About Vraja Kala Sanskriti Sansthana in Radharaman Ghera, Vrindaban

The concept of Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana envisions the study and documentation of the cultural traditions of Vraja in their entirety. It aims at the survey of a wide range of aspects of art and culture in Vraja. To materialize this plan, Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana accomodates a variety of projects related to the cultural study of Vraja. Each project maintains its own individual scope and is intended to become a contribution to the overall conceptual frame. A number of projects have already been started, they form the initial basis for the academic pursuits of the institution.

Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana is an independent academic institute for the documentation, promotion and propagation of the arts, the cultural, literary and religious traditions of Vraja, which dedicates itself to the preservation of the cultural heritage of this region. The scope of Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana expands from the geographically complete survey of festivals representing the arts and the cultural life in Vraja, the study of Vraja's place in the Puranas and in history, to the comprehensive survey of Vraja's literary, performing and fine art traditions.

The institution has its head office at Vrindaban. The establishment of a physical complex comprising office, audio-visual archives, library, exhibition and seminar rooms as well as units for residence and study to accomodate visiting scholars is currently under way. At a later stage, facilities for conferences, cultural programs and presentation of the performing arts are planned to be provided. Departments in smaller, yet culturally significant locations within Vraja would amend the basic establishment at a longer perspective.

The documentation conducted by Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana is based on recently commencing projects. The main body of the documentation consists of material collected since 1994, while earlier materials are being used according to availability.

Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana is open to all scholars and students wishing to become immersed in the study of Vraja culture. With the establishment of Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana, it is intended to create a place of learning and a source of knowledge for Vraja scholars from all parts of the world. Visiting scholars shall be offered assistance in their fieldwork, such as providing contact to local informants and accompanying the scholars on field trips within Vraja. Students may find academic guidance by the members of the institute. Vraja Kala Sanskriti Samsthana shall provide facilities for both fieldwork and deskwork, the latter including a library and an audio-visual archive.