ACTIVITIES

Activities in South Asia

The Association has forged partnerships with a number of organisations in South Asia which will be responsible for co-ordinating Association programmes in the sub-continent and for links with government, research institutions and academic networks.

North Western Circle

Researchers from the University of Peshawar have collaborated with the Association in a number of historical and archaeological projects over the last decade and discussions are currently in train regarding a formal memorandum of understanding.

Northern Circle

Currently under development.

Western Circle

In 2006 the Association entered into a partnership with the Indian Institute for Research in Numismatic Studies, Nasik. The IIRNS has an extensive library with special strengths in Indian history and numismatics, an archive including the papers of P. L. Gupta and Ajaya Mitra Shastri and a full-service guesthouse with private rooms. IIRNS also offers conference facilities. Set in an area of unrivalled natural beauty, the IIRNS provides an ideal location for scholarly research and writing. In addition to hosting Association research, the IIRNS distributes Association publications in Asia. For details contact the IIRNS secretary (email: iirns@sify.com).

Eastern Circle

In 2006 the Association began to formalize links with the Centre for Archaeological Studies and Training, Eastern India. Centrally located in Kolkatta, CAST functions as an autonomous centre with financial support from the Government of West Bengal. It works closely with the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums as well as the State Archaeological Museum. CAST has a reference library which is open to visiting scholars and a vigorous programme of lectures, seminars and other activities. For details contact the CAST secretary (email: castei@vsnl.net).

Southern Circle

The Association is currently discussing the scope and nature of possible arrangements with the Ecole française d'Extrême-Orient, Pondicherry. Meanwhile UK-based researchers wishing to avail themselves of the EFEO library and guesthouse facilities should contact the administrative officer, EFEO, 19 Dumas Street, P.O. Box 151, Pondicherry 605001, India (Tel. +91 413 2334539).

Himalayan Circle

Currently under development.

Activities in the UK

The Association keeps the its membership and stake-holders informed about BASAS research projects and programmes through an annual conference and a lecture series. The Association also publishes an online newsletter, monographs, occasional papers and the scholarly journal South Asian Studies.