Eminent historian Gunda Jois passes away at 94

Team Udayavani, Jun 2, 2024, 9:03 PM IST

Sagar: Renowned historian Dr. Keladi Gunda Jois, known for his extensive research on the history of Keladi state, passed away on Sunday at the age of 94 due to age-related issues. Remarkably, he remained active until Saturday.

Dr. Jois was one of the few experts who could read ancient Modi script and palm-leaf manuscripts. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Dr. Jois obtained his MA in History from Mysore University through correspondence at the age of 50. Throughout his career, he served in various roles such as village accountant, postmaster, in the electricity department, All India Radio, survey officer at the Shivamogga Government Museum, state-appointed researcher at the Portuguese Monastery in Goa, cultural delegate to Tamil Nadu, lecturer in the State Archives Department,  examiner at the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, and member of the high committee of the Keladi Temple.

From 1962 to 1975, Dr. Jois was a history professor at Mysore and Dharwad universities. Between 1980 and 1985, he served as a member of the Karnataka Historical Records Research Committee.

Starting his research on Keladi’s history at the age of 17, Dr. Jois established a private historical museum in his home in 1960, which he handed over to the government after 1989. He prepared an ancient palm-leaf manuscript index for Hubli’s Moorusavira Matha and published over 30 historical research books. He also published more than 250 research papers and articles.

Dr. Jois received numerous accolades, including the Rajyotsava Award in 1994, the Best Researcher State Award in 1995, and an honorary doctorate in 2013. He was noted for his unique habit of communicating through postcards until his last days.

His mortal remains have been placed for final viewing at his son Dr. Venkatesh Jois’ residence in Analekoppa, Sagar. The funeral rites will be conducted at 10 AM on Monday at the Marikamba Crematorium in Sagar, according to family sources.