Indological Research Institute

Indological Research Institute Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Indological Research Institute, Digital creator, Mysore.

Indological Research Institute is a registered organisation which focuses Indigenous knowledge renaissance rooted in truth (sacca), wisdom (paññā), and harmony (sāmaggī).

Announcing the Release of Volume 1: Audio-Visual Documentation and Textual Narrative on the Material Culture, Folklore, ...
12/08/2025

Announcing the Release of Volume 1: Audio-Visual Documentation and Textual Narrative on the Material Culture, Folklore, Ethnohistory, and Anti-Caste Observations of Marginalized Communities in Peninsular India!

We are honored to present the first volume of our comprehensive audio-visual documentation, accompanied by a detailed textual narrative through a printed volume, highlighting the art, musical instruments, folklore, ethnohistory, and anti-caste perspectives of marginalized communities from Peninsular India.

In collaboration with the Indological Research Institute, this volume preserves and critically engages with the rich tangible and intangible heritage of these communities, offering both immersive audiovisual experiences and in-depth written insights. It brings forward stories of resilience, creativity, and identity that challenge social hierarchies and affirm dignity.

This work is an essential resource for scholars, activists, and cultural enthusiasts committed to preserving heritage and promoting social justice.

We warmly invite researchers, artists, and cultural practitioners to collaborate and contribute.

Mail us to include your work or for more information: [email protected]
Join us in this vital journey to document and honor the diverse heritage and voices of Peninsular India’s marginalized groups.

The Aboriginal Tribes of the Nilgiri HillsBy Lieut.-Colonel W. Ross King, F.R.G.S., F.S.A.S."The tribes which I am about...
17/07/2025

The Aboriginal Tribes of the Nilgiri Hills
By Lieut.-Colonel W. Ross King, F.R.G.S., F.S.A.S.

"The tribes which I am about to describe are doubtless not altogether unknown by report to various members of this Society, and I do not claim for myself the credit of bringing forward many new facts concerning them. My simple object is to promote attention to the subject in hopes of ultimately eliciting some more certain information than we possess as to the origin of races whose early history is shrouded in mystery and doubt.

All personal experiences, however slight, are of value as contributions to the general fund of information, and I have, therefore, not hesitated to comply with the request made to me, that I would communicate such particulars concerning the hill-tribes of the Nilgiris as came under my own observation during a three years' sojourn on those hills, otherwise known as the Blue Mountains of the Deccan."

📍 Nilgiri Hills | Toda Tribe | Blue Mountains of the Deccan
📸 Archival ethnographic insight
📚

Remembering a Pioneer of Indian Archaeology.One of the most distinguished sons of the late Major-General Sir Alexander C...
17/07/2025

Remembering a Pioneer of Indian Archaeology.

One of the most distinguished sons of the late Major-General Sir Alexander Cunningham has passed away in his 80th year — Allan Cunningham.

He first went to India in 1831 as a junior lieutenant in the Bengal Engineers. Not only did he serve with distinction in the Sikh Wars earning praise and promotions for his masterful construction of pontoon bridges, but he also worked on frontier boundary surveys and in the administrative engineering department of the North-West Provinces.

What truly set him apart was his passion for history and archaeology. While fulfilling his duties, he conducted remarkable research on the ancient temples of Kashmir and the historical antiquities of the regions surrounding India. In 1861, the Indian Government commissioned him to carry out an extensive survey of archaeological sites across the subcontinent. This monumental effort resulted in numerous volumes, reports, and treatises — treasures still held in high regard by scholars of the East.

His contributions to the historical geography and topography of India are invaluable. And his vast collection of ancient coins remains one of the finest ever assembled.

📜 A salute to a life dedicated to discovery and documentation of India's rich past.

🪷🛕 Reconstructing the Pinnacles of Bharhut This rare archival drawing presents a restored pinnacle from the Great Gatewa...
16/07/2025

🪷🛕 Reconstructing the Pinnacles of Bharhut

This rare archival drawing presents a restored pinnacle from the Great Gateway of Bharhut, carefully reconstructed from surviving fragments. At its crown is the Dharma Chakra, symbolizing the eternal Wheel of Law, supported by elegant floral motifs and the sacred Tri-Ratna (Triple Gem Symbol)—representing the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

It is believed that the Raja of Sugana, patron of this majestic structure, sent his own guild of artisans for the gateway’s construction, while local craftsmen contributed to the railings and pillars.

The term "Toran", familiar today in festive Indian decor, echoes these ancient stone archways—rich with symbolism, sacred geometry, and devotional artistry. Though some fragments remain missing, such scholarly reconstructions help us reimagine the lost grandeur of Bharhut.

🔍 A timeless window into India’s early Buddhist architectural heritage.

🖼️ Credits: Indological Research Institute (IRI)

🪙 Anathapindika the SetthiAnathapindika, the foremost patron of the Buddha, once covered the entire Jetavana Monastery w...
15/07/2025

🪙 Anathapindika the Setthi
Anathapindika, the foremost patron of the Buddha, once covered the entire Jetavana Monastery with coins to acquire the sacred land! His title, Setthi (𑀲𑁂𑀢𑁆𑀣𑀺), meant "wealthy merchant" or "millionaire"—a term of high esteem in ancient India.
⁣
🏛️ Meanwhile, in Karla Caves, another Setthi—Bhutapala of Vaijayanti—left his mark on the ornate veranda of the Chaitya, commemorating the completion of the grand structure, immortalized in Brahmi script.
⁣
These inscriptions and contributions show how Buddhist art and architecture flourished through the generosity of merchant patrons.

🪷✨

Kohima’s Historic Stone – Footprints of PowerIn the early 1800s, Raja Ghumbeer Singh of Manipur marked a powerful chapte...
29/06/2025

Kohima’s Historic Stone – Footprints of Power

In the early 1800s, Raja Ghumbeer Singh of Manipur marked a powerful chapter in Naga history. After conquering Kohima, he **had his footprints carved into stone—a bold symbol of dominance.

What’s remarkable?
The Nagas, deeply moved by this legacy, maintained and kept the stone clean for generations—a rare show of respect for a conqueror, symbolizing complex ties of honor, power, and cultural memory.

A legacy etched in stone—still standing tall in the heart of the Naga Hills.

As recorded by Major-General Sir James Johnstone

Illustrated London, Sampson Low, Marston & Co., 1896

🗿 Ancient Ink from the Altay Mountains 🏔️This preserved piece of tattooed skin belonged to a Pazyryk chief, dating back ...
27/06/2025

🗿 Ancient Ink from the Altay Mountains 🏔️

This preserved piece of tattooed skin belonged to a Pazyryk chief, dating back to the 3rd–4th century BC. Found in the permafrost of Siberia’s Altay Mountains, the mummy features intricate "animal-style" tattoos — inked with soot and full of symbolism.

These highly stylised designs reflect the artistry and beliefs of the Pazyryk culture, one of the earliest known to practice body art with such complexity. The chief’s shoulder skin — along with his head — is now on display, offering a rare glimpse into ancient tattoo traditions.

\

27/06/2025

Journey back to the Neolithic era as we delve into the enigmatic world of dolmens—prehistoric megalithic tombs that have stood the test of time. These "stone tables," comprising massive capstones balanced on upright stones, are scattered across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Believed to be ancient burial sites or ceremonial monuments, dolmens offer a glimpse into the spiritual and communal lives of our ancestors.

Discover the architectural marvels of sites like the Dolmen of Menga in Spain, the Poulnabrone Dolmen in Ireland, and the Tinkinswood Burial Chamber in Wales. Uncover the rituals, such as offerings of food and artifacts, that hint at the reverence ancient communities held for these structures. Explore the engineering feats achieved with primitive tools and the cultural significance that has led many dolmens to be recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Like and Follow this page for more explorations into ancient mysteries and archaeological wonders!

Address

Mysore
570026

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Indological Research Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category