Udaipur : Eminent folk art scholar and former director of Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat, passed away in Udaipur on Tuesday at the age of 87. Dr. Bhanawat had been unwell for the past few days.
Born on November 13, 1937, in Kanod, Udaipur, Dr. Bhanawat’s final rites will be performed on February 26, 2025. His last journey will commence from his residence at Archie Arcade Complex, New Bhupalpura, Udaipur, at 9:30 AM, heading toward Mokshadham, Ashok Nagar.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Tuktak Bhanawat and Ranjana Bhanawat, daughters Dr. Kavita Mehta and Dr. Kahani Bhanawat, and grandchildren Shabdank and Arthank.
A Life Dedicated to Folk Arts & Literature
Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat was a celebrated scholar of folk traditions and literature, dedicating his life to the preservation and documentation of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
He completed his M.A. in Hindi from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, and in 1968, earned his Ph.D. on the topic ‘Rajasthani Loknatya Parampara Mein Mewar Ka Gavari Natya Aur Uska Sahitya.’
Gavari, a tribal dance-drama tradition performed by the Bhil community during the Bhadrapada month, was a central focus of his research. Notably, in Sukhadia University’s first convocation ceremony in 1967, Dr. Bhanawat was among the five scholars awarded a Ph.D. degree.
His book “Nirbhay Meera” shed light on previously unexplored aspects of Meera Bai’s life, bringing forth new historical perspectives.
🔹 Over 10,000 published works in Hindi and Rajasthani
🔹 More than 12 books on tribal life and culture
🔹 Research spanning Rajasthan’s folk art, theater, and traditions
An Illustrious Career in Folk Art Research & Writing
Dr. Bhanawat held numerous esteemed positions throughout his career:
✔ Research Assistant (1958-1962) at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur
✔ Director of Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur
✔ Authored over 100 books on folk traditions, history, and culture
✔ Mentored several Ph.D. scholars in folklore studies
✔ Accredited independent journalist by the Rajasthan government since 2003
His first book, “Rajasthan Swar Lahari” (Part 1), marked the beginning of an extensive literary contribution that significantly influenced folk studies in India.
Awards & Honors: Recognizing a Lifetime of Contributions
Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat’s scholarly contributions earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
🏆 Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi Vishisht Sahityakar Samman
🏆 Lok Bhushan Award from Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow
🏆 Marwar Ratna Komal Kothari Puraskar by Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur
🏆 Kala Samay Lok Shikhar Samman (Bhopal)
🏆 Dr. Komal Kothari Lok Kala Puraskar (₹2.25 Lakh) from the Western Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur
🏆 Kanhaiyalal Sethia Puraskar (₹51,000) from Kolkata’s Vichar Manch
🏆 Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Jodhpur)
🏆 Pt. Ramnaresh Tripathi Award (UP Hindi Sansthan) for books on Rajasthan’s folk traditions
🏆 Maharana Sajjan Singh Award (Mewar Foundation, Udaipur)
🏆 Bhanwarlal Karnawat Foundation Award (Bhilwara)
With over 80 prestigious awards, Dr. Bhanawat’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the documentation and promotion of Rajasthan’s folk culture.
Significant Contributions to Literature & Academics
Dr. Bhanawat’s expertise extended beyond research and writing:
✔ Actively contributed to Rajasthan and Hindi textbooks for SIERT, Udaipur
✔ Participated in NCERT, New Delhi workshops on folk literature and curriculum development
✔ Engaged in National School of Drama (NSD) workshops in New Delhi
His deep understanding of folk storytelling, tribal performances, and indigenous cultural expressions continues to influence generations of researchers and students.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Lives On
Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat’s immense contributions to folk art, literature, and Rajasthan’s cultural heritage have left an indelible mark on Indian academia.
His works remain a cornerstone for scholars and enthusiasts of Indian folk traditions, and his dedication to preserving Rajasthan’s folk heritage will inspire future generations.
As Rajasthan bids farewell to one of its most distinguished cultural historians, his legacy lives on through his extensive research, writings, and the knowledge he imparted.
📢 His final rites will be held on February 26, 2025, at Mokshadham, Ashok Nagar, Udaipur.
🙏 May his soul rest in peace.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
