[en] Optical and magnetic properties of Gd_1−xSr_xCrO₃ (0  ⩽  x  ⩽  0.15) polycrystalline samples have been investigated to identify the role of Sr²⁺ ion in GdCrO₃ compound. Quantitative structural analysis using Rietveld refinement suggests the formation of single orthorhombic phase up to x  =  0.1 composition, and in addition, a secondary monazite-type structure of SrCrO₄ arises for x  =  0.15 composition. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra also confirm the presence of SrCrO₄ component for higher concentration of Sr²⁺ ion. Mixed valence state of Cr such as Cr³⁺ and Cr⁴⁺ is obtained from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of Cr⁴⁺ ion induces a reduction of optical band gap with increase of Sr content. The unoccupied states originate from Cr⁴⁺ modify d–d transitions. Larger cell volume and breaking of magnetic exchange pathways through nonmagnetic element (Sr) weaken the strength of interaction and consequently lower Néel and spin reorientation temperatures. (paper)