I.V.K. Rajwade Sanshodhan Mandal Museum
| Place | Dhule |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1932 |
| Museum Type | Research / Historical / Manuscript Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | NH 211, Navnath Nager, Dhule, Maharashtra 424001 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM and 04:30 PM – 08:00 PM (Monday–Saturday) Closed on Sundays. |
| Entry Fee | Free (Donations for research activities are welcomed) |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1927 in memory of the legendary historian Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade, the Rajwade Sanshodhan Kendra (I.V.K. Rajwade Sanshodhan Mandal) is a premier research institution in Dhule, Maharashtra. It was founded by his disciples, Bhaskar Vaman Bhat and Rajwade’s other associates, to house the massive collection of historical documents, manuscripts, and artifacts Rajwade gathered while tirelessly traveling across India to document Maratha history.
General Collections
The museum is a treasure trove for researchers, housing over 3,500 Sanskrit and Marathi manuscripts. The collection includes historical letters (Bakhar), copper plates, ancient coins, and stone inscriptions. It also features a significant gallery of archaeological finds from the Tapi valley, including pottery, weapons, and sculptures dating from the prehistoric to the medieval periods.
Unique Historical Collections
Original Maratha Letters: A vast archive of original correspondence from the era of the Peshwas and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ancient Manuscripts: Rare palm-leaf and paper manuscripts covering Vedic literature, astrology, and medicine. Paintings: A collection of traditional paintings including works from the Maratha and Rajput schools. V.K. Rajwade’s Personal Belongings: The simple tools—pens, satchels, and notebooks—used by the historian during his decades of research.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The institution is more than a museum; it is a "Sanskriti Mandir" (Temple of Culture) dedicated to the scientific study of history. It publishes a quarterly research journal and has released over 150 historical books. The building is located in the Navnath Nagar area and remains a quiet, scholarly space preferred by serious historians and students of Indology. |
| Artifacts | Over 15,000 historical documents (Modi script); Copper plate grants from the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties; 17th-century weaponry; Sculptures of local deities; Rare Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts; Extensive library of over 20,000 historical reference books. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 2562 233810 |
| Email ID | info@vkrajwade.com |