Thread by @GodboleSandeep

#Varanasi the #Marathi footprint - The thread shares some info about the history & contribution of Marathi people to Kashi. The Maratha Empire's aim over generations was to liberate Kashi however it could not fructify for various reasons at different ties. #Kashi #मराठी

Sant Eknath (1533-1599) believed to have written the Bhagwat in front of 'Sakshi' Gopal murti, presently at the Tailangswami Mutth. Eknath Maharaj is believed to have stayed at the Panchaganga Ghat for about two years.

Many Marathi families have made Varanasi their home over a few centuries. Some families believe that their forefathers arrived when Shivaji Maharaj's helped to resurrect the Bindu Madhav Temple destroyed by Aurangzeb. Since mid 1800s the Pant Pratinidhi have supported the temple.

Later Narayan Dixit Patankar whom Peshwas held in esteem (as a guide/guru and also a diplomat and banker) settled in Varanasi. Even today area between the Panchganga & Durga Ghats is home to many Marathi families. Narayan Dixit lane bears his name continues his memory.

The wada built by Nana Phadnis, the Angre Wada where Ganeshotsav began in late 1800s at Varanasi are also in this area. The area had wada or havelis belonging to the Vinchurkar, Nana Phadnis, Sanglikar, Peshwas in this area.

Towards the end of Peshwa rule in Pune, Amrutrao Peshwa (1770 – 1824) who was awarded jagir at Chitrakoot resided at Varanasi. The Ganesh Ghat with the Ganpati Temple and the Raja Ghat with the Annapoorna Annachhatra were built by him in 1807. @peshwapooja

Raja Ghat and Annachhatra built by Peshwa Amrutrao is one of the magnificent ghats on the Ganga. @peshwapooja

Chimajiappa II (1784 -1832) brother of Bajirao II &
Amrutrao was based at Varanasi from 1819 till his death. Manikarnika Tambe later Rani Laxmibai Newalkar of Jhansi post marriage was born here. Her father Moropant Tambe worked for Chimaji II. The Peshwa had a wada at Assi.

At Kashi many of the important Ghats and temples have been built by the stalwarts of the Maratha Kingdom - Peshwas, Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar who resurrected the Vishwanath Temple, Nagpurkar Bonsales, Shinde, Narayan Dixit, Vinchurkar, Sridhar Narayan Munshi and others.

The Marathi community in Varanasi has assimilated itself beautifully with the city. While continuing to preserve their Marathi heritage they have also become proud Banarasi. This is indeed the way it should be !