Maharashtra govt provides Rs 52cr to Aundh's Shri Bavani Museum museum for infra boost

Time of India

29-04-2025

Kolhapur
: State govt sanctioned Rs 52 crore for the
Shri Bavani Museum
in Aundh, located 50km away from Satara.
The museum plans to use these funds to construct another building on the same premises and repair the existing one. The current building, which was established several decades ago, lacks space to hold over 8,000 artifacts and 16,000 books.
They all will be displayed in the new building. The museum features as many as 500 miniature paintings from major Indian schools (Jaipur, Kangra, Mughal, Punjab, Bijapur, Pahadi, and Maratha) spanning the 15th to 19th centuries and three original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, making it one of India's largest such collections.
"The plan has a few components such as a multi-storey building, repairs of the old building and premises development. The museum witnesses around 1,500 visitors every day and the number goes up during holidays. The current building, and the library in it, has artefacts cramped up. We plan to decongest the museum to bring a new aesthetic sense and also ensure the visitors can get a glimpse of the artefacts and the paintings very carefully. A presentation was organized at the Mantralaya a few weeks ago. Based on it, the funds were sanctioned," said a senior officer of the state archaeology and museums department on the condition of anonymity.
The famous 'Mother and Child' stone sculpture by Henry Moore, Western paintings, including works like Madonna of the Book by Andrea Del Sarto, a Rembrandt self-portrait and others by artists such as AH Muller and L Goya, are also in the museum. Artefacts made of sandalwood and ivory, sculptured pots, weapons, and valuable ornaments, including a diamond collection, are displayed in a strong room.
The Maharaj of Aundh principality dedicated his life and wealth to finding and collecting unique artefacts. The museum has a well-maintained garden and play area for children. Art enthusiasts spend hours walking through 18 sections. "We are planning to install modern equipment, especially for lighting and ventilation purposes. The seating arrangements will also be made. In short, the two buildings will be spacious enough to accommodate more tourists and provide them with a truly engaging experience," said the official.