Jagannath Shankarseth

Context (IE): The Maharashtra cabinet decided to ask the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central Station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth.
Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute, known as Nana Shankarsheth, was an Indian philanthropist, social reformer and educationalist.

Birth and Background

Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute was born on February 10, 1803, into the wealthy Murkute family in Murbad, Thane.
His father, Shankar Murkute, was a successful dealer in jewellery and diamonds.
Shankarsheth was a member of the Bombay Presidency assembly in 1861 and later became an advisor to the governor of the Bombay Presidency in 1862.

In 1849, Jagannath Shankarsheth opened the first-ever school for girls in Mumbai.
He played a crucial role in establishing the Elphinstone Educational Institution (formerly known as the Bombay Native Institution) and founding the Bombay Native Education Society.
He also contributed to projects such as the English School, the Sanskrit Seminary, and the Sanskrit Library in South Mumbai.
He contributed generously to Hindu temples and played a role in social reforms, including efforts to suppress widow-burning (sati) and provide a cremation ground for the Hindu community.
His philanthropic contributions include support for the construction of the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum and the Bhavani-Shankar Mandir and Ram Mandir temples in Mumbai.

He was one of the founding members of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, along with Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and David Sasson.
Shankarsheth was instrumental in the development of Mumbai, donating land for development and establishing numerous educational institutions.
Alongside Sir George Birdwood and Dr Bhau Daji, he contributed to major reconstruction efforts in Mumbai, transforming it into a spacious and airy city.
Shankarsheth was the first Indian nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council and the Bombay Board of Education.
He was also the first Indian member of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
Shankarsheth’s involvement extended to the founding of the Bombay Association, the first political organization in Mumbai, in 1852.

It originated from the Literary Society of Bombay, founded in 1804 by Sir James Mackintosh.
The society’s initial aim was to promote helpful knowledge, particularly concerning India.
Affiliated with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland since 1830, it was known as the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (BBRAS).
Over time, it merged with the Bombay Geographical Society in 1873 and the Anthropological Society of Bombay in 1896.
In 1954, it gained independence from the Royal Asiatic Society and was renamed the Asiatic Society of Bombay.
The Central Government of India funds the society.
Its objectives include promoting research studies in various fields related to India and Asia, publishing journals, maintaining a library and museum, and establishing institutes and centres aligned with its objectives.

Founded by Jagannath Shankarshet to voice public concerns against British rule.
Notable members included Naoroji Fursungi, Sir Jamshedji Jejibhai, Vinayak Shankarshet, and Dadabhai Naoroji.
Sir Jamshedji Jejibhai was the first president.