Ramachandra Baba Sukthankar Explained

Ramachandra Baba Sukthankar, popularly known as Suktanakar Ramachandra Baba Shenvi (Ramachandra Malhar), was a diwan in the Maratha Empire.^[1]

Early life

Ramachandra Baba Sukthankar was born into the Shenvi subsect of the Goan Saraswat Brahmin family.^[2]

Occupation

Ramachandra Baba shenvi served as the teacher of Peshwa Sadashiv Rao Bhau. During their time together in Satara, Sadashiv Rao received instruction from Ramchandra Baba Shenvi in various aspects of administration. Shenvi referred to Peshwa Sadashivrao Bhau as a bright student.^[3] Notably, he played a crucial role in the Battle of Bagru, compelling Ishwar Singh to cede territory to his brother Madhav Singh.^[4] Ramachandra Baba was a key figure in shaping the administration of the state of Scindias, managing it efficiently.^[5]

Reconstruction of Mahakaal Jyotirling Temple

The temple complex was destroyed by Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234–35,Mosque was built in that place was called vriddha or old mahakal.^{[6] [7] [8]} The Jyotirlinga was dismantled and believed to be thrown into a nearby 'Kotiteerth Kunda' (a pond neighbouring the temple) with the Jaladhari (a structure supporting the Lingam) stolen during the invasion.^[9] It was later reconstructed and revived by Maratha Diwan, Ramchandara baba shenvi by razing the mosque constructed on that place.^[10]

Notes and References

1. Abhang . C.J. . 2018–19 . The Religious Policy of the Marathas in Malwa . Proceedings of the Indian History Congress . 79 . 323–328 . 26906264 . JSTOR.
2. Book: Kamath, M. V. . The Other Face of India . 1988 . Konark Publishers . 978-81-220-0088-7 . 363 . en.
3. Web site: Bravest of the Brave Marathas . 6 November 2023 . www.thisday.app.
4. Book: Sarkar, Jadunath . A History of Jaipur: C. 1503-1938 . 1984 . Orient Blackswan . 978-81-250-0333-5 . en.
5. Book: Kudva, Venkataraya Narayan . History of the Dakshinatya Saraswats . 1972 . Samyukta Gowda Saraswata Sabha . en.
6. Book: Abram, David . Rough guide to India . 2003 . 9781843530893 . 447. Rough Guides .
7. Book: Reddy, Krishna . Indian History for Civil Services . Tata McGraw-Hill . 2007 . 9780070635777 . 3rd . B119.
8. Book: Mahajan, Vidya Dhar . Muslim rule in India . S Chand & Co. . 1965 . 80 . Vidya Dhar Mahajan.
9. Web site: Archaeological Survey of India . Archaeological Survey of India . CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO. 4676 2018 - Section 1.2 - RELIGIOUS AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE . 18 August 2019 . Supreme Court of India.
10. Book: Bakshi . S. R. . Early Aryans to Swaraj . S.G . 2005 . Sarup & Sons . 978-81-7625-537-0 . en.