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Institute of Rajasthan Studies ( Sahitya Sansthan )

About The Institute

Rajasthan Vidyapeeth was established by Manishi Pt. Jasnardan Rai Nagar (Jannu Bhai) on 21st August, 1937. This educational institution originated long before the dawn of independence, in the form of Non-Governmental Organization, to serve the cause of economically poor society possessing rich socio-cultural heritage.

Subsequently in 1941 Jannu Bhai established this Research Institute (Sathiya Sansthan now also known as Institute of Rajasthan Studies) for the Restoration and Rejuvenation of cultural heritage of Rajasthan. In 1947 the Institute published a book on manuscripts of Hindi-Rajasthani titled Hastlikhit Granthon ki Khoj  and initiated publication of a quarterly research journal called Shodh Patrika. This research journal is published to date.

A large number of illustrious scholars were associated with this institute directly or indirectly, particularly in the early stage of its development. To name a few are : Dr. Suniti Kumar Chaturjya, Mahapandit Rahul Sanskrityayan, Dr. Bhagwat Saran Upadhyay, Kavi Rao Mohan Singh, Sri Nathulal Vyas, Dr. Moti Lal Menaria, Dr. Purushottam Lal Menaria, Maharaj Kumar Dr. Raghuveer Singh, Prof. H. D. Sankalia, Dr. K. D. Bajpai, Sri Shaubhagya Singh Shekhawat, Dr. Bholashankar Vyas, Prof. V. N. Misra.

During VIII^th plan, under the non plan grant allocation, a small money was sanctioned to establish an archival cell in the institute. As a result of continuous efforts of researchers the institute has excellent collection of  archaeological material ranging from Stone Age to iron Age, more than 7000 manuscripts, historical documents, coins, paintings, icons and various kind of antiquities which provides firsthand information of history, technology, art, literature, society, religion, economy etc. Scores of important of manuscripts have golden decoration. The khasara  of Rasikpriya  is very important that was prepared under the supervision of Kavi rao Bakhatavar Singh in 19th century  and each verse of this manuscript is supported by pictures. The institute has a small library that contains more than 13000 books and receivers around two dozen research journals.

The year 1987 was a major turning point in the history of the institute when it became a constituent unit of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Udaipur. As a result of this, institute was recognized by various national and international institutions for joint research ventures (Pennsylvenia University, International Research, Kyota, Japan; Cambridge University; Deccan College, Archaeological Survey of India etc.). Also the institute could avail opportunities to strengthen the research activities in better perspective. In fact it is the only institute of its kind in Rajasthan.