Prabodhankar Thackeray

Prabodhankar Thackeray

Keshav Siyaram Thackeray popularly known as Prabodhankar Thackeray was born on 17 September 1885. He was the father of Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena. Keshav Sitaram Thackeray alias Prabodhankar Thackeray was born in Panvel, a place in present day Raigad district located adjacent to Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Prabodhankar Thackeray was born in Chandraseniya Kayasth (CKP) family. CKP is historically one of the forward castes in Maharashtra. They had served in the administration of Maratha Swarajya on military and civil posts. Many CKPs even had served in the Courts of Gaikwads of Baroda and Bhosales of Nagpur. We come across certain incidents in history wherein we can see the rivalry between the CKPs and Brahmins. The CKPs preferred to call themselves as the descendants of Kshatriyas and consider that their ancestor was King Chandrasen who ruled over Ujjain and Ayodhya during ancient times. The CKPs historically are well educated like Brahmins and could wear the janeu or sacred thread and read the Vedas.

It is said that ancestors of Prabodhankar Thackeray had worked as the Governor of the Dhodap fort in Nashik.

Prabodhankar Thackeray was a well educated person. Even though he belonged to an upper caste like CKP he did not believe in Caste System and opposed untouchability. He was also against an evil custom of child marriage and dowry. He wanted people should develop scientific temperament, hence, was against the superstitions. Due to these views of his Prabodhankar Thackeray is aptly called as the social reformer.

Prabodhankar Thackeray believed in creating awareness among the people about the need of bringing social reforms and social change through his writings. He started a journal titled ‘Prabodhan’. He was a prolific writer. Some of his prominent books are- ‘Pratapsingh Chhatrapati Ani Rango Bapuji’, ‘Bhikshushahiche Band’, ‘Dagalbaaj Shivaji’ among others. He wrote his autobiography titled ‘Maazi Jeevan Gatha’.

As mentioned above he fought against dowry system vehemently. Prabodhankar Thackeray played crucial role in Samyukta Maharashtra Movement which resulted into the creation of state of Maharashtra with Bombay (Mumbai) as its capital.

The soil of Maharashtra is blessed with many great sons historically who have contributed to different areas, especially the social reforms. Since ancient times Maharashtra was ruled by great dynasties like Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Shilharas and Yadavas. Mediaeval period witnessed the rise of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his Bhosale family. In fact, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj challenged the Adilshahi, Nizamshashi, Qutbashahi and Mughals and established the Maratha Swarajya. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s activities were nothing but a fabulous display of one’s love for motherland and self-respect. The Maratha Swarajya reached its zenith during the rule of the Peshwas. During freedom struggle against British rule also Maharashtra was on forefront.

Maharashtra has a tradition of Saint Poets. During mediaeval times Saint Namdeo, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Eknath, Saint Chokhamela, Saint Janabai, Saint Kanhopatra, Saint Gora Kumbhar, Saint Tukaram, etc. gave the message of equality, love and humanity through their life and immortal writings.

Many social reformers like Balshastri Jambhekar, Lokhitwadi, Mahatma Phule, Savitribai Phule, Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Chhatrapati Rajarshee Shahu Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, etc. were from Maharashtra. Prabodhankar Thackeray also belongs to this distinguished legacy of social reform movement of Maharashtra. History will always remember him for his immense contribution towards social reforms and creation of society on the principle of equality. And nobody would forget his role in the creation of modern state of Maharashtra with Bombay (Mumbai) as its capital. Prabodhankar Thackeray died on 20 November 1973 in Mumbai.