Noted Historian Babasaheb Purandare Passes Away at 99: Know About Babasaheb Purandare

Babasaheb Purandare known with full name Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, renowned writer and historian passes away on Monday 15 November after suffering from old age ailments and pneumonitis. On Saturday 13 November Purandare was hospitalized in Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune and kept under the support of a ventilator.

Medical Director, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar of Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital said that Purandare passes away today early morning at around 05:10 am after keeping in a ventilator since Sunday evening. His health condition became much critical though followed by an intensive care unit in the hospital.

Babasaheb Purandare was born on 29 July 1922 in a place called Saswad located in Pune, Maharashtra. He was married to social activist and educationist Nirmala Purandare who died at the age of 86 in 2019. They were parents to one daughter and two sons namely Prasad Purandare, Madhuri Purandare and Amrut Purandare. Nirmala Purandare as a social worker helped in educating children and women by getting associated with various organizations.

Apart from being a writer and historian Purandare had also worked in numerous theatres of Maharashtra. He won India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan award in 2019 for his contribution to Arts and Literature and also received the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2015.

His contribution in literature comes from writing many books, most of them focusing mainly on the life of Shivaii, including a two-volume biography of 'Raje Shivchhatrapati'. He is the author of notable publications including 'Agra', 'Savitri', 'Maharaj', 'Gadkot Kille', 'Lal Mahal', 'Panhalgad', 'Purandar', 'Shelar Khind', 'Kalawantinicha Sajja', 'Rajgad', 'Purandaryanchi Daulat', 'Sinhagad', 'Mujaryache Mankari', 'Pratapgad' and 'Fulwanti.'

Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister of Maharashtra made the announcement for a state funeral for great historian Babasaheb Purandare. The Minister expressed his grief by saying that the demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture and his contributions will be remembered forever. He further said that he is grateful as coming generations will get more connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj only because of Purandare.

On the demise of Babasaheb Purandare, Prime Minister Modi wrote that Purandare was a witty and wise personality who had a rich knowledge of Indian history. The Prime Minister also said that he was in interaction with Purandare over years also addressed the centenary year programme. He lastly offered condolences to the family saying the great historian will be remembered by his admirers for his works.

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