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Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

Pune, Maharashtra, India
Introduction to BORI: This institute is a world-renowned center for Indology and Oriental studies, founded in July 1917 to honor the work of Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar. It houses an extensive collection of over 28,000 manuscripts and 1.4 lakh rare books, including the oldest dated manuscript of the Mahabharata. Scholars from across the globe visit this sanctuary of knowledge to research ancient Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Persian texts. The institute played a pivotal role in creating the Critical Edition of the Mahabharata, a project that spanned nearly five decades. Walking through its halls feels like traversing through the intellectual history of ancient India.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    2 to 3 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Heritage & Research
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    Entry Fees:
    Nominal Fees: The entry is generally free for casual visitors, but research access requires a small daily or annual membership fee.

    Library Charges: Photocopying or digital access to manuscripts is charged based on the number of pages. ...
    Nominal Fees: The entry is generally free for casual visitors, but research access requires a small daily or annual membership fee.

    Library Charges: Photocopying or digital access to manuscripts is charged based on the number of pages.
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    Timing:
    Standard Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

    Weekly Off: The institute remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

    Best Visit Time: Morning hours are ideal for a quiet experience. ...
    Standard Hours: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

    Weekly Off: The institute remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

    Best Visit Time: Morning hours are ideal for a quiet experience.
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    Special Events:
    Foundation Day Celebrations: Every July 6th, the institute celebrates its founding with special exhibitions of rare manuscripts.

    Scholar Seminars: Frequent international conferences are held where experts debate on Indology and Vedic literat...
    Foundation Day Celebrations: Every July 6th, the institute celebrates its founding with special exhibitions of rare manuscripts.

    Scholar Seminars: Frequent international conferences are held where experts debate on Indology and Vedic literature.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Stone Facade Background: The grand entrance with its arched doorway provides a majestic backdrop for heritage lovers.

    The Library Aisles: The long rows of ancient bookshelves offer a symmetric and intellectual aesthetic for photography. ...
    Stone Facade Background: The grand entrance with its arched doorway provides a majestic backdrop for heritage lovers.

    The Library Aisles: The long rows of ancient bookshelves offer a symmetric and intellectual aesthetic for photography.

Photo Gallery

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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Academic and Heritage Activities: Visitors can start by exploring the Library and Manuscript Section which houses thousands of year-old texts.

    Educational Tours: Take a guided walk to understand the process of manuscript preservation and the history of the Critical Edition.

    Book Shopping: Visit the publication sales counter to buy authentic translations of Indian epics and research journals.

    Photography: Capture the stunning stone facade and the peaceful garden areas that surround the heritage structures.

    Attending Lectures: Check for scheduled memorial lectures where global scholars discuss ancient Indian philosophy and history.

    Research Work: If you are an academic, spend time in the reading ro...

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    World Heritage Manuscripts: It is famous for housing the Rigveda manuscripts which are part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The institute is the ultimate authority on the Mahabharata, having compiled the most authentic version after examining thousands of scripts....
    World Heritage Manuscripts: It is famous for housing the Rigveda manuscripts which are part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The institute is the ultimate authority on the Mahabharata, having compiled the most authentic version after examining thousands of scripts. It serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern scientific research methodologies.
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    Architecture:
    Colonial Heritage Architecture: The main building is a classic example of colonial-style architecture with stone masonry and spacious verandas spanning 200 feet. The Nizam Guest House inside the campus adds a distinct regal touch to the layout. High ceilings and large wood...
    Colonial Heritage Architecture: The main building is a classic example of colonial-style architecture with stone masonry and spacious verandas spanning 200 feet. The Nizam Guest House inside the campus adds a distinct regal touch to the layout. High ceilings and large wooden windows ensure natural ventilation for preserving delicate paper manuscripts. The campus is spread over several acres of lush greenery, providing a serene environment for rigorous academic pursuit.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Pune International Airport is 12 KMS away; taxis are readily available.

    By Train: Pune Junction is just 5 KMS away, connected by local rickshaws.

    By Road: Located on Law College Road, easily accessi...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    FTC Road (1 KM), Shaniwar Wada (3 KMS), Pataleshwar Caves (2 KMS), Raja Kelkar Museum (4 KMS), Parvati Hill (5 KMS), Dagdusheth Temple (4 KMS), Saras Baug (5 KMS), Empress Garden (7 KMS), Chaturshringi Temple (2 KMS), Osho Ashram (8 KMS).

Tourism Tips

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    Safety and Conduct: Maintain absolute silence inside the library and research areas to avoid disturbing scholars.

    Packing: Carry a notebook and pen; photography of manuscripts is strictly prohibited without special permission.

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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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