India and Kyrgyzstan Establish ‘Manas and Mahabharata’ Centre for Civilizational Studies

Why in News?

Manas and Mahabharata Centre for Civilizational Studies: An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan from 4–7 July 2026 to inaugurate the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The Manas National Academy of Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR), New Delhi, have collaborated to establish centre for Civilizational Studies to strengthen cultural and academic ties between the two countries.

Manas and Mahabharata Centre for Civilizational Studies: Key Highlights

• The Manas and Mahabharata Centre will serve as a joint platform for comparative civilizational studies, focusing on history, culture, literature, and intercultural dialogue. It will research the Kyrgyz epic Manas and the Indian epic Mahabharata, two of the world’s greatest literary traditions.
• During the inauguration, the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas was released. The translation was prepared by Prof. Hem Chandra Pande and Prof. Ramakant Dwivedi based on the Russian poetic retelling by renowned Kyrgyz writer Mar Baizhiev. The event also witnessed the signing of academic cooperation agreements between the Manas National Academy, the CSIR, and seven universities in Kyrgyzstan, including Kyrgyz National University (KNU), Bishkek State University (BSU), American University of Central Asia (AUCA), and Ala-Too International University.

Manas and Mahabharata Civilizational Studies: Exams’ Facts

• Manas is the national epic of Kyrgyzstan and one of the longest oral epics in the world.
• Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana.
• The initiative strengthens India–Kyrgyzstan cultural diplomacy, academic collaboration, and humanitarian engagement under the broader framework of civilizational studies.
• Such initiatives enhance people-to-people ties and reinforce India’s soft power through the promotion of its rich cultural heritage.