User:Siddhartha Ratanjankar/sandbox

RATANJANKARS Foreword

The author has written the biography of his grandfather Late shri Narayan Govind Ratanjankar. The biography is based on noting in diary maintained by his grandfather. Along with day to day expenses, the grandfather has at several places written the incidents of his past and also his thoughts thoughts of his father, GOVINDRAO and his uncles and cousins, as occurred to him. Many of contents of the biography are based on narrative of incidents by his daughter Manikbai (Aatya). 2   The author, after having joined service in Mumbai Port Trust ( erstwhile known as Bombay Port Trust came across a colleague,  Mr. Damle, who first inquired  whether Shri S. N. Ratanjankar, a well known and celebrated musician is related to the author, and; that from which part of Maharashtra  we all hail from. When it was explained that Shri S. N. Ratanjankar is his father's elder brother and; that ours is a joint family staying under one roof together and his ancestors, under the name Kulkarni, hailed from place called Ratanjan village in Solapur district and that the authors grandfather too knew that his last name was Kulkarni.The grandfather, as explained in the biography, however, started stating his last name as Ratanjankar. The author also added that the family has no knowledge of grandfather's parental ancestors and their survivors. It is relevant to state here that the author had toured extensively with his uncle Shrikrisna (Anna). On couple of times they were told by host of the house where author and his uncle stayed while on tour, that a friend called Kulkarni claims, he is a relative of Shri S. N. Ratanjankar and would like to meet author's uncle. The meeting, however, never took place as the person claiming to be relative showed up. Mr. Damle, then informed that Shrikant Kulkarni who also puts his last name as Ratanjankar, was staying with Mr. Damle in the same hostel (Radha Niwas) in Pune. Shrikant had told Mr. Damle that the famous musician Shri Shrikrisna Narayan Ratanjankar is related to him. The Author requested his friend, Damle to furnish postal address of the hostel if shrikant is still staying in that hostel. Mr. Damle obliged.Tthe author wishes to bestow the biography to his grandfather Late shri Narayanrao Govind Ratanjankar. The main reason of writing this biography is that future generation should know grand, great grand parents. RATANJANKAR Authored by S. G. Ratanjankar

In the years when the first battle for independence of 1857 was lost, the British were settling down and spreading the queen's regime in India,state by state, under the name of East India Company, capital of which was Calcutta. The capital city of Mumbai (then called Bombay by British) which was hamlet of mostly fishermen, was presented the British governor as wedding gift by the then Portuguese ruler of Mumbai. The British developed the city and its harbor to assist their business by importing their machinery and exporting  Indian food grains and  other raw material to U. K., since the British relied  on supply of food grains and vegetables mostly from the Oriental countries which they had turned into their colonies. The British also laid down the network of Railways lines through the city to various places in India which were under their control. In a way, travelling from interior of the country to the island city of Mumbai had become easy and some what safer. As the city was developing its business faster, the people from all sort of walk started pouring in Mumbai. 2     It was the nineteenth century. During Eighteen Sixties, from district of Solapur, Gopalrao Kulkarni, with his wife and son, Govindrao visited Mumbai to explore possibilities of supply of their farm produce to the city's wholesale market. Gopalrao hailed from. community of Brahmins, and very rich joint family of Zamindars. After exploring the prospects of the business the family returned to their native place, a village called Ratanjan to prepare supply of their out-puts to Mumbai markets. In those days, in the far off places the medical assistance was negligible. If the epidemic of disease starts,more than fifty percent of  the population of the place would succumb to the illness. His son, Govindrao, after finishing high school entered the family business of zamindari. Acquiring experience of couple of years, his elders thought of sending him to Mumbai to continue to explore possibilities to supply of their farm produce as this had remained to be finalised since his father expired. The family chose Govind rao for this work because he had to Mumbai and knew the place and the market. On reaching Mumbai, He established work place and a place of residence in south of Mumbai to stay with his wife. The business slowly but steadily prospered. Sometime during 1873, the couple got a son who they named as Narayan. Narayan was just a small child of 4 years when Govindrao had to return to Ratanjan to transferred the earnings to his elders and for more supply to fulfill the orders he had received in Mumbai.He, however, could not return to his family in Mumbai as he too became victim of epidemic and succumbed to the illness. Narayan was just about 4 years old child and had joined school in Mumbai when the mother and child learnt that Govindrao is no more. It was a terrible shock. Both were very inconsolable and lonely in the city and nowhere to go to, except to Ratanjan. Of course it was easy and safe for young widow to travel with her child all the way to Solapur. So according to customs observed at that time of the days, she decided to stay put till somebody of her in laws comes to to Mumbai to accompany them back to Ratanjan. Nobody came and more her in laws stopped corresponding. In fact it appeared that the family in Ratanjan forgot that the widow and child of their brother existed. They never bothered to know  what and how the mother and child earn for their livelihood. It may be because if they ignored the widow of their brother, Govindrao and his son, the share of family property would not be divided. Finally the mother had to take refuge in the family her distant cousin who happened to be in Mumbai in connection with the government service. Manners of his uncles in solapur and the treatment they gave to his widowed mother and himself made worst impact on Narayan's mind. He started hating the family in Solapur so much that he never liked to be called a son from Brahmin community and by name as Kulkarni. 3       Narayan was a very bright and studious child. He always remained ahead of his class in his studies. Earned scholarships to continue his education and passed matriculation with very good rank. He always wanted to study further but money was a problem. From where to get that kind of funds to join a college affiliated to Bombay University! Just as he had cleared matriculation, his maternal uncle got promotion. His monthly salary increased by Rs.50/-. Young Narayan thought money problem is solved and so he congratulated Mama and said "now I can continue my education." Well, Mami was not happy that he wished Mama's increased salary to fulfil his ambition to join as her kids were not as successful as Narayan in his education. She retorted "your Mama did not get promotion to fulfil your wish to continue your studies." Narayan was depressed listening to Mami's utterance though it was insulting but was true. Mama would not help him if Mami objects.

4        Narayan was a very self esteemed young man. Though Mama was reluctant to help him to continue his education he he was not a person to quit his ambition. He wrote two books after his matrculation in the year 1889 and got it published in the same year. One is titled "Samas Prakarnam" a Sanskrit grammar on detailed information on Sanskrit Compounds (Sams Vruttis) which helped now senior students Sanskrit language. The other book he wrote as a reviewer of a play "Shiva Sambhava" by an ancient playwright Kalidasa. Rights of publishing these books were given to Nirnay Sagar Press. In return the entire expenditure for further education in college for four years was borne by the publishers. Narayan from school days known as Narayan Govind, his first name and his Ratanjankar was added to his name as his father was from village called Ratanjan in Solapur district This is how family's surname "Ratanjankar" came into existence. A year, however, was lost on account of preparation of above books. Nevertheless, in four years Narayan got his degree of Bachelor of Arts from Bombay University. In those days rarely an Indian student would achieve this fete. Poor students, though bright, due to lack of funds could not join college for further studies. Most of them would, invariably leave studies even before matriculation and take up a job to assist their parents to meet family expenditure. Sons of rich families too would rarely complete their matriculation. Whether they complete it or not, parents would ask them to join family business instead of spending time and money on education. It was the century, and till half of the next, when graduates would be invited to jobs either in Government services or in private organisations.

5         Narayan was twenty years of age when he opted to join Police force of British Government as officer. He had mastery over English language. His superiors would ask him to accompany them around all the places under East India Company's control; to prepare reports. Narayan had to travel extensively, either with the British officers or alone to prepare reports. Being an able officer he used to be transferred to various Police Stations through out India to take the charge. News of his appointment as Police Officer of East India Company had reached to his uncles and cousins at Ratanjan, Solapur. The news prompted them to become friendly with him and so visited him when he had been to Ahmadnagar on official duty. To begin with, acknowledging and appreciating Narayan's appointment to a post of Police officer of East India Company with all kinds of buttered words of praise, the family requested him to take the charge  of the share of property including cultivable land owned by his father late Govindrao. Narayan understood why the family approached him at this stage. He simply said "you all know, being in the Police Force, I have to travel extensively. How am I to look after the property you are offering me? I do not want anything from the family. It is better you have it." What more they needed! That was the first and last visit of the family. Thereafter nobody bothered to say or know about him or his mother.

6       After joining as an officer of British Police force, in another year or so, proposals for his marriage started pouring. His Mami wished he marries a girl from the house of her parents. Narayan would not agree but said nothing as he never liked to cross his elders. It was not his mannerism though he never liked to marry a girl from Brahmin community.A year later he got married to a girl of fourteen, called Champutai(her maiden name). Champutai, according to customs, after her marriage to Narayan was renamed as Lakshmibai Javji Tukaram, proprietors of Nirnaya Sagara Press had brought the proposal of Lakshmibai. Narayan readily accepted the proposal. In span of 12 years, Narayan fathered in all seven children, two daughters and five sons. The eldest, a daughter called Aakka. The second, a son called Dattaram. The third again a daughter called Manikbai. The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, all sons called Shrikrishna, Ramchandra, Gajanan and Janardan respectively. Lakshmibai could not survive after her youngest son Janardan died at the age of 4-5 years. Lakshmibai was barely 32 years of age when she breathed her last in 1912. The eldest daughter Aakka was married at the age of 14 but expired during her child birth. There was no female member except Manikbai to take care of the household of Narayanrao. Manikbai was barely 12 years old when she had to give up her education for which she had joined an English medium school.The father Narayanrao was always on official tours. To help the family to meet the house hold expenses, Dattaram and Ramchandra, after matriculation, had to take up jobs. Years went by as Manikbai was very busy in running the household activities. She never realised that she had crossed the marriageable age of 15. The girls, those days were never accepted by grooms to marry once they are beyond 15. Manikbai remained spinster throughout her life tending, cooking and looking after her brothers and their families' needs.

7        Narayanrao was very strict and disciplined person. Neither he married a Brahmin girl nor did he bring into his family any daughter in law from the Brahmin community. The eldest son, Dattaram was married to a girl from Maratha community of Mumbai. Shrikrishna was married to a Kalshi community (CKP) girl from Vasai Road. Ramchandra married to a girl from Bhandari community of Dadar and youngest, Gajanan was married to kunbi community girl from Palghar. They were all from middle class Maharashtrians. Well, Narayanrao could not continue in service due to his ill health which was deteriorating after he received some strokes. He retired prematurely in the year 1921, almost 10 years before the due date of retirement.

8         Narayanrao was very fond of Indian Classical Music He never got time learn it but used to enjoy listening to Khandani Gavayye. Among his sons only Shrikrishna had developed talents of singing The Indian Classical Music. Shrikrishna, the fourth child of Narayanrao, born at 12:00 midnight of 31st December 1899, was just seven years old when he had first started taking training to sing the Indian Classical Music from well known musician Pandit Krishnam Bhatt of Karwar. His next teacher was Pt Antubuwa Joshi. Later Narayanrao took him to Shri Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, Barrister at law but who had mastered the knowledge of Indian Classical Music studying thoroughly Sangeet Ratnakar Grantha, an ancient book on the Indian Classical Music. After touring all over India to look for stalwarts who sing the Raagas of the Hindustani Classical Music in its correct form, he decided on only Aftab-E-Mousiqui Ustad Faiaz Khan, the then Darbar singer of State of Baroda, to let Shrikrisna undergo the strenuous training of Mehfil singing of The Indian Classical Music. Shrikrisna was given scholarship by Baroda State for learning under their Darbar singer Ustad Faiaz Khan. In return Shrikrisna taught Indian Classical music to members of household of Baroda Maharaja. He remained five years with Ustad Faiaz Khan who considered Shrikrishna one of the most eminent of his "Musical Heirs". Pandit Bhatkhande was so deeply impressed by shrikrishna's talent and zeal that the Chaturpandit predicted that with proper training he would not only become a great musician but also a pioneer in the rejuenation and popularisation of Hindustani Classical Music.

9          Prior to his retirement,Narayanrao had come in contact with Lokmanya Baal Gangadhar Tilak, a freedom fighter, while escorting him to Mandale prison. Former was much impressed by the latter's knowledge of Indian encient history and in particular of Bhagwad Geeta. Both discussed on the way to Mandale prison, on "Geeta Rahasya" written by Lokmanya Baal Gangadhar Tilak. Secondly Narayanrao approved of freedom fighter's idea starting "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava" in Maharashtra for "Lok Jagruti". Well, Narayanrao also thought of starting celebrating the "Ganeshotsava" in his household. After retirement he for few months, was in Ahmadnagar. and then shifted to Mumbai as most of his sons were in Mumbai for their jobs. The family acquired a four bed room flat on Slater Road near Bhatia Hospital. In the 1930, Narayanrao engaged an expert carpenter to make, out of Burma teak a full set of "Chaurags" for Ganesh Puja celebrationn for eleven days. During these days of celebrations the family used to hold varieties of programme. A Kirtan, Avatarnas of "Ganesha Atharva-shirsa" Bhajans, "Laghu Rudras" and of course the Mehfils of Indian Classical Music where Shrikrishna and his disciples would sing. The music sitting would last much after 12:00 A.M. Though Narayanrao enjoyed it just for few years as he breathed his last, few months before "Ganesh Chaturthi" in 1935/36, he had asked his sons to continue with the celebrations. All the four sons and the daughter Manikbai saw to it that their father's wish is fulfilled every year.

10          After retirement, when for few months he was in Ahmednagar, Narayanrao came in contact with Reverend Tilak, initially a Brahmin but later converted to Christianity. Like all Christians families, Rev. Tilak used to hold Mass Prayers in his household. The system of Mass Prayers was adopted by Narayanrao, who too started holding Mass Prayers in his household. It continued for many years even after Narayanrao expired. Of course prayers were of Bhajans, Kirtans and Sanskrit "Shlokas" praising God. The Mass Prayers were conducted by the 3rd son, Ramachandra till the death of eldest son Dattaram who was stabbed to death while returning from his work place at Mazgaon, during the riot between Hindus and Muslims erupted in Mumbai when the news was flashed that Mahatma Gandhi, a freedom fighter and father of the nation was shot dead.

11         It is necessary to mention here that until 5th generation of the family, we did not know who were parental ancestors of Narayanrao (please refer to para 2 of the Foreword). I, Siddhartha Ratanjankar, while working for port Authority, Bombay Port Trust, came across a colleague, Mr. Damle who informed me that his room mate of a hostel in Pune, Shrikant Kulkarni claims that Shrikrishna Ratanjankar is his relative when he read in news papers about the popularity of Shrikrishna Ratanjankar as a great Indian Classical Musician and a recognised as an authority of the Classical Music. Mr. Damle knew that I am nephew of Shrikrishna (Anna) Ratanjankar. I therefore requested Mr. Damle to let me know residential address of Shrikant Kulkarni (Ratanjankar). Mr. Damle obliged. I informed my aunt Manikbai (Aatya), father, Gajanan(BABA), and uncle Shrikrishna(Anna) about it. The first thing they did was, ask first son of our generation, my eldest cousin Dnyaneshwar(Appa) to write to write to to shrikant and get a confirmation from him about what he claimed and to request Shrikant to allow to meet his parents. by giving us their residential address. Shrikant, after getting permission from his parents informed that his parents are in Vairag, a town near Ratanjan village of Solapur. Accordingly, my aunt, Aatya, uncle, shrikrishna (ANNA) and cousin, Appa first paid visit to Tuljapur Mandir and got the confirmation, from the "Pujari", Gangadharpant Dixit about what claimed by Shrikant that we are their relatives. During the same journey the trio visited the parents of Shrikant Kulkarni (Ratanjankar).at Vairag, Solapur.

12        First, the family in Vairag did not receive them cordially but when Shrikrishna (Anna) not to have any misunderstandings about their visit. He said" we are here only to acquaint with our father's parental relatives, his brothers, cousins. We do not have any wish, if you have any doubts, to inquire about his share of property. We just want to renew relationship with long lost family members of our father's parental relatives." After this explanation the Vairag family became very friendly. Later both sides of the family members exchanged visits. Like ours, Kulkarni (Ratanjankar) family is also a joint family venture. All brothers with their wives and sons stay together under one roof. They owned almost hundred acre cultivable land in Ratanjan village. Next generation, however, is interested in different kind of business. For example, Shrikant, after graduation in science, opened a Chemist & Druggist shop in Vairag

Manikbai (Aatya) Ratanjankar

Authored By Siddhartha G. Ratanjankar

Manikbai was the third child, a daughter, born in the year 1898 to Narayanrao \\\\\govind \ratanjankar. From very child hood, when she was just twelve year old girl, she had to dedicate her life to run the house hold of Narayanrao as her elder sister was married and her mother, Lakshmibai expired. There was no other lady to take care of the household. Manikbai and her elder brother, Dattaram were teenagers of the family. Rest all three brothers were under ten years of age. She tended her brothers, looked after their needs and education as mother would do, cooking food, looking after their medical needs. Though she was very busi with the household work she completed High education upto High School. Thereafter she had to abandoned further education to cope up with the house work.. She had to remain spinster through her life as she never realised when she passed marriageable age of 15 as those were the days when girls were married when they reach age of 12- 13. Once the girl is beyond 15, for her prospects of marriage are over. Manikbai studied in an English medium school. Manikbai was a dedicated daughter to Narayanrao and mother like sister to her brothers.

2           Narayanrao and his wife Lakshmibai were known to their neighbours by nick names Bhau and Vahini respectively. So their children too used to call the parents as Bhau and Vahini. Narayanrao in turn made his sons and daughter call each other by nick names. 1) Dattaram as Dada, 2) Shrikrishna as Anna, 3) Ramchandra as Bhai,, 4) Gajanan as Baba. Manikbai used to be called lovingly by her father and brothers as Maku or Maki.

3.           When Narayanrao was serving as an officer in the British Police force, he had to travel extensively through the East India Company's regime. Though he was, otherwise, a strict follower of rituals observed by Brahmin family, he, however, never strictly observed eating only vegetarian's diet while on tour. In fact, he would not object if non- vegetarian food is served. His mother would not meddle with what he eats whenever he was at outstation job. Narayanrao relished Non-Vegetarian food. After his mother died, his wife Lakshmibai would prepare non- vegetarian food in the house. Manikbai,since grew up in her mother's foot-steps,, learnt to prepare non- vegetarian dishes. In fact she learnt to cook few more delicious non-vegetarian dishes from neighbours who were mostly of Pathareprabhu community and few Zoroastrian (Parsis) families. She prepared mostly dishes of fish on three days of a week and various dishes of mutton or chicken on only Sundays. She was very good at its preparations. Once she prepared six stuffed chicken masala for a party arranged in the office of her elder brother, Dattaram as requested by his Parsi colleague.

4              Manikbai, though a sister of her brothers, she was respected as mother of the house. Besides Narayanrao and her elder brother Dattaram (Dada), rest of the family members, including wives of her all brothers would follow her instructions. Though in relation, Manikbai was sister in law to all her brothers' wives, she was respected as Mother in law. At the time of all her brothers' marriages, her approval was must.. Even Narayanrao would respect her approvals. She had always stuck to her father's wish that no girl from Brahmin's girl would become daughter in law of the house. So whenever for marriages of her brothers, a girl is proposed, Manikbai would see that the girl is either from poor or middle class Hindu family but acceptably educated one; and that she can cope up with joint family of Ratanjankar. The eldest brother, Dattaram (Dada) was married to girl from poor family of Maratha community by name Jadhav. Her maternal name was Chandan who after marriage to the eldest brother, Dattaram (Dada) was named Lakshmibai (Dadi), being the first daughter in law of the family. She was a good help to Manikbai in day to day work of the family. Later Shrikrishna's wife, named as Indira (Aati) hailed from Kayastha Prabhu's middle class hindu family was approved. Her maternal name was Kamal. Ramchandra (Bhai) was married to Manorama (Bhabhi), a girl from a poor family of Bhandari community. Lastly, youngest brother, Gajanan (Baba) was married to Saraswati (Kaki), a girl from middle class Kunbi community. Her maternal name was Babi. All these marriages took place from the year 1920 to 1935 under the strict guidance of Manikbai.

5              Manikbai (Aatya to us) was everything for all the members of the joint family. She was managing everything in the family. She managed finances, though not adequate, with a skill to meet the income and expenditure ends. Narayanrao always handed over his salary and later his pension to Manikbai so all her brothers too were handing over to her their salary to meet all kinds of expenses. She was managing expenses such as supply from grocery markets, purchases of vegetables, clothes, milk and travel expenses of her brothers to & fro their place of work, medicines, etc. She would personally go to grocery shops and markets for the supply and purchase of required items and would visit personally garment shops to purchase clothing for everybody in the house.