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His deep research in the field of Maharashtra’s ancient cave sculptures unveils the secrets of our great cultural heritage. Dr Daud Dalvi, eminent educationist and history scholar from Thane has contributed in this field and his works have proved as guiding light to aspirant researchers.

“I share a strong bond of love with Thane, as I am born and brought up here. I’m past student of MH High School. In those days people were charged with the spirit of freedom movement of India and after school hours we used to attend the meetings of Rashtra Seva Dal and there we would get the opportunity to listen to noted leaders such as SM Joshi, Achyutrao Patwardhan and Sane Guruji,” recalled Dalvi. After SSC, Dalvi opted for arts and joined Elphinston College for further studies. He completed his Master’s degree and law graduation simultaneously. He has worked as a History Professor in Parle College, Principal in Burhani College and from 1986 he came to Thane as principal of Dnyansadhana College.

Dr Mani Kamerkar was the head of the department of history in Parle College and in fact she is the mentor of Dalvi’s research career. For every conference and seminar she used to ask Dalvi to prepare a research paper on his own. It helped Dalvi to strengthen his research methodology. He used to teach modern Indian history but for research he selected the field related to ancient period as Indian scholars have not done much work in this area. “Our study relies on British researcher’s work who tried to lower down our artistic achievements. In my book I have mentioned such disparities with proper proof,” said Dalvi.

Dalvi recalled that it was a particular visit to Elephanta caves that changed his perception about Indian cultural heritage. “I still remember the day when our meeting at Elphinston College was postponed and in that spare time I decided to visit Elephanta caves with my friend. It was a conducted tour and many foreign tourists joined us. Our guide was explaining about the cave sculptures but the information was incomplete. I was surprised to see that all the foreigners were carrying a booklet about Elephanta caves and was referring to it. I felt sad to see that though we have such rich cultural heritage we have not done research in this area. It proved the turning point in my studies. After that I spent 14 years in visiting all the cave sculptures of Maharashtra. Since there was ample literature in English, I wrote the volume Leni Maharashtrachi in Marathi,” explained Dalvi. Dalvi is also avid photographer and he has clicked all the photographs of his book.

About his treasured moments Dalvi said, “While I was studying a panel of lady dancers and their accompanying lady musicians in the 7^th cave of Aurangabad, I couldn’t get clear photograph due to the darkness in the cave. Then my nephew brought proper lighting equipment and the cave was illuminated with bright light. All of us were spellbound with the divine beauty of the panel that depicted all the ladies engrossed in a performance.”

What touches one is Dalvi’s warmth and simplicity. His gentle and reserved demeanour conceals amazing blend of energetic and thoughtful person in him. “My work provided me timeless joy and my students, associates and surrounding people enjoy it too,” claimed Dalvi. Once with his students Dalvi went to Gondeshwar, which is lord Shiva’s temple near Sinnar and was explaining its historic importance. All of them were so much engrossed in the subject that after one hour when Dalvi finished, he saw that a big crowd was listening to him with equal interest.

Currently he is working on the Apex body of Institute of historical studies Calcutta and Indian history and cultural society New Delhi. His two research projects including Muslim architecture in India and Ancient shrines in Maharashtra are being completed.

About Thane city he said, “In the last decade Thane has done tremendous progress in every sphere of life and if all organizations from the city come together and form a common platform Thane has capacity of taking civic leadership of the state. I feel that since Thane has rich historical background, it should get archeological museum.”