Raja Bhimdev

Raja Bhimdev was a 13th century king who had his capital in Mahikawati, the present-day Mahim, in Mumbai, India. His origins are obscure. He may have come from Anahilwada-Patan, Gujarat or from the dynasty of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri. He is said to have built a palace and a court of justice in Prabhadevi and the first Babulnath temple. The deity in this temple is named after the Babul trees which were the main components of a forest covering the low-lying areas of this island.

During his reign he is supposed to have brought Pathare Prabhus, Palshis, Pachkalshis, Bhandaris, Vadvals, Bhois, Agris and Brahmins to these islands. The Bhandaris were originally toddy trappers; the Vadvals were gardeners. He introduced many fruit-bearing trees, including coconut palms to the island.

References

* [http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/persons/raja-bhimdev.html Raja Bhimdev]