The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in One God and in breaking caste rules. Paramahansa Mandali was a secret socio-religious group, established in 1849 , in Bombay and is closely related to Manav Dharma Sabha which was founded in 1844. It was started by Durgaram Mehtaji, Dadoba Pandurang, and a group of his friends.