Gokhale, Gopal Krishna

Gokhale, Gopal Krishna (1866-1915), Indian nationalist leader, who in the early years of the 20th century, was the most effective critic of British rule in India. He was born in Kolhapur, studied at Elphinstone College, Bombay, and became professor of history and political science in Pune. A member of the Indian National Congress from its beginning, he was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1899 and from 1902 to 1914 represented Bombay on the viceregal council, where his authoritative comments on official finances were very influential. In 1905 he founded the Servants of India Society, dedicated to training “national missionaries for the service of India”. Gokhale was an early influence on Mohandas K. Gandhi, who called him his political guru.