Kayasthas Of Bihar...Anglicised Surname: Tracing Thackerays’ Roots As Uddhav-Raj Unite For Marathi

Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 14:30 IST

Bal Thackeray’s father, Keshav Sitaram Thackeray changed the spelling of “Thakre” to “Thackeray” after reportedly inspired by British author William Makepeace Thackeray.

Estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray reunited publicly after two decades. (Photo Credits: X)

In what could mark a new chapter in Maharashtra politics, estranged cousins Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray reunited publicly after two decades. The occasion was a massive gathering in Mumbai to celebrate the state government’s decision to withdraw the controversial three-language policy in primary schools.

As Raj arrived at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Uddhav walked up to him and extended his hand. What followed was a hug that drew cheers from the crowd. The two then raised their fists in a show of unity. Raj, known for his sharp remarks, took a dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by saying that the BJP leader had done what Bal Thackeray couldn’t.

“Today, after twenty years, Uddhav and I are coming together on one platform, something Balasaheb couldn’t achieve, but Devendra Fadnavis has made possible," he said.

Thackeray Roots Debate

The public reunion has once again turned focus on the Thackeray family’s ancestry which has been a subject of political controversy in the past. In 2012, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh claimed that the ancestors of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had migrated from Bihar to Maharashtra. Singh based his statement on Mazhi Jeevangatha (An Autobiography), a book by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s father, Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, also known as Prabodhankar Thackeray.

Uddhav had reacted strongly to the remark. “That man (Digvijaya Singh) is mad," he told reporters when asked about the issue. Singh had referred to

Uddhav acknowledged that while his grandfather’s book did mention the Thakre community’s origins in Bihar, it did not refer specifically to their family. “What he (Prabodhankar Thackeray) has written does not refer to my family, but to the entire Thakre community which lives in Bihar," Uddhav clarified.

The Bihar Link Explained

Keshav’s writings have been frequently quoted by many authors writing about the family. In his book Gramnyancha Sadyanta Itihas Arhat Nokarshahiche Bande (A History of Village Disputes or Rebellion of the Bureaucracy), he wrote that the Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu (CKP) community, to which the Thackerays belong, migrated from ancient Magadha, in present-day Bihar, during the reign of Mahapadma Nanda, the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, in the 3rd or 4th century BC. According to him, the migration was triggered by the practice of usury imposed by Nanda on his subjects. The community eventually left Magadha and “earned its living as warriors and scribes."

This reference was also cited in The Cousins Thackeray: Uddhav, Raj and the Shadow of their Senas by journalist Dhaval Kulkarni.

From Thakre To Thackeray

In his autobiography Mazhi Jeevangatha, Keshav gave further insights into the family’s background. He mentioned that the original family name was “Thakre." One of their ancestors is also said to have served as a kiladar (fort custodian) at Dhodap Fort during the time of the Maratha Empire.

His great-grandfather, Krishnaji Madhav, known as Appasaheb, lived in Pali, in the present-day Raigad district. His grandfather, Sitaram, later moved to Panvel and adopted the surname “Panvelkar."

But when Sitaram admitted Keshav to school, he switched to the original family name and used “Thakre." It was Keshav who later changed the spelling to the more anglicised “Thackeray" after reportedly inspired by the British author William Makepeace Thackeray. That spelling has continued with the family ever since.

What Led To Uddhav And Raj Thackeray Split?

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are first cousins twice over. Their fathers, Bal Thackeray and Shrikant Thackeray, were brothers and their mothers, Meenatai and Kundatai, were sisters.

In the early years, Raj was often seen alongside Bal Thackeray at public events and party functions while Uddhav stayed mostly in the background, handling responsibilities quietly. But as Bal Thackeray’s health started getting worse, the differences between the two cousins began to show.

At a Shiv Sena gathering in Mahabaleshwar in 2003, Uddhav was appointed the working president of the party. Many saw this as Bal Thackeray’s signal that Uddhav would be his political heir. Raj, who had long been considered the natural successor, felt pushed aside. His supporters also alleged that they were being ignored when it came to organisational roles and candidate selections.

By the end of 2005, the gap between them had grown. On November 27, Raj announced his resignation from the Shiv Sena. In a speech, he said, “All I had asked for was respect. All I got was insult and humiliation." He hinted that others were influencing Bal Thackeray but added that he would always look up to his uncle as a god-like figure.

In response, Uddhav said, “Raj’s decision is the outcome of a misunderstanding. He revolted on November 27, and all these days we were hoping the differences would be resolved amicably. But he remained adamant even after meeting Balasaheb on December 15." He also acknowledged that their uncle had been deeply hurt by Raj’s decision even though Bal Thackeray never spoke publicly about it.

In early 2006, around three months after quitting Shiv Sena, Raj launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

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