Maharashtra

Maharashtra
Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandal

In the quiet residential area of Sadashiv Peth lies the grey stone building of Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandala. This well known national research*centre was established in 1910 to promote the study of Indian history and culture as well as to collect and preserve valuable source material to help scholars in their research. Consequently the complex includes a library, museum, picture gallery, study rooms and a well equipped laboratory for the preservation of documents and other antiquities.

The collection, increased by persona] donations, is a rich repository of new and rare books, manuscripts, documents, coins, paintings, sculpture and weapons. Along with illustrated manuscripts are books on religion, philosophy, ritual, grammar, astrology, astronomy and medicine. Most of the written matter is in Marathi and Sanskrit. There are also some interesting 18th century maps and charts.

Most of the paintings in the picture gallery are donated. Almost all the schools of miniature painting, dating to the 15th and 16th century, are on display. Also on view are a fine collection of glass paintings from the 18th and 19th century. However, the most remarkable pieces are a medieval Gauri-pata and a painting of Varanasi ghats. This is a perspective view of the ghats with rows of tiny flame shaped holes punctured along the numerous terraces, parapets and window sills. When held against the light, the painting creates an illusion of hundreds of glowing lamps illuminating the ghats.

Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandal
1321
Sadashiv Peth
Pune 411030

Timings: 8.30 am to 10.30 am 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Closed on Thursdays and government holidays. No public view except by prior appointment.

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