INSTITUTIONS OF TIBETAN, BUDDHIST AND OTHER HISTORICAL STUDIES
Many centuries ago, Indian scholars took arduous journeys across the
Himalayas to Tibet and with them they carried Indian philosophy and
thought. The evolution of Tibetan thought and culture was a consequence
of this interaction.
Nearly two decades ago, many human repositories of this great tradition
travelled to India from Tibet. At the initiative of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, a
number of Buddhist Institutions were started in India. Amongst them were
the School of Buddhist Philosophy, Leh and the Central Institute of Higher
Tibetan Studies, Sarnath which are fully financed by this Department. The
main objectives of these institutions are preservation of Tibetan culture and
tradition and imparting of studies in ancient and traditional subjects through
a modern university framework and conducting research in Tibetan studies.
Besides, Government gives grants to Sikkim Research Institute of Tibeto-
logy, Gangtok and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharmasala.
School of Buddhist Phil- The School of Buddhist Philosophy, Leh was established in 1959 with a
osophy Leh view to imparting education in classical and modern Buddhist Studies in
Monastic pattern to the Students belonging to Ladakh along with studies of
modern subjects. The School is affiliated to the Sampurnanand Sanskrit
Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi and prepares students for Purva Madhyama,
Uttar Madhyama, Shastri, etc., of the Vishvavidyalaya and has an approved
strength of 150 students. The School is rapidly expanding as an Institute
of Buddhist studies and is being renamed as Central Institute of Buddhist
Studies, Leh.
Central Institute of The institute of Tibetan Studies was established in Varanasi as a cons-
Higher Tibetan Studies, tituent of Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya. It became a fully auto-
Varanasi nomous organisation in 1977 and was renamed as a Central Institute of
Higher Tibetan Studies. The Institute has planned a programme of training,
research and publication which would bring to light the Tibetan heritage
particularly a body of knowledge of the Indian heritage which was lost to
Sanskrit and Pali but was preserved in Tibet. The Institute prepares
students for degree in Puva Madhyama, Uttar Madhyama, Shastri, Acharya,
etc., having emphasis on Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and studies. A build-
ing complex consisting of building for the Institute, hostel for students and
staff quarters is under construction.
Sikkim Research Institute The Institute is an autonomous organisation of the State Government
of Tibetology, Gangtok of Sikkim and has been set up for Research and Studies in Tibetology.
The Institute has done significant work in promoting research in 'CHHOS'
(Tibetan for Dharma) and associate subjects like iconography, medicine,
astrology, history etc. The Institute will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee
in 1982 .
Library of Tibetan Works The aims of the Library are to secure and conserve Tibetan books and
and Archives, Dharamsala manuscripts to provide intensified reference service to act as a reference
centre for queries on Tibeten source material, etc,. It has a rich collection
of Tibeten manuscripts, painting and object darts. The Library is func-
tioned as a registered voluntary society and it managed by the H.H. Dalai
Lama as the Chairman.
Indian Counsil of His- The functions of the Council included (a) fostering objective and scienti-
torical Research, fic writing of history, (b) reviewing the progress of historical research from
New Delhi time to time and indicate neglected or new areas where research needs to be
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promoted (c) sponsoring historical research programmes and assisting insti- tutions and organisations engaged in historical research, (d) organising sponsoring and supporting seminars for the promotion and utilization of historical research, (e) promotion of publications of historical research of high, standard and undertaking the compilation and publication of source material.
During the year 1981-82, the, Council Sanctioned 10 research projects 16 fellowships, 40 study/travel/contingent grants, 6 grants to visit foreign countries, 8 subsidies for publications and aid to 13 professional organisations Of historians. Final reports on 7 research undertakings sanctioned during previous years were received Work on 4 volumes of sources was completed and manuscripts received while that of other volumes was in progress. The Council sponsored a seminar on "Regional History of the Himalayan Region" with particular reference to the "Western Himalayas" at Simla on October 22-24; 1981.
Indian Numismatics a compilation of articles by D.D. Kosambi was brought out. Volume VI, Nos-1-2 of the Council's biannual journal, The Indian Historical Review, was under print. The collection of material for the volumes relating to the project on "Towards Freedom" and "Naja Mandal Movement" continuing. The work of editing the volumes pre- pared under the project 'Role of the State Legislatures in the Freedom Struggle' also continued; two such edited volumes;"A Study of Legislative Politics and the Freedom Struggle in the Punjab : 1887-1947"' by Dr. (Mrs.) Satya M.Rai and "Bengal Electoral Politics and Freedom Struggle 1862-1947 by Prof. Gautam Chattopadhyay were sent to the press.' The work of printing volume I of "A Topographical list of Inscriptions of Tamilnadu and Kerala" was also undertaken.
The Library-cum-Documentation Centre of' the Council was streng- thened with, the acquisition of more books and microfilms/photo-copies of rare, manuscripts from different sources.
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