This should be the firm resolve of a historian."
dharmārthakāmamokṣāṇām upadeśasamanvitam |
pūrvavṛttaṃ kathāyuktam itihāsaṃ pracakṣate ||
Kalhana, Rājataraṅgiṇī
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणाम् उपदेशसमन्वितम् पूर्ववृत्तं कथायुक्तम् इतिहासं प्रचक्षते॥
कल्हण, राजतरंगिणी
India’s history has often been interpreted through analytical frameworks developed outside India, limiting engagement with multiple sources, perspectives, and scholarly traditions. There is a need for balanced, rigorous scholarship that studies our past on our own terms while recognising its diversity and complexity.
The Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR) is a private, non-profit, non-governmental, and nonpartisan organisation dedicated to the study of India’s history and culture. Through research, publications, and academic collaboration, FIHCR promotes careful engagement with historical sources, informed public dialogue, and an evidence-based appreciation of our civilisational heritage, combining public accessibility with uncompromising academic rigour.
In India, the narrative of our history has often been dictated by external voices, allowing the apologists and collaborators to wield influence. Now, it’s time for us to take control of our own story, with our scholars offering perspectives and insights that reflect our unique Indic narrative.
The Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR) is a private, non-profit, apolitical & non-governmental organization. It is aimed at reviving, preserving, and promoting India’s rich historical and cultural heritage by re-establishing India’s historical and cultural narrative, fostering pride and ownership of Indian identity among her people. By doing so, it would contribute significantly to the intellectual, cultural, and social fabric of India at large.
Our Mission
Deepening the Understanding of India’s History
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Join us in advancing historical research and cultural understanding.
Your contribution enables meaningful academic and social impact. Support FIHCR through donations, partnerships, or by contributing your time and expertise.
Fellowship
The Fellowship Programme is FIHCR's flagship initiative and comprises two programmes.
The Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellowship for Indian History supports independent historical research and nurtures the next generation of historians through fellowships and academic grants.
The G. S. Sardesai Fellowship for the History of Indian Archives encourages scholars to engage with India’s underexplored archival collections and to advance rigorous, source-based historical research grounded in those collections.
Projects
Each year, FIHCR undertakes a range of research projects in collaboration with universities and institutions such as Nalanda University, Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence. These projects examine significant historical themes with contemporary relevance, contributing to a deeper understanding of India’s past while bridging connections between history and the present.
Yuva
The YUVA programme of FIHCR brings India’s rich past to life for learners aged 6 to 18. Moving beyond traditional textbooks, the programme highlights unsung heroes and lesser-known stories from different regions through illustrated books, competitions, and interactive sessions.
Alongside this, YUVA works with educators and equips them with the skills and tools needed to transform history teaching from rote memorization into an inquiry-led journey. Ultimately, the YUVA initiative aims to build critical thinking skills while fostering a lasting, meaningful connection to India’s cultural and scientific roots among the next generation of Indian youth. Explore the YUVA books and activities here.
Archive of Indian Music
FIHCR houses what is possibly India’s first digital sound archive of vintage gramophone recordings, known as the Archive of Indian Music (AIM).