Rao Bahadur Mahadev Govind Ranade, popularly referred to as Nyayamurti Ranade , was an Indian scholar, social reformer, judge and author. He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress party and held several designations such as Member of The Bombay Legislative Council and Member of The Finance Committee at the centre. He was also a judge of the Bombay High Court, Maharashtra.

Rao Bahadur and Rai Bahadur, abbreviated R.B., was a title of honour bestowed during British rule in India to individuals for outstanding service or acts of public welfare to the Empire. From 1911, the title was accompanied by a medal called a Title Badge. Translated, Rao means "King", and Bahadur means "Brave". Bestowed mainly on Hindus, the equivalent title for Muslim and Parsi subjects was Khan Bahadur. For Sikhs it was Sardar Bahadur.