Visakhapatnam: Eminent historian, epigraphist and former faculty member of Andhra University’s department of history and archaeology, Prof Chellapilla Somasundar Rao, passed away on Tuesday, leaving the academic and research community in mourning.Prof Rao devoted more than six decades to the study of Andhra history and epigraphy. During his tenure at Andhra University, he mentored generations of students and made significant contributions to the fields of history, archaeology and inscriptional studies. He served as president of both the South Indian History Congress and the Andhra History Congress, and was honorary president of the Mallampalli Somasekhara Sarma Historical Research Institute.A prolific scholar, Prof. Rao authored several books and research papers that enriched historical and epigraphical studies. In recognition of his contribution to epigraphy, he was scheduled to receive one of South India’s prestigious awards for epigraphical research in Chennai on August 29. His demise days before the honour has saddened historians, researchers and students across the region.Honouring his final wish, family members donated his body to Gayatri Vidya Parishad Medical College for medical research.Historians, researchers, students and admirers paid rich tributes to Prof Rao, recalling his lifelong dedication to history, archaeology and epigraphy and describing his scholarly work as a lasting legacy for future generations.