Brahmdev Mishra Biography, Age, Height, Career, Net Worth In 2025
Introduction
Brahmdev Mishra (1917–1975), known as the “Lion of India,” was a celebrated Indian professional wrestler (pehlwan) and politician. He was notably one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh—precursor to the BJP—in 1951 .
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Date of Birth and Age
Born in the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika in 1917 in Khajni village, Gorakhpur district, Mishra passed away in 1975, at about 57–58 years old .
Height and Physique
Brahmdev stood at approximately 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) and weighed around 120 kg (264 lbs). He was renowned for his extraordinary strength and remarkable workout regimen—performing up to 2,500 squats and 1,500 push‑ups within 45 minutes. His workouts often concluded with wrestling sessions (jor) involving 50 peers, chanting “Om Shiv,” and practicing Hanuman Namaskar .
Early Life and Education
Born to Mahadev Mishra in a Brahmin family steeped in wrestling tradition, he began training at age 7 in village akharas alongside his brothers. Mishra left a job with the police to dedicate himself fully to pehlwani. His schooling ended in middle school, but he learned Sanskrit verses and the Ramayana through deep family traditions .
Wrestling Career and Moves
Trained under guru Chandan Singh at Pakkibagh akhara in Gorakhpur and later at Kolkata’s Mochi Pari Thana akhara, Mishra mastered advanced pehlwani moves—nikal, tang, dhank, puthi, bankudi, and kalajank . He claimed victories over notable challengers:
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Defeated Punjab’s Surti Singh—earning a gada club prize
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Beat world champion Dara Singh in Kolkata within minutes using a nikal move
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Triumphed over Romanian “Tiger of Europe” George Constantine in Gorakhpur
His legendary dominance earned him the title “man who never saw the sky” .
Political Career
In 1951, Mishra became a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, aligning his legacy with the foundational years of what would eventually become the BJP .
Lifestyle and Diet
He adhered to a strict vegetarian diet rich in ghee, milk, almonds, fruits, and thandai, often sharing meals with guests. His disciplined lifestyle matched his rigorous training routines .
Net Worth
Brahmdev Mishra’s wealth was modest, reflecting the era and his life in wrestling and politics. There are no records indicating significant personal wealth at the time of his death.
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Legacy
He left a powerful legacy: as a pioneer in pehlwani, a founding political figure, and patriarch of a wrestling lineage including nephew Ramnarayan Mishra and grandson Chandraprakash “Gama Pahalwan,” who continued his tradition in international ring arenas .
