Taraknath Palit

Sir Taraknath Palit (1831–1914) was an Indian lawyer from the Bengal Presidency and a philanthropist. He was associated with the Swadeshi Movement during the Partition of Bengal and was one of the key figures behind the establishment of Ballygunge Science College of the Calcutta University and Jadavpur University.

Early life Taraknath was born in 1831 in Kolkata, the only son of millionaire, Kalisankar Palit. He was brought up in Amarpur in Hooghly district, West Bengal.

Education Taraknath graduated from college at the Hindu School, Kolkata and then he studied law in England.

Career In 1871, Taraknath returned to India and established a legal practice. It was established on 25 July 1906 and was the direct predecessor of Jadavpur University.

In June and October 1912, he executed two trust deeds for Calcutta University, donating Rs 1.5 million.

He was knighted by the British Government on 1 January 1913.

Death He died on 3 October 1914.