Who Was Nana Shankarseth? Mumbai Central Station Set To Be Renamed After The 'Architect Of Mumbai'

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cabinet has previously approved the renaming proposal, which is now pending final approval from the Union Government. The committee thinks that significant public backing will expedite the process and appropriately acknowledge one of Mumbai’s most esteemed visionaries.

The Nana Shankarsheth Namkaran Sangharsh Committee has made a sincere request to the public, encouraging all fans of the esteemed social reformer Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth to assemble at Mumbai Central Terminus on April 16 at 10 AM. The assembly intends to hasten the campaign to rename the station as 'Nana Shankarseth Mumbai Terminus'.

Who Was Nana Jagannath Shankarseth Murkute

Nana Shankarseth, also known as Nana Jagannath Shankarseth Murkute (1803–1865), is renowned as the "Architect of Mumbai" due to his significant contributions to the urban infrastructure and social development of the city. As a philanthropist, educationist, and social reformer, he established schools and hospitals, improving education and healthcare in Bombay, now Mumbai. Shankarseth successfully worked over many social reforms, especially encouraging women's education.

History Of Murkute Family And Their Contribution For Mumbai

The Murkute family began their business legacy with Narayanshet, who traded in pearls and passed his wealth to his son Uddhavshet, followed by his grandson Manikshet, the Potdar of Murbad village. Manikshet’s son, Gunbashet, was the first to move to Mumbai, opting for banking over trading. He established a successful banking business within Mumbai's fort walls, leading to the naming of Gunbow Street in his honor. His son, Babulshet, inherited the banking business and diversified into tea and coffee trading, eventually shifting operations to Mumbai in 1733, where he also ventured into ship-owning. He constructed the Amruteshwar temple in Ghodbunder, which still exists today, and passed away in the 1770s. Babulshet's son, Shankarshet, born in 1740, expanded the family business into jewels and international trade, mastering English and gaining experience in a British firm. By the late 18th century, Shankarshet became a prominent merchant and banker in Mumbai, providing financial assistance during emergencies.

Contributions Of Nana Jagannath Shankarseth Murkute

Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth was a pivotal figure in Mumbai's development, recognized for his foundational role in various civic organizations and urban planning initiatives. Notably, he was the first Indian nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council and was greatly influenced by the humanitarian Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy. His contributions included the establishment of the Indian Railway Association, instrumental in introducing railways to India, and a recent proposal to honor him by renaming Mumbai Central station after him.

Among his significant contributions to Mumbai, Shankarsheth donated vast tracts of land in South Bombay, estimated today to be worth 2-3 lakh crores, which redefined the city’s landscape. He played a crucial role in the 1857 reconstruction of Bombay, transforming it from a cramped network of streets to an expansive city marked by grand avenues and buildings, alongside Sir George Birdwood and Ramchandra Vitthal Lad. Moreover, he financed several iconic structures, including Victoria Terminus (CSMT), and his statue is still engraved on the walls of CSMT railway station and established numerous educational institutions, such as the Bombay Native Education Society and the first girls' school in Mumbai.

Statue Of Jagannath Shankarseth Murkute on the walls of CSMT railway station

As a social reformer, he fought against practices like Sati and championed women's education. He founded the Bombay Association, the first political organization in Mumbai, and was actively involved in the 1857 Indian freedom struggle, showcasing his commitment to both civil and social progress in India.

India Post honors Nana Shankarseth with Rs. 2.00 postage stamp

The India Post had issued an Rs. 2.00 stamp in the year 1991 which featured Nana Shankarseth's portrait along with the CSMT railway station.

Previous Stations That Have Been Renamed

The most notable one is Victoria Terminus, which was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Afterward, Oshiwara station was changed to Ram Mandir and Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi.

The stations that currently have colonial names and are slated for renaming include Curry Road station, which will be renamed Lalbaug; Sandhurst Road station, set to become Dongri; Marine Lines, which will be changed to Mumbadevi; Charni Road as Girgaon; Cotton Green as Kalachowki; Dockyard as Mazgaon; and King's Circle will be renamed Tirthankar Parswanath.

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