Raja Dinker Kelkar Museum was set up by Dr. Dinker Kelkar in the memory of his son Raja who died at a very young age. Raja Dinker Kelkar Museum has 2,500 objects on display out of 20,000. This enormous collection was started by Dr. Dinker Kelkar in 1920. In 1960 he handled is entire collected work to the Government of Maharashtra’s Archaeological Department.
The Raja Dinker Kelkar Museum has some of the finest collection of art and decorative objects belonging to 18th and 19th century. The museum is divided into several sections:
Mastani Mahal: This part of the museum has memoirs of Peshwa Bajirao I and Mastani, his court dancer. Every décor of the room starting from paintings to splendid chandeliers, lavishly carved ceiling, wonderful lamps and innumerable musical instruments all shows a touch of Peshwa Lifestyle and Indian history.
Paintings: There are works of art belonging to several schools of paintings. The Chitrkathi paintings of Paithan, portraying stories of Ramvijay, Tanjaur paintings, ‘Pata’ or paintings on cloth from Rajasthan; Kalamkari art on cloth; Mughal and Ragmala miniature arts, Chaitra-Gauri Pata and innumerable works on leather, paper and parchment of the 17th to 19th Centuries A.D. are displayed in the Museum.
Sculptures: there are brilliant collection of stone sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, Demons and human and animal figures.
Textiles: Wide range of Textiles is also present in the Museum made of striking colors and varied designs. Paithanis and Chandrakala from Maharashtra, Parsi garos, Banarasi, Rabari garments from Kutch and Gujarat, ‘Kantha’ stitches fill the display windows of the gallery.
Among the other objects of the museum there is a magnificent collection of musical instruments, coins, lamps, ivory and wood work, toys, kitchen utensils etc., which boosts about the glory of the museum.
Getting There:
The Raja Dinker Kelkar Museum located at 1377 and 1378, Shukrawar Peth in Pune. Local bus, auto rickshaws, taxis and private cars will take you to the museum.
