Mumbai, March 26 Renowned historian Jaisingrao Pawar passed away in Kolhapur, western Maharashtra, on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 85 years old.
Pawar had been suffering from lung-related issues for a month, according to family sources.
He played a significant role in bringing the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj to the public.
His death is being seen as a major loss to the field of historical research, and marks the passing of a prominent figure in Maharashtra's cultural and academic landscape.
Pawar worked as a college professor for over three decades, and authored 20 textbooks for college students. He gained extensive experience in researching historical documents at the Department of History of Shivaji University in Kolhapur.
His well-known books include "Maharani Tarabai," "Senapati Santaji Ghorpade," "Maratheshahicha Magova," and "Rajarshi Shahu Smarak Granth."
He was a founding member of the Akhil Maharashtra Itihas Parishad (All Maharashtra History Conference) and served as its president for three years.
In 1992, he established the Maharashtra Itihas Prabodhini (Maharashtra History Academy). He firmly believed in the concept of "historical research combined with social enlightenment" and was the Director of the Rajarshi Shahu Research Centre at Shivaji University.
In his condolence message, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state has lost a "principled guide" in the field of historical research with Pawar's passing.