Pathare Prabhu

Pathare Prabhu middleclass gentleman of nineteenth century.

Pathare Prabhu middleclass housewife of nineteenth century.

Pathare Prabhus, sometimes spelled Parthare Prabhus, are one of the original founding communities of Bombay. Their culture, contributions, and community have played a large role in the formation of the city.

Members of Pathare Prabhus community owned places in Mumbai like Fort, Palav Road (present Girgaum Road), Laini (present Princess Street), Girgaon Back Road (present V. P. Road) & Navi Wadi. Like wise places in Malad, Goregaon, Bhayendar, Kashi-Meera, Uttan, Uran, Kelve Mahim (now Mahim), Chene were also owned by them. A major part of present day Khar is still owned by the Pathare Prabhus.

Members of the community built many landmarks of Mumbai, such as Mahalaxmi Temple in Central Mumbai, Bhau-cha-dhakka (Ferry Wharf), Gora Ram Mandir and Kala Ram Mandir at Thakurdwar, Prabhadevi Mandir at Dadar, Shri Ram Mandir at Kalbadevi, Kirtikar Market at Dadar.

Some Prominent Pathare Prabhus

Dr. Mukundrao Ramrao Jayakar

Dr. Mukundrao Ramrao Jayakar, a noted jurist, scholar and statesman played a crucial role in the freedom fight of India and is honoured by epithet, builder of Modern India. He was instrumental for the formation of the University of Pune and was founder vice-chancellor of University of Pune

Raobahadur Narayan Dinanath Velkar

Raobahadur Narayan Dinanath Velkar, was instrumental in the starting Central Library at Town Hall Bombay, He was the first native commissioners along with three English gentlemen to look after welfare of the town of Bombay, which became the present day Municipal Corporation of Mumbai.

The Times of India published its first edition on 3 November 1838 as "The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce". The paper was published on Wednesdays and Saturdays under the direction of Raobahadur Narayan Dinanath Velkar, and contained news from Britain and the world, as well as the Indian Subcontinent. In 1850, it began to publish daily editions.

Some of the prominent Pathare Prabhus of recent time are:

• Late Pramod Navalkar (Political Leader)
• Smita Jayakar (Actress)
• Shreyas Talpade (Actor)
• Mahesh Kothare (Actor / Producer / Director)
• Kunal Vijaykar (Actor, Director, Television personality and hosts for the food show The Foodie on Times Now)

References

External links

• The Pathare Prabhu Community Website
• An interesting description of pathare prabhu culture as experienced by Helena Blavatsky in the 18th century.