Dictionary of Indian Biography/Bisudhwananda, Swami
BISUDHWANANDA, SWAMI (1820–1899)
Bansidhar (his original name) was a son of a Kanauj Brahman of Cawnpur, born near Hyderabad, (in the Dekkan) : learnt some Persian and Urdu under a Maulvi : entered the Nizam's service, was an excellent horseman, and a great favourite, but, failing to obtain justice in a quarrel over a horse, he set fire to all his earthly possessions, besmeared his body with the ashes, and left Hyderabad, visited places of pilgrimage and sacred shrines, observed the strictest discipline of a monk, took to studying Sanskrit, and in a few years became an accomplished grammarian (Panini School) : spent three years at Hardwar in study and meditation : removed to Benares, and took up his abode at a ghat; read all the Darsans (Hindu philosophy); became a Sanyasi (devotee); assumed a new name, isudhwananda, ("unalloyed peace"), and occupied the seat of Gaurswami at Ahlia Bai's Brahmapuri, till his death in April, 1899 : of high stature, strong will, great piety, and profound learning, he commanded great respect among all classes : princes and people sought his advice : he was a great admirer of British rule in India.