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 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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