In a groundbreaking revelation, the Pune district administration announced on Thursday (23rd) that an exhaustive scrutiny of approximately 2.4 lakh records from diverse sources has brought to light an astonishing 140,000 Kunbi Maratha entries. This monumental discovery comes after ten months of rigorous investigation prompted by the Maharashtra state government’s directive to verify Maratha Kunbi records in the revenue department’s archives.
Initiated in response to the fervent demand for Maratha community reservation, the verification process, led by Pune District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, unfolded with the identification of 12,254 Kunbi Maratha records even before its formal commencement.
The Quest for Heritage: Unmasking Kunbi Maratha Legacies
Under the shadow of the Maratha reservation agitation, the Maharashtra state government’s directive mandated district collectors across the state to delve into the historical fabric of Maratha Kunbi records. Driven by this mandate, committees were established in every taluka, focusing on the meticulous examination of taluk-level documents.
Currently, the verification concentrates on records predating 1967 and is actively underway in six talukas: Junnar, Khed, Ambegaon, Shirur, Haveli, and Maval. Notably, a substantial number of Kunbi entries have emerged from school certificates, as well as birth and death records, accentuating the pervasive nature of this historical revelation.
Peeling Back the Layers: The Extensive Verification Process
The verification process is a meticulous exploration across thirteen document types. These include School Leaving Certificates, Excerpts of 7/12 and 8 ‘A’, Birth and Death Records, Purchase and Sale Deeds, KDE Patrak, Khasra Patrak with Gram Panchayat and Revenue Book, Inspection Sheets, Descent Registers, Registration of Rights, Crime Records in the Police Department, Crime Records in the Railway Police Department, Farm-wise Tables, and Records of Bhor Sansthan (erstwhile Bhor state).
Departments involved in this thorough investigation include representatives of Sansthan of Bhor, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to unveil the intricacies of Kunbi Maratha legacies.
A Tapestry of Heritage: Kunbi Records Across Diverse Repositories
The extensive investigation has led to the unearthing of Kunbi records even in the archives of Bhor Sansthan, shedding light on the widespread nature of these entries across different record repositories in the district. This revelation not only emphasizes the historical depth of the Kunbi Maratha community but also underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of their heritage.
In Conclusion: A Chronicle Resurfaces
As Pune’s historical records continue to divulge their secrets, the Kunbi Maratha chronicles take center stage. This revelation not only adds layers to the intricate tapestry of Maharashtra’s history but also prompts us to revisit and reassess the narratives that shape our understanding of the past. The Kunbi Maratha records, once buried in the archives, now stand as a testament to the perseverance of historical inquiry and the continuous unveiling of our shared heritage.
