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India Studies Program

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Building
Gateway to India's academic legacy and lifelong learning opportunities.

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI)

BORI Institute Gate and Passage
Pune University was founded in this very building— a legacy of educational excellence.

The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), founded in 1917 in Pune, is one of India's premier centers for oriental and Indological studies. Renowned for its extensive collection of rare manuscripts, classical texts, and primary source materials, BORI has been a pillar of scholarly research and preservation of Indian & South Asian heritage for over a century.

The institute is dedicated to promoting rigorous academic inquiry across a wide spectrum of fields, including Sanskrit literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies. With a longstanding commitment to authentic, unbiased research, BORI serves as a vibrant hub for scholars, educators, and learners worldwide, advancing the appreciation and understanding of India's rich intellectual traditions.

Our Vision & Mission

Our Vision

At the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, our vision is to be a global center of excellence for the study and dissemination of Oriental and Indian knowledge traditions. We are committed to:

  • Deepening and broadening scholarly research in the history, cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions of the Orient, with a special focus on the Indian subcontinent.
  • Making the profound wisdom of Indian and Oriental philosophies more accessible by developing engaging, user-friendly knowledge platforms for learners and researchers worldwide.
  • Expanding access to curated resources and archival materials to support rigorous learning and interdisciplinary research in history, culture, religion, and philosophy across Asia.
  • Encouraging informed studies of contemporary Indian society and politics through a historical lens, integrating diverse social science perspectives to promote deeper understanding.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire a deeper, more nuanced understanding of India as a dynamic, developing nation. We believe in connecting students to India's diversity, its people, traditions, and innovations while cultivating intercultural agility and global citizenship.

The program is designed to foster:

  • Curiosity about India's complex and fascinating civilization
  • Critical thinking about contemporary challenges and opportunities
  • Meaningful engagement with India's past, present, and future

India's Sacred Heritage

The focus of oriental studies is various aspects of the cultures, including their languages, literature, history, religions, philosophies, arts, and social structures.

  • Ganesh Ghat Ganesh Ghat
  • Stone Temple Stone Temple
  • Varanasi Ghat Varanasi Ghat
  • Wai Heritage Wai Heritage
  • Wai Heritage Wai Heritage
Ganesh Ghat, Varanasi (1807 AD): Ancient ghats reflect India's deep historical and spiritual roots.

Ancient Wisdom & Historical Legacy

Preserving epic wisdom through critical research and scholarly editions.
Ancient Mahabharata Manuscript

Ancient Manuscripts

Research on Mahabharata at BORI: Preserving epic wisdom through critical research and scholarly editions.

Pratapgad Historical Fort

Historical Legacy

Pratapgad Fort - Shivaji Maharaj Era: Fortress of strategy, diplomacy, and enduring Maratha architectural legacy.