Mysuru: Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy, popularly known as Prof. AVN, passed away following brief illness at a private hospital in city this morning. He was 91.

A resident of Jayalakshmipuram in city, Prof. AVN had served as the Head of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Mysore, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru, for over two decades and was a renowned Historian, Indologist and Numismatist. He used to write columns in Star of Mysore under the title ‘Pages from History.’

He leaves behind his wife Kamalamba, son Prof. A.N. Santosh Kumar (Vice-Chancellor of JSS Science and Technology University), daughter Dr. A.N. Savitha, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great granddaughter and a host of relatives, friends and students.

Last rites will be held tomorrow (Aug. 10) at 3 pm at the foot of Chamundi Hill, according to family sources.

Profile: Prof. A.V. Narasimha Murthy passed his BA (Hons) and MA Degrees with Rank and obtained his Ph.D from Andhra University. Beginning his career with the Indian Archaeological Department, he later served as a Lecturer at Andhra University for several years.

He joined University of Mysore as a Reader in 1965 and served the University till his retirement. He has written many books and research articles on Numismatics and Indology. He has also guided more than 20 students for their Ph.D degrees. He has won many awards and prizes including Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Puratatva Ratna Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Award-2023 and Award of Excellence given by the Archaeology Department.