Nana Jagannath Shankarseth
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A brief biography
Shubhangi Khapre, March 15, 2024: The Indian Express
The social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist Nana Jagannath Shankarseth (February 10, 1803-July 31, 1865) is often described as the “architect” of Mumbai (then Bombay), who made extremely valuable contributions in terms of both ideas and money to multiple sectors, to lay a strong foundation for the city.
Born in a wealthy Brahmin family in Murbad in Thane district, Shankarseth took the responsibility of running the family business at an early age after his father passed away in 1822. Shankarseth was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
As a social reformer and community leader, Shankarseth earned the goodwill of both Indians and the British. He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Bombay.
What are some of Shankarseth’s most significant contributions?
EDUCATION: Shankarseth was deeply committed to the growth and spread of education in Bombay, and donated land owned by his family for educational institutions. Like many social reformers of his age, he believed that Indians could progress through education. He also worked for the education of girls and women.
Shankarseth founded the Native School of Bombay, which was renamed first as the Bombay Native Institution, and then as the Board of Education. Finally, this institution evolved into the prestigious Elphinstone College.
There is an interesting anecdote about Nana Shankarseth’s role in laying the foundation of medical education in Bombay. The then Governor of Bombay, Sir Robert Grant, wanted a medical college in Bombay of the kind that existed in Calcutta (Kolkata) and Madras (Chennai); however, he passed away before the proposal was endorsed by the East India Company.
At a public meeting held at Town Hall to pay tribute to the late Governor, Shankarseth suggested that the medical college should be named after him. Grant Medical College in Mumbai is one of the oldest medical institutions in South Asia.
MUSEUM, TEMPLES: Shankarseth was among the wealthy donors who helped promote Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, which was designed by a famous London-based architect. The Bhawani Shankar Temple near Nana Chowk was Shankarseth’s tribute to his late mother Bhawanibai Murkute. He also built a Ram temple.
What was Shankarseth’s contribution to the railways?
The first train in India ran between Boribunder and Thane on April 16, 1853. The 34-km project undertaken by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Company. The committee that gave the project impetus included Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Nana Shankarseth.
Is this the first time recognition is being sought for Nana Shankarseth’s contributions?
Successive governments of Maharashtra have paid tributes to Shankarseth on his birth and death anniversaries.
About a decade ago, on the initiative of the Shiv Sena, there was some discussion around building a memorial for Shankarseth at Indu Mills in Shiva ji Park. However, the proposal did not progress.
A bust of Shankarseth has been installed at Antop Hill.
However, not much has been done beyond this to honour his memory.
Why has the proposal to rename Mumbai Central station come now?
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Maha Yuti coalition of the Shiv Sena (Shinde), BJP, and NCP (Ajit Pawar), has proposed to rename some railway stations in Mumbai with the stated objective of wiping out colonial names and identities, and replacing them with those of Indian heroes.
The idea is to promote cultural nationalism and pride in Indian heritage, which is one of the BJP’s major political projects.
Besides taking the decision on renaming Mumbai Central, the Cabinet also cleared proposals to rename Cotton Green station as Kalachowki, Charni Road as Girgaum, Dockyard Road as Mazgaon, King’s Circle as Tirthankar Parshvanath, Currey Road as Lalbaug, Sandhurst Road as Dongri, and Marine Lines as Mumbadevi.
