Background
Bhandarkar was born in Malvan in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
Bhandarkar was born in Malvan in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
After his early schooling in Ratnagiri, he studied at Elphinstone College in Bombay. He obtained his Master’s degree the following year, and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from University of Göttingen in 1885.
Along with Mahadev Govind Ranade, was among the first graduates in 1862 from Bombay University. taught at Elphinstone College and Deccan College during his distinguished teaching career. He was involved in research and writing throughout his life. He retired in 1894 as the Vice Chancellor of Bombay University.
He participated in international conferences on Oriental Studies held in London (1874) and Vienna (1886), making invaluable contributions.
As an educationist, he was elected to the Council of India in 1903 as a non-official member. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was another member to the Council.
In 1911 Ramakrishna Gopal was knighted Companion oi the Order of the Indian Rmnirfl In 1866, some of the members held a meeting at the home of Atmaram Pandurang and publicly pledged to certain reforms, including (1) denunciation of the caste system, (2) encouragement of widow remarriage, (3) encouragement of female education, and (4) abolition of child marriage. The members concluded that religious reforms were required as a basis for social reforms.
They held their first prayer meeting on 31 March 1867, which eventually led to the formation of the Prarthana Samaj.
The world-renowned Oriental Research Institute in Pune is named after Ramakrishna Gopal.
Academy of Sciences of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. Russian Academy of Sciences]
In 1853, while a student, Bhandarkar became a member of the Paramhansa Sabha, an association for furthering liberal ideas which was then secret to avoid the wrath of the powerful and orthodox elements of contemporary society. Visits from Keshub Chunder Senator during 1864 had inspired the members of the Sabha.