The Adyar Library
and Research Centre
was founded in 1886 by Colonel Olcott with a small but valuable
collection of the Founders' books. Originally situated in the
Headquarters building, it was shifted in 1968 to a more spacious
one, better suited to its growing needs. It has always been one
of the important aspects of the work at Adyar, both for members
and for the public; moreover, today it is one of the most important
oriental libraries in the world, dedicated to research and publication
in the field of eastern civilization, philosophy and religion.
It contains over 250,000 printed volumes and nearly 20,000 palm-leaf
manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a
few of which are kept on display for visitors. The printed books
include rare indological publications in several languages and
a fine collection of works on different religions, philosophies
and cultures.
The Chinese Tripitakas, the Tibetan Kanjur and Tanjur, a collection
of rare works in Latin and other western languages, and a complete
set of important research journals are among the priceless possessions
of the Library. It also currently receives nearly 225 journals
from several countries.
Several rare and previously unpublished works in the manuscript
collection have been edited and brought out in print; a staff
of pundits and scholars is continually engaged on this task.
The Library has had a series of distinguished scholars as its
Director and is recognized as a Research Centre for a Ph.D. in
Sanskrit and Indology by the University of Madras.
The Library also publishes a scholarly journal called Brahma-vidya,
which presents studies on religion, philosophy, culture, and
various aspects of indology: this journal circulates among scholars
throughout the world. Further, the Library extends its services
to research institutions, universities and scholars in India
and abroad, and supplies microfilm and photostat copies on request.
Its manuscripts have been used in several important publications
of other institutions of learning.
The Library has achieved much during its hundred and more years
of existence but there is still much to be done. Shortage of
funds makes it difficult to engage suitable scholars and add
to its collections. Therefore, an Adyar Library Endowment Fund
was created in 1986, in the hope that members of the Society
as well as others interested in this work would support it.
Its other Publications include: VÍda and VÍd,nta,
Upanishads, Dharma S,stra, Artha S,stra, Astrology, Grammar,
MÓm,msa, Music, Lexicography, Poetics and Dramaturgy.
For
complete list of Publications - Click Here
For Catalogue,
Enquiry and Order write to:
The Manager
The Theosophical Publishing House
Adyar, Chennai 600020
India |
Telephone: 24466613, 24911338
Telegrams: THEOTHECA, Chennai 600020
Fax: 91-44-24901399/24902706
Email: tphindia@gmail.com |
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