From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nana Jagannath Shankarseth and his contributions
Mains level: NA
Why in the news-
- The Maharashtra cabinet has resolved to request the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth, a revered social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist often hailed as the “architect” of Mumbai.
About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth (1803-1865)
- Born on February 10, 1803, in Murbad, Thane, into the affluent Murkute family.
- His father, Shankar Murkute, earned the nickname “Shankar Sheth” due to his success in the jewellery and diamond trade.
- He contributed in terms of both ideas and money to multiple sectors, to lay a strong foundation for the Bombay City.
- He was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
Contribution of Nana Jagannath Shankarseth
- Founded the Bombay Association in 1852, the first political organization in Mumbai, fostering a platform for civic engagement and political discourse.
- Played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway in 1853, contributing to India’s infrastructural development.
- Recognized the importance of education in societal progress and opened the first school for girls in Mumbai in 1849, pioneering educational reform.
- Co-founded the School Society and the Native School of Bombay, laying the foundation for educational institutions that nurtured future leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
- Established the Bombay Native Education Society in 1822, the first of its kind in Western India, to promote education among the masses.
- Collaborated with Sir George Birdwood and Dr Bhau Daji in major reconstruction efforts in Mumbai starting in 1857, transforming the city’s urban landscape.
- Became the first Indian to be nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1861, advocating for policies that improved public welfare and urban amenities.
- Honored with a marble statue at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai a year after his death in 1865, commemorating his contributions to society.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:
Q.The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he-
- exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
- interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians
- stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
Q. Consider the following events:
He founded the Bombay Association in 1852, the first political organization in Mumbai, fostering a platform for civic engagement and political discourse. Recognizing the importance of education in societal progress, he opened the first school for girls in Mumbai in 1849, pioneering educational reform. He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1861, advocating for policies that improved public welfare and urban amenities.
The above description is mentioned about which of the following personality?
a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
b) Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde
c) Nana Jagannath Shankarseth
d) Dhondo Keshav Karve
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