Kanitkar

Kanitkar is one of the many last names used by [Konkanastha Chitapavan][1] subcaste of Brahmins in India. Kanitkars, like most other Konkanastha Chitpavan Brahmins, originate in the Konkan strip located on the western seacoast of India - about 300-500 kilometers south of Mumbai. Kanitkars (other names: Parkar or Satkar) were from original five towns and 23 descendant families, spread to 110 towns by 1988. Kanitkars belong to Kaushik Gotra, and consider Shri Vyadeshwar at Guhaghar, Maharashtra, India as their primary "family god" [Kul Daivat].

A large majority of Kanitkars still live in Pune, Maharashtra, India - with the rest in Mumbai, Vadodara and many other cities. Several Kanitkars have also migrated to foreign countries - United States, Australia and Singapore, to name a few.

Genealogy of Kanitkars is documented in "Kanitkar Kul Vrutanta", the latest (second) edition was published on January 26, 1988. At that time, there were around 780 Kanitkar males and 640 females living.

Gharane No.	Gharane Name	Living Males	Total Males
1	Basani - Ganeshwadi	124	283
2	Basani - Sakharpe	43	128
3	Basani - Dhom	27	77
4	Basani - Vetoshi	16	43
5	Palshet - Adoor	65	191
6	Palshet - Junnar	101	202
7	Palshet - Bavdhan	110	237
8	Palshet - Kothure	3	38
9	Palshet - LimbaGanesh	37	77
10	Palshet - Chandwad	5	34
11	Palshet - Shirdhon	50	103
12	Palshet - Padli	15	39
13	Palshet - Bhadkambe	54	137
14	Palshet - Aachre	0	31
15	Palshet - Siddheshwar	18	46
16	Palshet - Guttal	33	74
17	Palshet - Guhaghar	12	34
18	Palshet - Ambegaon	0	27
19	Palshet - Tarapur	5	34
20	Palshet - Chinchner	6	21
21	Bhatgaon - Aanjarle	21	43
22	Nandiwade - Vileparle	14	29
23	Weldoor - Bhiwandi	21	45

The editors of the second edition suggested that a third edition should be considered around year 2010.

Currently, [www.kanitkar.com][2] website is under construction and will have more information of interest to Kanitkars - current and past - around the world. May be in today's electronic age, the next Kul Vruttanta would reside in the cyberspace.

Prominent Kanitkars

Shrimati Anjali Kanitkar - founder of famous marriage bureau Anuroop Wiwaha Sanstha[3]. She managed to tie knot of over 15.000 marriages over her stunning 25 years devoted to Anuroop. Further Anuroop is known for Brahmin and Chitpavan match making.

Shri Hrishikesh Kanitkar - famous cricketer. Specially known for his last bowl boundary against Pakistan in Bangladesh, for Asia Cup.

Shri Janardan Mankeshwar Kanitkar (APPA) has been in lifetime involved in the field of Library Development over five decades retired as Librarian of IIPA Delhi in late Sixties He along with his multi talented have been actively involved in amateur Marathi Stage at Delhi for over five decades popularly known as APPA and Vahini in Maharashtrian circle in Delhi.

Shrimati Kashibai Govindrao Kanitkar 1861-1948 is considered to be the first female writer in Marathi literature. Her main claim to fame came from her book on "Dr. Anandibai Joshi's biography and letters."

Prof. Keshav Ramchandra Kanitkar during his lifetime in twentieth century has been eminent educationist active in Pune. Involved in nurturing and development of Fergusson College has been Principal of the college for a long time.

Shri Madhav Kanitkar is a noted Marathi playwright and writer. His contributions include books like Mahabharath in Marathi, and monthly magazines Manini and Prapancha.

Shri Manko Mahadeo Kanitkar has been active in moneylending business at Pune during regime of Peshwas in mid eighteenth century. He subsequently led his retired life at Dhom near Wai in Satara District. His successors have continued this business until end of twentieth century.

Shri Narhari Keshav Kanitkar popularly known as AnnaSaheb first qualified engineer in the family graduated from College of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering in 1920s got his specialisation in UK and served the then GIP Railways and retired as Chief of Mechanical Engineering in late 1950s.