Raja Bhimdev
Bhimdev II or Raja Bhimdev also known as Raja Bimba was an 11th-century king who had his capital in Mahikawati, the present-day Mahim, in Mumbai, India.
The credit of foundation of Bombay goes to Raja Bhimdev, who belonged to Solanki alias Chalukya clan. He came from Gujarat region along with his followers and laid the foundation of city of Mahim then known as Mahikavati.[1] He reigned from 1022 AD to 1064. He was a powerful king, who also conquered Northern Konkan coast from Naiks and established his kingdom as great maritime power.
He may have come from Anahilwada-Patan, Gujarat. While others suggest that he may have come from the dynasty of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri and also known by name of Raja Bimba and established in his kingdom in 13th Century AD.[2]
When he established his kingdom around Mumbai, the aboriginals living here were Kolis and only two temples existed one of Walkeshwar Temple and another of Mumba Devi Temple Bhimdeva was worshiper of Shiva of Somnath from where he came and as such he built Babulnath temple. The deity in this temple is named after the Babool trees which were the main components of a forest covering the low-lying areas of this island. He is said to have built a palace and a court of justice and temple of Prabhadevi.[1]
During his reign he brought his followers, who settled in and around Mumbai are now known as Kolis,Pathare Prabhus, Pathare Prabhus (Kanchole), Palshi, Pachkalshi, Bhandaris, Vadval, Bhois, Agri and Brahmins to these islands. The Bhandaris were originally toddy trappers; the Vadvals were gardeners. He introduced many fruit-bearing trees, including coconut palms to the island.