Shenoy Goembab | Our Own Mumbai

Below is a AI translation from the works of Shenoy Goembab (वामन रघुनाथ राव वर्धे वालावलिकार), about the ancient relationship Konkanis had with the city of Mumbai. He had delivered this as a speech in April 1942, in Sir Cowasji Jahangir Hall, Mumbai, for a meeting of the Konkani Bhasha Parishad.

Shenoy Goembab

Brothers and sisters, this Mumbai is not foreign to us. This is not a foreign land. This is our own land. This is our very own Konkan. From Daman-Ganga to Malabar, our Konkan has spread for centuries.

Look to this side—the great, ancient Sahyadri mountains. It is said that when the Earth was born, he was born too. This mountain sits with its head touching the sky, and his beloved, small daughter—our Konkan—sits upon his lap! And look at this western ocean, how day and night he washes her feet and offers prayers! How fortunate and how wealthy is our Mother! And we are the children of such a Mother! How great is our fortune!

O fortunate Konkanis—brothers and sisters—today in this city of Mumbai, even if we are at the bottom of the social ladder, there was a time when we were at the top of everyone’s head. Today, the Parsis, Gujaratis, Khojas, Memons, Marwaris, Sindhis, and Marathas have moved ahead of us, and we Konkanis have fallen behind everyone. Misfortune has befallen us.

But such a situation did not exist centuries ago. From the 9th century to the 13th century, our own self-rule (Swarajya) flourished here and throughout North Konkan. The Shilaharas were our true Konkani kings. They were of the Chaddi (Chaturthi) Kshatriya caste. They originally hailed from Jambavali in Goa. Chandrawadi, Balli, Hemad, Ashtagrahar, and Kakode together comprise the five provinces known as 'Panchmahal' or Jambavali. This is the birthplace of the Shilaharas.

Here, and throughout South Konkan, the ancient Shilahara dynasty ruled from the 8th century to the 11th century. Their capital was in Valipattana, meaning Balli. The kings here called their birthplace 'Simhala,' meaning Lanka. In their copper-plate inscriptions, the title 'Simhala-Kshama-Bhritanvar' (meaning 'Greatest among the Kings of Lanka') is found applied to them. The Shilaharas of North Konkan also called themselves 'Lankeshwar' or 'Kings of Lanka.'

The Shilaharas of Kolhapur were of the same lineage as those of Jambavali. After the 11th century, the North Konkani Shilaharas began using the title 'Tagarpura-varadhishwar' (Supreme Lord of Tagar city), and the Kolhapur Shilaharas used 'Tagar-nagar-bhupalak' (Protector of Tagar city). This seems appropriate, as their ancient family records do not show them adopting this title in just any writing. The other ancient titles of all three branches match each other. From this, it is certain that they were of the same lineage and originally from Jambavali in South Konkan. At that time, in the courts of the Northern Shilaharas, the Prime Ministers, Royal Priests, and Treasurers were all learned and capable men from South Konkan. Among them, names like Sangalay Pai, Sihappaya, Tikappaya, Rudrapaya, Mahadevaya Prabhu, Lakshman Nayak, Lakshmanaya Prabhu, and Anant Pai Prabhu became famous. It was they who settled Sashti (Salsette) near Mumbai, naming it after Sashti in Goa. They established new villages giving them the names of Goan villages: Mulgaon, Rai, Shirgaon, Dongri, Ambeli, Juve, Salgaon, Pali, Agashi, Kandivli, Kolva, Sonavali, and others. All these names still exist and are well-known today.

Among these Konkanis, Lakshman Nayak (or Lakshman Prabhu) built the Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai during the 12th century. It was later renovated around 1703 AD by a pious Konkani named Ram Kamat. This Konkani was from Kundaim in Antruz, Goa. He earned great fame in the English administration of Mumbai. The Walkeshwar Temple is the largest and most ancient of all, and even today, it remains under the authority of Konkanis from South Konkan. That their authority has lasted there for a thousand years is a massive proof and a living history. The Mahadev (deity) of this temple has witnessed both the self-rule (Swarajya) of the Konkanis and the foreign rule that followed. The essence of what I am saying is this: the Mumbai where this council is being held today is not foreign to us; it is our own Konkani land.

Remembering Sunder Anna : A Musician, A Mentor, and A Friend

Last year, we lost Sunder Balakrishnan, a man whose presence was as steady as his driving and as intricate as the ragams he played. Sunder was a seasoned musician, a playful critic, and a person of unique convictions. As I look back on our time together, these memories paint a picture of a man who lived authentically and shared his passions generously.

The Maestro and the Mentor

Sunder was the only seasoned musician I ever had the privilege of working with. While many of us were beginners, his command over his instrument was undeniable. He introduced me to the complexities of ragams like Revati and Nattai, yet he never looked down on my amateur efforts.

Expressions 2012 - Sheher Hamara Sota Hai

Expressions 2012 - Winners

• He often admitted that highly trained musicians sometimes lose the ability to truly enjoy music because they become too "calculated" about purity.

• One of our greatest highlights was preparing a small concert for an Infosys client at the JW Marriott, a program that was only possible because of his guidance.

Commentary during the concert

Tattva Fusion · Tattva - DeshRag(Live @ Marriot)

• I remember the beauty of his accompaniment in some katcheris at Fine Arts Chembur and the Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple, where his mastery was on full display.

A Man of Simple Habits

Sunder was a "Saapaat Ram"—a name he gave himself because of his deep love for food. Whether it was Kerala-style stew and pulao he had served us at his home in Chembur or took us to a specific Tamil spot in Sus Road for Ven Pongal and Kuthu parotha, he knew where the soul of food lived.

Beyond food, he was a man of specific comforts:

• The Chataai: Despite the comforts of air-conditioned rooms in Infosys Pune during practice sessions, Sunder refused to stay. He would travel back home late for sleeping only on his chataai (mat).

• The Steady Driver: He took immense pride in his stable driving, often jokingly sharing how his female friends appreciated how safe they felt when he dropped them home.

Humor and "The Sadhu"

Sunder had a playful way of keeping me in check. Whenever I would spiral into one of my long philosophical monologues, he would silently hold up an abhaya-varada hasta pose. It was his way of telling me I was sounding like a Sadhu and it was time to stop.

There was also the "Sunder Mama" incident. While our teacher Raghavan sir used the term affectionately, Sunder was flustered by the other connotations of "Mama" in Tamil culture. He eventually burst out about it at a party, but in true Sunder fashion, we resolved it amicably once he explained his side.

Final Notes

The last time we "spoke" was through music. About a year ago, he shared a small clip of a song he performed on Instagram. I had immensely enjoyed the clip and I told him to share more often.

Sunder’s marriage in 2016 remains a standout memory—a beautiful, musical, Iyer - Malayali affair where all of us friends gathered to celebrate. The food was definitely a highlight. 

It is that spirit—musical, flavorful, and fiercely authentic—that I will carry with me

Miss you brother.