India, Kyrgyzstan Launch Manas–Mahabharata Studies Centre

An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan from 4 July to 7 July 2026 for the inauguration of the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The centre was established through cooperation between the Manas National Academy in Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) in New Delhi.

Institutional Framework

The Manas National Academy is a Kyrgyz institution associated with the study of the national epic Manas. The Centre for Studies of International Relations is based in New Delhi and works on academic and policy-oriented international studies. The new centre has been set up as a joint platform for comparative civilisational studies.

Epic Traditions of Manas and Mahabharata

Manas is the Kyrgyz epic tradition and one of the longest oral epics in the world. The Mahabharata is a Sanskrit epic from ancient India and is among the two major Sanskrit epics, the other being the Ramayana. The centre will study the epic traditions of both texts, along with history, culture, and intercultural dialogue.

Academic Cooperation and Translation Work

The first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas was released during the inauguration. Indian scholars Professor Hem Chandra Pande and Professor Ramakant Dwivedi prepared the translation on the basis of the Russian poetic retelling by Kyrgyz writer Mar Baizhiev. Trilateral cooperation agreements were signed between the Manas National Academy, the CSIR, and seven universities in Kyrgyzstan, including KNU, BSU, AUCA, and Ala-Too.

Important Facts for Exams

• Manas is a Kyrgyz epic associated with oral literary tradition and national identity in Kyrgyzstan.
• The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India.
• Hindi is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• Intercultural dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy are common themes in civilisational studies and cultural diplomacy.

Diplomatic and Cultural Context

Sunil Ambekar, a member of the National Executive Committee and Head of Media and Communications of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, attended the event as chief guest. Dr. Punit Gaur, honorary director of CSIR, linked the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for a Civilizational Dialogue Forum for Eurasian cultural linkages.