Here’s a detailed overview of Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s family:


🧑‍🎓 Personal & Early Life

  • Born: 3 December 1884, Ziradei, Bihar

  • Parents: Father – Mahadev Sahai (scholar of Sanskrit & Persian), Mother – Kamleshwari Devi 

  • Siblings: Eldest brother Mahendra Sahai, and three elder sisters 

🤝 Marriage & Immediate Family

  • Spouse: Rajvanshi Devi (married June 1896 when Rajendra was 12) – a freedom fighter and true partner in his life, she passed away in September 1962 

  • Children: Mrityunjay Prasad, born 2 January 1906, was their only son 

👨‍👩‍👦 Son – Mrityunjay Prasad

  • Politician and parliamentarian: Member of 4th Lok Sabha (Maharajganj, 1967–71) and 6th Lok Sabha (Siwan, 1977–80) 

  • Daughter: Tara Sinha 

No records of other biological children; some sources mention an adopted daughter, Vijayalakshmi, though unconfirmed


🧠 Early Life & Education

  • Born in Ziradei (then Bengal Presidency, now Bihar), into a Kayastha family; son of Sanskrit–Persian scholar Mahadev Sahai. 

  • Excelled academically—topped University of Calcutta entrance, earned first-division M.A. in Economics (1907), gold medal in law, and later a doctorate.


⚖️ Legal & Teaching Career

  • Served as Professor of Economics at Calcutta City College (c. 1909) before practicing law at Calcutta High Court and Patna High Court. Founded Bihar Law Weekly.


🕊️ Freedom Movement

  • Joined the Indian National Congress by 1911, and collaborated with Gandhi during Champaran Satyagraha (1917); renounced his law practice in 1920 to join Non-Cooperation. 

  • Imprisoned during Salt Satyagraha (1930–31) and Quit India (1942), serving nearly three years. 


🏛️ Nation-Building & Constitutional Role

  • Held the post of Food & Agriculture Minister in the interim government (1946–47). 

  • Elected President of the Constituent Assembly (1946–50), steering the drafting of the Indian Constitution. 


👑 First President of India

  • Took office as the inaugural President on 26 January 1950, re-elected in 1957—the only president to serve two full terms (12 years). 

  • Established the standard of presidential non-partisanship and modest living, famously reducing his own salary in his second term. 

  • Opened Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Mughal Gardens to the public—a tradition that continues. 


📚 Writings & Advocacy

  • A prolific writer, his works include Satyagraha at Champaran (1922), India Divided (1946), and his autobiography Atmakatha (1946). 

  • Champion of traditional Indian education—co-founded Bihar Vidyapeeth and advocated for Hindi and vernacular uplift. 


💡 Humanitarian Impact

  • Led relief in crises—the 1914 Bihar–Bengal floods, the 1934 Bihar earthquake, and the 1935 Quetta earthquake. 


🏅 Later Life & Legacy

  • Retired in 1962 due to health; awarded the Bharat Ratna in the same year. 

  • Spent his last years at Patna’s Sadaqat Ashram, passing away in 1963 from a heart attack. A museum, Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya, commemorates him. 


✨ Why He Matters

Dr. Rajendra Prasad exemplifies integrity, humility, and intellectual rigor. From grassroots activism in Bihar to shaping India's Constitution and upholding the dignity of its highest office, his life remains a beacon of democratic values and public service.


📌 Notable Remarks

  • Born into a scholarly, multilingual Kayastha family 

  • Only Mrityunjay among his children entered politics 

  • Married to Rajvanshi Devi, a respected freedom fighter and his lifelong companion

 

 

📜 Create Your Own Family Legacy!

Just like the Dr. Rajendra Prasad family’s legacy, you can document your own family history with the Family Root App!

✅ Preserve Your Family Tree
✅ Share Achievements & Memories
✅ Connect with Relatives

 

📜 Disclaimer
The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of the data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.
​​​​​​​