Historian Ninad Bedekar passes away

PUNE: Noted historian of Maratha empire Ninad Bedekar died in a city hospital today after a prolonged illness. He was 65.

Bedekar who specialised in research of the rule of warrior king Shivaji was known for his scientific and scholarly approach to the subject of Maratha history as he studied Arabic and also the 'Modi' script prevalent during that period to access and analyse authentic documents from the archives.

He visited over one hundred forts in Maharashtra, to back his writings with a scientific and topographical angle, winning acclaims from historians.

Eminent history writer and winner of 'Maharashtra Bhushan' award Babasaheb Purandare paid tribute to Bedekar's work saying his approach to historical research and visits to forts to authenticate it was "outstanding".