Babasaheb Purandare (1922-2021), Biography, Contributions, Awards

Babasaheb Purandare was a renowned historian, author, playwright, poet and orator best known for documenting the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was popularly called “Shiv Shahir” or “Shivaji’s poet” as he dedicated his life to researching Maratha history through books, lectures, historical plays and extensive field visits to forts associated with Shivaji.

Babasaheb Purandare Biography

Babasaheb Purandare was born as Balwant Moreshwar Purandare on 29 July 1922 in Maharashtra. He developed a deep interest in Maharashtra’s history from an early age and began writing about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while still young. He travelled extensively across Maharashtra, studying forts, manuscripts and historical sites to strengthen his research. His writings and public lectures made Maratha history accessible to ordinary people in simple language. He passed away on 15 November 2021 at the age of 99 after undergoing treatment for age related illnesses and pneumonia in Pune Maharashtra.

Babasaheb Purandare Contributions

Babasaheb Purandare devoted his life to preserving and popularising the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through research, literature, theatre and public outreach.

Historical Research

He became one of the most recognised authorities on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, researching the king’s life, administration, military campaigns and forts through extensive field visits across Maharashtra and historical source material.

Literary Contributions

He began writing on Shivaji at a young age and authored Thinagya (Sparks on Shivaji), Raja Shiva Chatrapati, Kesari, Narayanrao Peshwa and the acclaimed two volume biography Raje Shivchhatrapati, besides numerous historical publications.

Publications

His prolific writing career produced works including Maharaj, Shelar Khind, Gadkot Kille, Agra, Lal Mahal, Purandar, Rajgad, Panhalgad, Sinhagad, Pratapgad, Fulwanti, Purandaryanchi Daulat, Mujaryache Mankari, Savitri and Kalawantinicha Sajja.

Theatre and Cultural Revival

Inspired by large scale Roman open air performances during his 1978 Europe tour, he conceptualised the grand historical drama Jaanta Raja, which premiered in 1984 and has completed more than 1,550 performances over four decades.

Documentation of Fort Heritage

He had a lifelong interest in Maharashtra’s forts and personally visited numerous historical forts connected with Shivaji. His studies documented their historical importance and strengthened public awareness of Maratha heritage.

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Babasaheb Purandare Awards and Honors

Babasaheb Purandare received several prestigious honours for his contribution to Indian history, literature and theatre.

• Padma Vibhushan (2019): The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award, recognising his lifelong contribution to historical research, literature and preservation of Maratha heritage.
• Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2015): He received the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, for his exceptional work in documenting and popularising the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Kalidas Samman (2007-08): The Government of Madhya Pradesh conferred the Kalidas Samman for his celebrated historical drama Jaanta Raja, which became one of India’s most successful large scale theatrical productions.
• Recognition as “Shiv Shahir”: Babasaheb Purandare earned the widely respected title “Shiv Shahir” because of his lifelong dedication to researching, writing and narrating the life and achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.