Babasaheb Moreshwar Purandare (English: Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, born- July 29, 1922; death- November 15, 2021) was a Marathi litterateur, playwright and historian. He was famous for his historical research related to Shivaji. The famous play ‘Janata Raja’ (The Discerning King) is his work. The Maharashtra government honored him with the state’s highest honor ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’. Babasaheb Purandare was awarded ‘Padma Vibhushan’ by the Government of India.
Babasaheb Purandare was born on July 29, 1922. He is known as Shivshahr in Maharashtra. It is believed that Babasaheb played an important role in bringing the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to every home through the great play ‘Janata Raja’ (King of the People). This great drama became famous not only in Maharashtra but also in Andhra Pradesh, Goa and other parts of the country. Babasaheb Purandare has written many books on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and dedicated his life to history and research. He was awarded the ‘Padma Vibhushan’, India’s second highest civilian award, in 2019 and the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan Award’ in 2015. He not only wrote the history of Shivrai (Chhatrapati) but also presented the history of Peshwas in front of the world.
Along with being a popular historian of the country, Babasaheb Purandare was also a theater artist. He is known for his expertise on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Baba Purandare also wrote many books on the life of Shivaji, his administration and the forts of his period. Apart from this he also directed a popular play – Janta Raja on the life and leadership style of Chhatrapati.
Purandare was considered one of the pre-eminent successors of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Purandare also wrote and directed the play ‘Janata Raja’, based on the life of Shivaji Maharaj, in the mid-1980s. At the age of 12, Purandare wrote a book based on the life of Nana Saheb Peshwa. In 1946, when Babasaheb was 24 years old, he completed ‘Jalya Thingya’, a compilation of stories from the life of Shivaji Maharaj. Babasaheb wrote 36 books related to Shivaji and other historical subjects. Apart from Jaltya Thingya, he also wrote historical omnibuses like Muzryachya Mankari, Purandaryachya Daulat, Shaniwarvadyatil Shamdaan, Purandaryachya Burujavarun, Purandaryachya Naubat, Purandaryachya Sarkarwada and Maharaj. He wrote informative books on various forts like Bhulbhulaiya Nav Raigarh, Bhulbhulaiya Nav Agra, Bhulbhulaiya Nav Panhalgarh, Bhulbhulaiya Nav Pratapgarh and Bhulbhulaiya Nav Purandar. In 1962 he wrote Shilanganache Son and in 1973 Shelarkhind. Well-known actor and producer Ramesh Dev made the film Sarja based on Purandare’s novel Shelarkhind.
India’s renowned historian and writer Babasaheb Purandare passed away on Monday morning, November 15, 2021, at Deenanath Mangeshkar Memorial Hospital, Pune. He was 99 years old. According to the hospital administration, Babasaheb Purandare was put on ventilator after his condition became critical. Since then his condition could not improve. It was told that Baba Purandare had fallen in the bathroom of his house. After this he was brought to the hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the demise of Baba Purandare. He said, “The pain cannot be expressed in words. Babasaheb’s demise has left a huge void in the world of history and culture. Thanks to him the coming generations will remain connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” The PM further said, “Babasaheb’s work was inspiring. When I went on a tour to Pune, I saw his play ‘Janata Raja’, which was based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Even when Babasaheb used to come to Ahmedabad, I used to attend his programs. I used to go to participate.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his photo with Babasaheb and said, “A few years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Babasaheb Purandare ji and having a long discussion. His energy and thoughts were truly inspiring. His demise is the end of an era.” I express my condolences to his family and countless fans. May he rest in peace.
