Maharashtra Museums
Bharata Itihasa Samshodhak 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 18
th 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 18
th
and 19
th 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 Mandala
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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