Obituary Notice
By B. M. Barua
Summary
Sir Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, who passed away on 24 August 1923 at the age of eighty‑nine, is commemorated in this obituary. A pioneer of Sanskrit scholarship and a social reformer, Bhandarkar taught at Deccan College and later established the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. His life exemplified discipline and intellectual curiosity; even in advanced age he retained vigour and continued to work. The obituary compares his death to those of illustrious generals who die peacefully after completing their mission, contrasting it with sudden deaths like that of Lord Kitchener. It recalls the Vedic sage Mahidāsa Aitareya, who lived 120 years in study, to illustrate the ideal scholar’s longevity. Bhandarkar’s contributions ranged from critical editions of Sanskrit texts to advocacy for widow remarriage and women’s education. As a bridge between three generations of educated Indians, he inspired students and colleagues alike. The notice laments that his passing severs a link with the formative period of Indian historiography and social reform, but celebrates his enduring legacy.
Conclusion
The obituary honours Bhandarkar’s dual role as scholar and reformer. It reminds readers that intellectual achievement and social conscience can coexist and that lives devoted to learning continue to influence posterity.