Raja
Dinkar Kelkar Museum of Pune is situated on Bajirao Road, Shukawar Peth.
The museum was founded by Dr Dinkar G. Kelkar in remembrance of his only
son, Raja. The majority of the museum collection was assimilated by Dr
Dinkar in his lifetime. He devoted more than 40 years of his life in
building up the collection of the museum. He started gathering artifacts
from the year 1920 and by 1960, the compilation had increased to around
15,000 items. Given below is more information on the Raja Dinkar Kelkar
Museum of Poona, India…
In 1962, Dr Dinkar handed over his entire collection to the Department
of Archaeology of the Government of Maharashtra. Presently, the
collection boasts of more than 20,000 articles, out of which majority
items date back to somewhere between 18th and 19th century. However,
only 2500 articles have been displayed inside the museum. Raja Dinkar
Kelkar Museum of Pune also has a very exquisite collection of musical
instruments. The other items include Mughal antiques like paintings,
instruments, lamps, etc.
Then, there is an amazing compilation of nutcrackers, Ganpati's guns,
carved palace doors, pottery, etc. The museum also houses a recreation
of the famous Mastani Mahal. Other structures inside its complex include
Research and Storage facilities and the Institute of Musicology and Fine
Arts. The ground floor of Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum displays household
vessels made of terracotta, copper and brass. These items date back to
the 18th and 19th century and were purchased from Kerala, Gujarat and
Maharashtra.
Another floor of the museum is adorned with statues of Lord Ganesha,
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Then, there are paintings depicting
scenes from the Great Indian Epic Ramayana. Armors made of fish scales
and crocodile skin, pistols, long barreled muskets, daggers, shields,
swords and small cannons are other items on display inside the Raja
Dinkar Kelkar Museum of Pune. Betel boxes, lime containers and spittoons
used by the Maharajas have also been exhibited here.
AFMC Pune
