Study of inscriptions carved on stone, copper plates, and palm-leaf manuscripts.
Epigraphy, the study of inscriptions, has been an important field of research in our country for over
a century. The Subramanya Mutt has already taken steps in this direction by compiling inscriptions
related to palmistry and even setting up a small Palmistry Museum. Our Epigraphy unit carries this work
forward with a focus on collecting, preserving, and researching ancient inscriptions. These inscriptions,
found in languages such as Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Tulu, and Malayalam, offer scholars and students
a rich source of knowledge across diverse subjects.
The unit primarily works in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, where inscriptional materials
can be discovered in villages and towns. These rare works are often engraved on birch bark, palm leaves,
cloth, animal skin, and paper. Once collected, they are carefully preserved and made available in the
Palmistry and Library segment for further study. The aim is to highlight and share the wisdom found in
unpublished works on philosophy, arts, Ayurveda, astrology, mathematics, physics, and Vastu Shastra,
ensuring that this timeless knowledge is passed on to future generations.
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Historical & Archaeological Research
Study of artifacts, monuments, tombs, temples, and ancient civilizations.
Dedicated to exploring and conserving artifacts, monuments, and cultural evidence of Karnataka’s rich past. Research extends to tombs, statues and regional heritage sites.
There is abundant scope for Research and Innovation in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
This culturally rich region comprises temples, statues, ancient homes, forts, and palaces.
Unique forms of script available in these sites provide invaluable insights for research.
The institution aims to collect, document, and preserve such artifacts, conduct detailed studies,
and publish the outcomes. Research will extend to ancient tombs and statues, addressing
preservation challenges. Officers and experts will be appointed to carry out scientific
investigations and disseminate the findings.
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Museum Segment
Collection, conservation, and public display of cultural heritage.
Curating and displaying collections to connect visitors with heritage and history. The museum conserves artifacts and provides insights into human history for researchers and the public.
A museum is an institution that conserves and exhibits artifacts and other objects of
artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. It provides insights into the
evolution of human history, including prehistoric times. A museum serves as a valuable
resource for researchers, scientists, and the general public with a passion for learning.
With proper management and organization, a museum also has the potential to generate substantial income.
The Innovative Center has demonstrated its potential by conducting organized and detailed research
on collected artifacts. Functioning under the guidance of Kukke Subramanya Mutt, it has become a
pathway of progress for researchers, academicians, scholars, and students alike. The center strives
to provide accurate and comprehensive information, supporting the advancement of knowledge and
preservation of heritage.
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Library Segment
The heart of research, preserving books and manuscripts for scholars.
The library collects sources of information and makes them accessible for reference. It primarily supports in-house research and scholarly study.
The library is the heart of the Research Center. It is a collection of information
sources and resources made accessible to researchers, scientists, and students
for study and reference. Its primary aim is to provide and compile essential books
and materials required for research.
The library focuses on preservation and reference use rather than lending; materials are available for study on-site.
This library is intended primarily for reference purposes rather than lending. Scholars, researchers, students,
and knowledge seekers may use the available books for study within the premises and are expected to return
them immediately after reference.
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Publishing Segment
Dissemination of research through books, journals, and publications.
Transforms research surveys and documentation into books, catalogues and reports. Ensures peer review and quality before publication.
The Publishing Unit is one of the most vital components of the Research Center.
While the other segments focus on surveys, documentation, and research, this unit
transforms their collective efforts into valuable publications. Books, catalogues,
research reports, and even picture postcards are carefully compiled here, refined,
and prepared for wider dissemination.
Manuscripts are evaluated and prepared for wider dissemination, maintaining scholarly standards.
The core responsibility of this unit is to ensure accuracy, quality, and scholarly value.
Every manuscript is carefully scrutinized, evaluated, and approved before it reaches publication,
thus maintaining the integrity of the Center’s research work.
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Epigraphy and Palm-Leaf Manuscript Research Unit
In India, the study of inscriptions and palm-leaf manuscripts has been actively
pursued for over a century. This field continues to offer vast scope for research
and discovery. The Subrahmanya Matha has already taken significant steps by
collecting several inscriptions and palm-leaf manuscripts and has established
a small-scale manuscript museum.
This unit aims to focus on the systematic compilation, preservation,
collection, research, and innovation of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts
and inscriptional records.
These manuscripts are available in a wide variety of scripts, languages,
and subjects, providing rich material for scholarly research. In the state
of Karnataka, such inscriptions are predominantly found in Kannada,
Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Tulu, and Malayalam, making it highly feasible
for researchers and scholars to undertake meaningful studies.
Field Research and Collection
A key activity of this unit will be to conduct extensive field visits
across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The objective is to identify,
document, and collect inscriptional works preserved in villages and taluks,
including those held by individuals and traditional scholars.
These manuscripts are found on diverse materials such as:
Animal skin
Bhurjapatra (sacred birch bark)
Cloth
Palm leaves (Thalegiri)
Paper
All collected materials will be systematically registered under
the “Palmistry and Library Segment” and made accessible
to students, scholars, and researchers.
Research and Publication Objectives
The primary goal of this unit is to bring to light unpublished manuscripts
across various disciplines, including:
Dvaita, Advaita, and Vishishtadvaita philosophy
Arts and literature
Ayurveda
Astrology
Mathematics
Physics
Vastu Shastra
There is significant demand and scholarly importance for
the publication of such rare and valuable works.
Key Objectives and Targets
The primary goal of this unit is to bring to light unpublished manuscripts
across various disciplines, including:
Discovery and Preservation
To identify, compile, register, and preserve ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and inscriptional records.
Publication and Awareness
To publish selected manuscripts and promote awareness about their historical, cultural, and academic significance.
Digital Archiving
To create microfilm and digital documentation of rare and fragile manuscripts for long-term preservation.
Public Outreach
To design and publish attractive, full-color brochures to showcase the collection and its importance.
Catalogue Development
To compile catalogues by collaborating with various research centers across India.
Museum Development
To establish a dedicated Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum for preservation and public education.
Funding and Endowments
To secure financial support from State and Central Governments and create endowment funds for preservation activities.
International Collaboration
To attract funding and support from international organizations for conservation efforts.
Institutional Coordination
To collaborate with temples, monasteries, charitable trusts, small-scale
industries, and societies for collection, preservation, and publication of manuscripts.
Educational Programs
To introduce diploma and short-term certificate courses in manuscriptology and related fields.
Public Engagement
To create awareness among the general public about the importance of manuscript preservation.
Proper records (ledger) will be maintained for contributors. Training will also be
provided to individuals who wish to preserve manuscripts privately.
Research Collaboration
To visit leading research institutions across India, study their preservation and
publication methodologies, and adopt best practices for institutional growth.
There is significant demand and scholarly importance for
the publication of such rare and valuable works.
Historical Research and Heritage Exploration Unit
There is immense scope for research and innovation in the districts of Dakshina
Kannada and Udupi. This region is exceptionally rich in cultural, historical,
and ancient heritage. It is renowned as a land of temples, sculptures, traditional homes,
forts, and palaces, reflecting the depth of ancient civilization.
The unique scripts and records preserved in palaces and traditional institutions provide
valuable insights for scholarly research. The institution should undertake large-scale
research initiatives to collect, document, register, and study ancient artifacts,
followed by the publication of research findings.
Special emphasis should be given to the study of ancient tombs, sculptures, and
heritage structures, along with identifying the challenges involved in their
preservation. Qualified officers and experts should be appointed to conduct scientific
research and ensure proper documentation and dissemination of knowledge.
Objectives and Targets
To undertake field visits across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to collect and compile historical documents, artifacts, and monuments, and to extend research to nearby regions.
To extract and scientifically analyze significant findings from prehistoric and historical sites.
To document, register, and publish all findings obtained from historical locations.
To ensure proper preservation and documentation of historical records and antique objects.
To preserve, study, and archive documents related to historical periods and dynasties.
To systematically preserve compiled manuscripts and palm-leaf records in the Museum or Library.
To conduct in-depth studies of historical sites, including ancient tombs, and document findings with detailed reports and photographic records for museum presentation.
To maintain and publish catalogues of all collected and documented items.
To gather and compile published research from State and National Historical Research Centres.
To offer short-term training programs on research methodologies, preservation techniques, and epigraphy for interested individuals.
To generate funding for research and innovation through State and Central Government bodies such as UGC, ICHR, ICSSR, as well as through foundations and public contributions.
To provide guidance and support to researchers, academicians, scholars, scientists, and students.
To introduce postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs in relevant fields of study.
To conduct detailed studies on the evolution of human history and publish the outcomes.
To expand research activities in historical regions with support from State and Central Government agencies and publish the research findings.
Museum and Research Centre Unit
A museum is an institution dedicated to the collection, conservation, and exhibition of
artifacts and objects of artistic, cultural, historical, and scientific significance.
It offers valuable insights into the evolution of human history, including prehistoric periods.
A museum serves as an important resource for researchers, scientists, scholars,
and the general public, especially those with a passion for learning. With proper
management and organization, a museum also has the potential to generate sustainable revenue.
This Innovative Center has demonstrated its capability by conducting systematic
and in-depth research on collected artifacts. Functioning under the guidance
of Kukke Subramanya Mutt, it serves as a progressive platform for researchers,
academicians, scholars, and students. The center strives to provide accurate and
comprehensive information, supporting both education and research.
Objectives and Targets
To explore, collect, document, and preserve historical artifacts.
To study acquired artifacts, prepare catalogues, and present and publish research findings.
To display collected artifacts effectively, disseminate knowledge, and educate the public.
To provide information about displayed artifacts in at least two languages.
To enhance the importance of the museum by providing accurate information and guidance to media and reporters.
To organize conferences and symposiums on museum research activities.
To compile and creatively display photographs of historical places from different states, thereby increasing public interest in the museum.
To exhibit rare and unique artifacts in the museum.
To encourage cultural tourism by facilitating visits to museums, thereby increasing awareness and revenue.
To collaborate with State and Central Government institutions for development and funding.
To work with charitable trusts, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and donors to create endowments for the museum.
To prepare and publish catalogues, research publications, photographs, and postcards to generate revenue.
To conduct short-term diploma and certificate courses related to museum studies.
Library and Research Resource Centre Unit
The library is the heart of the Research Centre, serving as a vital repository
of knowledge. It is a collection of books, manuscripts, journals, and reference
materials made accessible to researchers, scholars, scientists, and students
for academic and intellectual pursuits. The primary objective of the library
is to collect, organize, and provide essential resources to support research and learning.
This library primarily functions as a reference library, where materials are
intended for study within the premises. Scholars, researchers, and students can
access and use the resources for their study and research. Limited borrowing may
be permitted under specific conditions, with the expectation that materials are
returned promptly. A nominal registration fee is required to access these facilities.
This model is similar to that followed by institutions such as the Adyar
Library in Chennai, which also helps in generating sustainable income.
🪪 Membership and Usage Policy
The library operates on a membership-based system:
An annual registration fee is required to become a member.
Membership is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of registration.
Membership must be renewed annually.
Membership is mandatory for researchers visiting from different regions.
As a rule, most study and reference work must be conducted within the library premises.
📖 Collection and Functioning
As the library focuses on research-oriented materials, it aims to build a comprehensive collection that includes:
Rare and specialized research books
National and regional publications
Journals from State and Central institutions
Periodicals related to various fields of study
Publishing and Documentation Unit
This is one of the most important units of the Research Centre. The various
units within the Centre conduct surveys, collect and compile information,
and transform their findings into books, catalogues, research papers, and
visual materials such as postcards. These outputs are then prepared for publication.
Publishing is a crucial function of this unit. A designated authority or
editorial committee is responsible for carefully reviewing research work
and granting final approval for publication, ensuring quality, authenticity,
and academic value.
Key Functions of the Publishing Unit
To examine all documents submitted for publication.
To review the content for quality, relevance, and usefulness, and to suggest necessary modifications, additions, or corrections to the authors.
To evaluate manuscripts through a panel of qualified scholars or by referring them to subject experts for detailed assessment.
To arrange financial support or grants for publication from various funding sources and benefactors.
To maintain a proper stock register of all published books and materials.
To manage sales by maintaining receipt records and distributing published works.
Sriniketana Museum