Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute | Mumbai no Bahar

Below is a translation of an article from Mumbai no Bahar (1874) by Ratanji Framjee Vacha.

I consider him as the continued incarnation of Rama Kamath, in terms of the glory he achieved in his lifetime and the situations he also faced.

The Ancestors and Heirs of The Honorable Jagannath Shankarseth

The original surname of this illustrious family of the Sonar (goldsmith) community is Murkute. Their ancestral residence was in Ghodbunder, located at the end of the Bassein (Vasai) creek. From there, Babulseth first arrived in Mumbai in Samvat 1760 (Shaka 1655). Although these gentlemen belonged to the Sonar caste, their business was not originally related to it; they brought a small amount of capital saved from the produce of farming in their native land and began investing it in money lending (interest) here. As their business dealings progressed well, by the grace of God, wealth (Lakshmi) increased in a proper manner, and as time passed, they further expanded in the banking/finance sector and rose to prominence as financiers on this island. The exact year in which this gentleman passed away has not been found on record, but it is known that among those who bore his name, he left behind only two sons: the elder, Shankarseth, and the younger, Gambhasheth. As the latter boy had no heir, he adopted the elder son of Shankarseth, Ramchandra; however, he too passed away later without leaving any children, which is why the lineage of Gambhasheth could not proceed further.

It is said that Shankarseth was born in Mumbai in Samvat 1867, Shaka 1732. After his father's death, this gentleman expanded the business of finance (money lending) so much that he was counted among the first-class Shethias (merchants/business leaders) in the banking community. According to Hindu customs, in Samvat 1856, Shaka 1724, this Sheth, along with a large group of pilgrims, went for the pilgrimage of Shri Nasik Trimbak.

The road there was known to be so rugged and filled with obstacles that it could not be traversed safely without spending thousands of rupees, and for that reason, this Sathi (partner/merchant) Sheth had to spend a large amount from his own wealth. After successfully completing his intended desire, he arrived in Mumbai and built a beautiful temple named "Bhavanishankar" in the courtyard of his wadi (garden/property) near Govabia pond. He consecrated it with rituals on Friday, the 15th day of Magasar (Margashirsha) Sud in Samvat 1962, Shaka 1727. That temple, to this day, stands safely as a testament to the memory of Shankarseth and his wife Bhavani Bai, gathering thousands of people from this settlement in its presence. Through this illustrious Shankarseth, many righteous deeds have been accomplished, all of which are known to be part of his own calculations; however, not wanting to associate his name with any public utility works, he lived as a renowned financier on our island, and after passing his life in happiness for 82 years, he passed away on Wednesday, the 5th day of Posh Vadi, Samvat 1969, Shaka 1734, leaving his thirteen sons safe. There is no record found of the works and deaths of the sons who passed away before the lady; however, we have noted below with respect the account of the life of the youngest son, which has passed in our presence with fame.

The Honorable Jagannath Shankarseth

This hardworking and multi-talented Sheth, popularly known by his nickname Nana, was born in Samvat 1850 (Shaka 1725) on the auspicious day of Magh Vad 13, a Thursday, on this island of Mumbai. During his childhood, while others spent time in play, he was deeply engrossed in his studies. As he reached youth, seeing no difficulty in handling the family banking business, he began to sit among the prominent bankers as a leader. Not only that, but due to his humble and grave nature, he earned great respect among merchants of all communities.

Young Jagannath Shankarsheth Murkute

Education and Social Reform

Though he received a primary education in his native Marathi language, he also possessed a good knowledge of Sanskrit. Furthermore, he had such an affinity for English education that despite his worldly commitments, he took time to invite renowned tutors like Mr. Murphy and Mainwaring to his home to study privately. Through daily interactions with eminent English friends, he gained great proficiency in the English language.

After acquiring this knowledge, he decided to utilize it for the public good. At the age of about 18, he stepped into public life. For 51 years since then, he maintained a connection with various institutions. One of his most useful works, which shall never be forgotten, is the establishment of the "Elphinstone High School," originally started as the "Native Education Society" in Samvat 1881 (Shaka 1744). In this task, Jagannath Sheth was a leader alongside the late Sheth Framji Cowasji Banaji.

Legal and Civic Contributions

He was also a respected member of the "School Book Society" established in Samvat 1880. His brilliance was such that when the Supreme Court began appointing "Petty Juries" for criminal cases in Samvat 1884, the government included Nana among the prominent citizens chosen for this role.

He was also a staunch supporter of the reforms brought by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone.

(Translation of the section regarding Sir John Malcolm and the Judiciary): When a conflict arose between Governor Sir John Malcolm and the Chief Justice Sir John Peter Grant regarding the powers of the Supreme Court, Nana played a pivotal role. To show support for the independence of the judiciary, a grand meeting was called in Samvat 1886. Nana took the lead in presenting a "Manpatra" (Address of Honor) to the Judge, showing great courage despite potential government displeasure.

Public Infrastructure and Travel

In Samvat 1890, he was appointed to the Grand Jury. By 1834, under the reign of King William IV, he was formally recognized as a "Justice of the Peace" (JP).

Travel and Religious Contributions

In his lifetime, Nana traveled outside Mumbai only twice. His first journey was in Samvat 1883 (Shaka 1748) to Pandharpur and other holy sites to study ancient customs and temples. Twelve years later, in Samvat 1895, he traveled to Pune, the ancient capital of the Peshwas. There, he met government officials and local merchants, receiving great honor. Beyond these, he did not undertake any other major travels.

The Theater

In the Fort area, an English theater known as the "Playhouse" had been built. Later, the building became dilapidated and the English community lost interest. Seeing this, Nana used his own vacant land to build a beautiful new theater under the supervision of Captain Frobisher in 1848. This not only filled a cultural void but also became a source of income for the owner.

The Royal Asiatic Society and Public Health

He was instrumental in ensuring that Indians were admitted as members of the Royal Asiatic Society (Bombay Branch). In Samvat 1901, he was formally inducted.

The Bombay Association

He was the "founding father" of the "Bombay Association," established in Samvat 1908 to keep a watch on government proceedings and represent the people’s interests. He remained its leader until his death.

Education and Healthcare

He founded the "Jagannath Shankarseth Charities School" in Girgaon in Samvat 1909. For higher education, he donated 40,000 Rupees to Mumbai University to establish Sanskrit scholarships in his name. In memory of his father, he established the "Shankarseth Charitable Dispensary" near Tardeo in Samvat 1914 to provide free medicine to the poor.

Political Leadership and Social Justice

When the East India Company's rule ended and the Crown took over, Legislative Councils were formed. The government appointed Nana as the first Indian member from the Hindu community to the Legislative Council in Samvat 1918 (1862). He was re-elected for a second term in Samvat 1820 (Shaka 1785), a position he held with great dignity until his death.

Support for the Sonar Community in Goa

He also intervened when the Portuguese government in Goa harassed the local Sonar community (prohibiting them from using palanquins). He wrote a petition to the King of Portugal, which led to the restoration of their rights.

AI Reconstruction of a photo of Nana with his son and grandsons, take by Hurrichand Chintamon in 1867. The original b/w photo is with is with the Archaeological Survey of India Collections, and was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1867

The Cemetery Dispute

One of his greatest achievements was resolving the "Cemetery Dispute." Some English officers wanted to move the Hindu crematoriums and Muslim/Parsi burial grounds away from the city, claiming they were a health hazard to the growing population. Nana argued forcefully in the Council that these sacred spots had been there since the island was nearly empty and that they posed no threat to life. His firm stance saved the ancestral cremation grounds of the native communities.

The Statue of Nana

To honor his immense service, a public meeting was called by prominent citizens (including Dr. Bhau Daji) at the Town Hall in Samvat 1920. It was presided over by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy. Despite some opposition from certain quarters, it was unanimously decided to commission a marble statue of Jagannath Shankarseth to be placed in a public building in the city. A sum of 25,000 Rupees was raised on the spot for this purpose.

The Family Tree

Complete Family Tree

Book - Shrimant Namdar Nana Shankersheth by Vinayakrao Madhavrao Pitale (1916)