The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is the one-man collection of Padmashree Late Dr. D.G. Kelkar (1896 -1990). 'Kaka', as Dr. Kelkar was affectionately known, dedicated his collection to the memory of his only son `Raja’ who died an untimely tragic death.
It is a collection about 21,000 priceless artifacts which mirror the everyday life of India. A testimony to man’s creative spirit - the spirit that breaths beauty into the banal, and puts romance into the mundane.
Kaka was a man obsessed with art. A man who, for over sixty years, traveled extensively across the country - to obscure villages and tribal settlements, to grand temples and humble huts, to forgotten attics and folk fares - collecting .. always collecting. A connoisseur who had the uncanny vision to spot the exotic in the everyday..... to uncover diamonds under the dust

Dr. Kelkar


Kaka was a poet, and under the pseudonym 'Adnyatwasi'. He was a man driven by an inner calling. A man on a mission. To gather the finest examples of folk arts and Indian craftsmanship and to bequeath them to the world as an invaluable inheritance, a legacy of love.
Today, as we marvel at one man’s dedication, and applaud his efforts, one cannot help but think of how it must have been for him, way back then. He was a family man, with commitments and responsibilities. And he needed the support of his family, friends and acquaintances to pursue his passion. Fortunately, this he received and gratefully acknowledged.

Dr. Kelkar


Family Photographs
 

The impressive Museum collection of 21,000 priceless artifacts recalls the historic Indian culture and traditions which gently lead to more and more treasures. Creations in stone, wood, metal, ivory, fabric and clay that endure as the full realization of human craftsmanship.

The collection of Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is an eloquent reminder of the invaluable contribution of Smt. Kamlabai Kelkar (1902 - 1980), Kaka’s late wife and partner and also of Kaka’s only daughter Sau. Rekha Hari Ranade (Prabhatai).
The Museum’s highlight ‘Mastani Mahal’ reveals the mansion of ‘Mastani’, the famous concubine of ‘Peshwa Bajirao Ist’ - Kaka’s tribute to the grandeur of a bygone era.

This priceless treasure donated by Kakasaheb Kelkar, since 1975, is aided by the Government of Maharashtra, and is managed by the Board of Management who are deeply committed to not only preserving Kaka’s collection but also to the growth and development of the Collection.

A collection as varied as life itself. As awesome as man’s genius. A collection where each artifact reveals the powerful creative craft of its unknown creator, and where each object testifies to the passion and perseverance of Kaka Kelkar. A man who single - minded zeal, dedicated himself to the task of giving the arts and crafts of India the recognition, the respect and the immortality they deserve.