Mumbai's Distinguished Museologist Passes 0n (1933-2019)

Padma Shri Sadashiv Vasantrao Gorakshkar, respected as an architect of India’s modern museum movement, passed away on 13th July 2019 at Vasind, near Mumbai.

An ardent art lover, art critic, author, museologist and scholar, he was Director, Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, from 19751996, (as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, was then known as). And his steadfast dedication to the museum made him synonymous with the august institution.

Though Shri Gorakshkar studied law, his meeting with Karl J Khandalavala and Dr Moti Chandra, who were Chairman and Curator, respectively, of the museum at the time, led him to step into the world of art and museums. In 1964, he joined the museum as Assistant Curator. His knowledge, sharpness, enquiring mind and keen eye led him to understand art and he was regarded as an ‘encyclopaedia of knowledge’ especially regarding iconography and miniature paintings.