master of Arts degree, with honours, six months later, becoming the first such Parsi, from the University of Mumbai.

He went to England to study law at Lincoln's Inn in London. He was the first Parsi barrister called to the Bar from Lincoln's Inn in 1868.

Mehta became the Municipal Commissioner of Bombay Municipality in 1873 and its President four times – 1884, 1885, 1905 and 1911. He was also chosen the president of the Indian National Congress in 1890.

A portrait of Pherozeshah Mehta at the Indian Parliament House shows his importance in the making of the nation. The Department of Post issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta.

Image Source: Mintage World