State funeral for notable historian Purandare

Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare was a celebrated author, historian and theatre personality. He was known for his work on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He wrote several books on the king, his administration and the forts from Shivaji’s era. Babasaheb Purandare also directed ‘Jaanta Raja’, a popular play on Chhatrapati’s life.
 Babasaheb Purandare was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital recently after he fell in the bathroom. He was 99 years old and on life support. He took his last breath at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.
 Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a state funeral for Babasaheb Purandare, according to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his condolences on the sad demise. The PM tweeted, “I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered.”