Munshi Kali Prasad Kulbhashkar was born on December 3, 1840, at "Chiri Mar Teela," now known as Laptan Ganj in Jaunpur. His father, Munshi Deen Dayal Singh, was a resident of Shahzad Pur in the Sirathu Tehsil of Allahabad District. A highly cultured and religious individual, Deen Dayal Singh served as a "Wasi Baki Nawis" at Jaunpur Tehsil and was also posted at Mariyahoo and Machli Shahar.
Munshi Kali Prasad received his initial education in Sanskrit under the guidance of Pandit Shitla Din Pandey of Shahjahanpur. At the young age of six, he began learning Arabic and Persian, eventually earning the degree of "Fajil." After successfully clearing the Vernacular Examination from Mariyahoo, he enrolled at the Government Normal School in Kashi, where he excelled in English. In 1857, at the age of 18, he resigned from his government job to support the First War of Independence.
In 1858, he was appointed Pargana Visitor of Banaras and later worked as Munsarim Bandobast in Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Lucknow until 1864. In October 1864, he appeared for the Extra Assistant Commissioner examination and passed with distinction. In 1865, he topped the Advocate Examination and began practicing law at the Awadh Chief Court in Lucknow. His legal expertise earned him widespread recognition, and he was appointed legal advisor to the Taluqdar Sangh.
Munshi Kali Prasad accumulated significant wealth through his legal acumen and in 1872, he began publishing Kayastha Samachar, a periodical that continues to be published twice a year.
Munshi Kali Prasad, married to Sushila Devi, dedicated his life to education after the couple remained childless. He famously declared he would adopt thousands of children by investing in education. In 1873, he established the Kayastha Pathshala in Bahadurganj with seven students, entrusting all his wealth to the Kayastha Pathshala Trust through a will dated October 18, 1886. He later moved to Delhi, where he passed away on November 9, 1886.
The Kayastha Pathshala became a hub of quality education, producing figures like Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya and H.N. Bahuguna, pivotal in India’s freedom movement. Munshi Kali Prasad also founded organizations like the Kayastha Dharam Sabha and authored works such as Kayastha Varna Mimansa. His vision inspired the establishment of several institutions managed by the Kayastha Pathshala Trust, including C.M.P. Degree College and K.P. Inter College.
Prominent leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Dr. Rajendra Prasad were influenced by his legacy, which laid the foundation for democratic governance in education. Munshi Kali Prasad's relentless dedication to philanthropy and social reform continues to inspire generations, marking him as a visionary who shaped India’s educational landscape.