The Institute started its teaching programme in October 1999 offering a one year Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Indology. Currently it has the sixth batch of students. Classes will start in February 2005.

The course is open to all graduates in any discipline and from any university. There is no age restriction for admission. Classes are held in the evenings, five days a week from 6.00 to 8.00 p.m. The Bangalore University, which has approved and affiliated this programme, awards Diplomas to all those successfully completing the course including the final examinations conducted by the University.

The course structure is designed to provide an overview of the varied aspects of Indian Culture and Society. It consists of five major areas of study (papers):

• Development of Indian Culture
• India’s Literary Heritage
• Religion and Philosophy of India
• Art and Architecture of India
• Social and Political Institutions of India

The course also includes an educational tour to places of historical and cultural importance.

The institute has a dedicated team of highly qualified teachers with long experience. Special lectures from experts in different fields of study are also arranged from time to time. A speciality of the teaching programme in this institute is to allow participative learning; students are encouraged to develop a zest for knowledge by actively taking part in discussion in the classes, writing assignments and offering seminars. Besides all those looking for a systematic understanding of Indian Culture, the academic input in the course may be utilized by those interested in careers in Archaeology, Museums, Tourism and Media. The course may also be useful for those interested in inter-cultural dialogue.

B. Short Term Teaching Programmes

Two short term programmes are envisaged for the current academic year. These courses are open to all those interested in the themes offered. There is no restriction of age or qualification for admission. But the courses would be of graduate level.

1. A one week course on Art Appreciation
Starting with two general lectures on ‘Art – its nature and purpose’ on the first day, there would be separate one day programmes of lecture cum demonstration on Indian Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Dance and Music. The course would be concluded with a special plenary session for participant interaction.

2. A two week course on Archaeological Exploration
The course is designed to train in-service personnel and enthusiasts in archaeological exploration, by introducing them to various aspects of traditional as well as modern scientific techniques of archaeological prospecting, the nature of archaeological material of different periods and regions, methods of recovery, identification, classification, dating and recording of data. This would be followed by a week long field training.