Adyar Library and Research Centre: Difference between revisions
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== Publications == | == Publications == | ||
== Additional resources == | |||
* "Adyar Library and Research Centre, Chennai" at [http://www.indianetzone.com/24/adyar_library_research_centre_chennai.htm India NetZone]. | |||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 15:17, 19 August 2014
The Adyar Library and Research Centre is a private research library at the headquarters of the Theosophical Society based in Adyar, Chennai, India. It was founded in 1886 by Henry Steel Olcott to provide members by providing the means of studying "all of the world's choicest systems of thought."[1] According to its website,
The Adyar Library and Research Centre was founded in 1886 by Colonel Olcott with a small but valuable collection of the Founders' books. Originally situated in the Headquarters building, it was shifted in 1968 to a more spacious one, better suited to its growing needs. It has always been one of the important aspects of the work at Adyar, both for members and for the public; moreover, today it is one of the well known oriental libraries in the world, dedicated to research and publication in the field of eastern civilization, philosophy and religion.[2]
Founding
The original library was dedicated on December 28, 1886 by Colonel Olcott, based on a collection of volumes belonging to him and Madame Blavatsky.
New building in 1967
When the building became inadequate to house the expanding collections and the work of scholars, a new structure was designed. Its construction was supervised by George Linton. On the 81st anniversary of the library's establishment, December 28, 1967, President Sri Ram dedicated the new building.[3] By the end of 1968, the library was well established in its new facility. That year Mr. V. Ramanatha Iyer, replaced Mrs. Seetha Neelakanthan, who went to work at the Henry S. Olcott Memorial Library in the United States.[4]
Centennial celebration in 1986
On December 28, 1986, the library celebrated its centenary. A speech was given by Shri R. Venkataraman, Vice-President of India. He said, in part:
The Theosophical Society is unquestionably a seat of learning where information matures into knowledge and knowledge ripens into wisdom. Here the teachings and beliefs of various faiths have blended their basic principles to create an altogether unique confluence.[5]
Collections
According to the library website,
It contains over 250,000 printed volumes and around 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts from India, Sri Lanka, China, and other places, a few of which are kept on display for visitors. The printed books include rare indological publications in several languages and a fine collection of works on different religions, philosophies and cultures.[6]
Publications
Additional resources
- "Adyar Library and Research Centre, Chennai" at India NetZone.
Notes
- ↑ Shri R. Venkataraman, "A TOrch of the Spirit" The American Theosophist 75.2 (February, 1987), 32.
- ↑ "Adyar Library and Research Centre" at Theosophical Society website
- ↑ "New Adyar Library Dedicated," The American Theosophist 56.2 (February 1968), 41.
- ↑ N. Sri Ram, "Presidential Address," The Report of the Theosophical Society, 1968 (Adyar, Chennai, India: Theosophical Publishing Company, 1969), 8-9.
- ↑ Shri R. Venkataraman, "A Torch of the Spirit" The American Theosophist 75.2 (February, 1987), 32.
- ↑ "Adyar Library and Research Centre" at Theosophical Society website