Sriniketana Museum

Early Life and Education

Dr. G. V. Kallapura, an eminent manuscriptologist and museologist, was born in Kolar, Karnataka, in 1961. He completed his higher education at the University of Mysore and was awarded a Ph.D. in Sanskrit Literature in 1991.

Academic and Professional Career

Dr. Kallapura began his career as a Lecturer in Sanskrit at Sri JCBM College, Sringeri. He later served as Research and Publication In-charge cum Assistant Curator at the Keladi Museum and Research Bureau, Keladi, under Kuvempu University, from 1989 to 2021.
Kuvempu University recognized him as a Ph.D. guide in Sanskrit, under whose guidance several scholars have successfully completed their M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees.

Research and Publications

Dr. Kallapura has made significant contributions to historical and manuscript research. His major publications include:

• Descriptive Catalogue of Palm Leaf Manuscripts of Keladi Museum
• Historical Documents of Keladi Rulers (2 Volumes)
• Hosagunda History Essays
• Keladi Sri Abhinandana Grantha (Published by Malnad Research Academy, Shivamogga)
• Srinivasa Udupa’s Complete Literature (Sagara)
• Sanskrita Sahityakke Keladi Arasara Koduge
• Patragara Dhakalegala Samrakshane (Published by Karnataka Itihasa Samshodhana Mandala, Dharwad)

Expertise in Scripts and Manuscriptology

He possesses extensive expertise in reading and interpreting a wide range of ancient scripts, including:

• Tigalari
• Nagari
• Nandinagari
• Tamil Grantha
• Malayalam
• Old Kannada
• Modi Script

His deep knowledge in manuscriptology has made him a respected authority in the field.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his lifelong contribution to manuscript studies and cultural preservation, Dr. Kallapura was honoured with a State-Level Award by the Kerala Coastal Cultural Association in 2006.

Advisory Roles and Associations

Dr. Kallapura has been actively associated with several prestigious institutions and has served as a member of advisory committees for:

• Manuscripts Library, Sri Jayatirtha Vidyapeetha
• Vishwamadhwa Parishat Research Centre
• Dvaita Vedanta Foundation, Bengaluru
• Sri Vadiraja Research Foundation, Puttige Mutt, Udupi
• Sri Shivappanayaka Museum and Historical Research Centre, Murugha Matha, Anandapura

Conferences, Workshops, and Field Work

He has participated in numerous national, international, and state-level conferences, workshops, and training programs. He has also organized several workshops and seminars on subjects such as manuscriptology and Modi script studies.
In addition, he has taken part in archaeological excavation work at Bada (the birthplace of Saint Kanakadasa) near Haveri, contributing to historical research and preservation.

Founder Director – Sriniketana Museum

At present, under the guidance of Sri Vidyaprasannatirtha Swamiji, the revered pontiff of Samputa Narasimha Swamy Subrahmanya Matha, Dr. G. V. Kallapura has been entrusted with the responsibility of Founder Director of the Sriniketana Museum and Research Centre at Kukke Subrahmanya.
Through his vast experience and dedication, he continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural and manuscript heritage.