Renowned Sanskrit Scholar Dr. Prabhakar Apte Passes Away at 92 in Thane.

Renowned Sanskrit Scholar Dr. Prabhakar Apte Passes Away at 92 in Thane

April 18, 2025 – Thane, Maharashtra – Dr. Prabhakar Pandurang Apte, a respected Sanskrit scholar and expert in ancient Indian texts and temple architecture, passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related complications. He is survived by two daughters.  

Dr. Apte was widely recognized for his scholarly contributions to the Pancharatra Agamas, Sanskrit literature, Dharmashastra, and traditional Indian architectural systems. A trained lawyer and prolific writer, he was also a key contributor to the Sanskrit Dictionary Project at Deccan College in Pune.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Apte held esteemed visiting positions at institutions such as Madras University, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth in Tirupati, and the Anantacharya Research Institute in Mumbai. His academic influence extended across India, especially in the field of Sanskrit lexicography and the preservation of Indian knowledge systems.  

One of his most celebrated achievements was the English translation of the Samarangana Sutradhara—an 11th-century treatise on Indian architecture attributed to King Bhoja of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. He also authored critical works like Paushkara Samhita, which scholars believe should be revisited by modern engineers and architects for insights into ancient architectural innovation.  

Dr. Prashant Dharmadhikari of the Central University of Gujarat remarked, “While the National Education Policy 2020 aims to revive Indian knowledge systems, Dr. Apte had already paved the way decades ago. His interdisciplinary scholarship bridged Sanskrit, jurisprudence, science, and technology—making him a pioneer in the field.”

The Dictionary Project honors Dr. Apte’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to advancing Sanskrit education and preserving India’s intellectual heritage.