Biography of Sir John Malcolm

By Dr. Gillian Evison

© British Library. All further reproduction prohibited.

John Malcolm was born at Burnfoot on 2 May 1769, fourth son of George Malcolm of Burnfoot. After his father lost his fortune in financial speculation, John Malcolm was placed in the East India Company’s service, receiving his military commission at the age of twelve. In September 1798 he moved into diplomatic service as the assistant to the resident of Hyderabad. His final diplomatic appointment in India was as the Governor of Bombay and he served in this capacity from 1826 until his return to England in December 1830.

As Governor of Bombay, Sir John had political responsibility for Gujarat, including Kathiawar and Kutch. He heard good reports of the contribution that Swaminarayan’s teachings were making towards peace and harmony in the area and when he visited Rajkot in February of 1830, he asked the Acting Political Agent David Anderson Blane to arrange a meeting. Although he was by this time in poor health, Swaminarayan came to meet Sir John Malcolm at the Political Agent’s bungalow. During this meeting Sir John Malcolm asked for a copy of the Swaminaryan’s religious code and was presented with a copy of the Shikshapatri.