A pioneering institute dedicated to historical research and the study of Indian history, founded over a century ago in Pune.
At a glance
Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal—the Institute for Indian Historical Research—serves as a vital resource centre for scholars and historical researchers. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, the institute provides training, archival materials, and scholarly support for those investigating India’s past.
History
The institute was established on 7 July 1910 by V. K. Rajwade, a distinguished Indian historian, alongside Sardar K. C. Mehendale. Rajwade founded the Mandal to create a dedicated space where historical research could flourish and scholars could access primary sources and expert guidance.
What you see
The institute functions as a working research facility rather than a monument. Its spaces house libraries, archives, and seminar rooms designed to support rigorous historical inquiry and collaborative scholarship.
Cultural significance
As one of India’s oldest historical research institutions, the Mandal has played a foundational role in professionalizing the study of Indian history. It represents the early 20th-century institutional commitment to documenting and interpreting the nation’s past through scholarly methods and archival preservation.
Key facts
- Founded: 7 July 1910
- Founders: V. K. Rajwade and Sardar K. C. Mehendale
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Coordinates: 18.51°N, 73.85°E
- Primary focus: Historical research and training
Practical information & getting there
The institute is located in Pune. For current opening hours, access policies, and information on using the archives, consult the institute directly or visit their official website. Researchers interested in Indian history may contact the Mandal to inquire about membership, library access, and research fellowships.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Become a Cultural Heritage Online photographer
Share your photos of places: they stay published under your name as the author. The more they're seen, the more you get noticed — and soon a contest will reward the most appreciated photos.
Log in or sign up free to add a photoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.