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Bharata Itihasa Samshodhak Mandal
 In the calm residential area of Sadashiv Peth lies the grey stone building of Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandala. This well known national research centre was established in 1910 to prop up the study of Indian history and culture as well as to gather and preserve priceless source material to help scholars in their research.
Consequently the complex includes a library, museum, picture gallery, study rooms and a well ready laboratory for the conservation of documents and other antiquities. The collection, increased by persona] contributions, is a rich store of new and rare books, manuscripts, documents, coins, paintings, sculpture and weapons. Along with illustrated manuscripts are books on religion, philosophy, ritual, grammar, astrology, astronomy and medicine.
Most of the written matter is in Marathi and Sanskrit. There are also some attractive 1v8th century maps and charts. Most of the paintings in the picture gallery are donated. Almost all the schools of miniature painting, dating to the 15th and 16th century, are on display. Also on view are a fine collection of glass paintings from the 18th and 19th century. However, the most extraordinary pieces are a medieval Gauri-pata and a painting of Varanasi ghats.
This is a angle view of the ghats with rows of tiny flame shaped holes punctured along the various terraces, parapets and window sills. When held against the light, the painting creates an illusion of hundreds of glowing lamps enlightening the ghats.
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