| Sir Rajen Mookerjee | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 June 1854 Bhabla, North 24 Parganas |
| Died | 15 May 1936 Kolkata |
| Occupation | Industrialist |
Sir Rajen Mookerjee, KCIE, KCVO (full name Rajendranath Mookerjee; the family surname was spelt by them differently from the standard “Mukherjee.”) was a pioneering Indian industrialist.[1]
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He lost his father when he was just six years old and was brought up by his mother. He studied engineering for three years at present day Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur then located at Presidency College, Calcutta. He started as a contractor and later earned fame as an engineer and businessman.[1]
Among his achievements were the construction of Palta water works and the Victoria Memorial at Kolkata. He pioneered the laying down and operations of Martin Light Railway.[1]
Along with Sir Acquin Martin, he founded Martin & Co. and contributed to the success of Bengal Iron at Kulti. Later he joined G.H.Fairhurst in founding the iron works of The Indian Iron and Steel Company at Burnpur.[2]
He first went to England in 1901 and later several times in connection with his business. In 1908, Mookerjee was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE).[3] In 1911, he became sheriff of Kolkata. Also in 1911, he was knighted with the KCIE.[4] In 1922, Mookerjee was further honoured with the dignity of a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).[5] In 1931, the University of Calcutta honoured him with an honorary D.Sc. (Engineering).[1] He presided over the 8th session of Indian Science Congress held at Kolkata in 1921.[6]
Sir Biren Mookerjee was his second son. Jitendra Nath Mookerjee was his eldest son and Mahendra Nath Mookerjee was his youngest son. His grandsons, Ramen Mookerjee and Robin Mookerjee took over the reins of Martin Burn & Co. after the death of his sons.