1. How One can become Member of the IGNCA’s Reference Library?
IGNCA’s Reference Library invites membership from the following categories of persons:-

1. Students
2. D Research Scholars
3. Academicians/Teachers of the Universities
4. General Readers who are interested in the field of Art and Culture.

Membership form is available in the Library and same can be downloaded from the website.  The nominal fee @ of Rs.250/-is charged from the students as annually.  For others the Annual Membership fee is Rs.500/-.An identity card is needed for enrolment.   The Members can consult books, periodicals and other research and reference resources in the Library.

2. What is the rule for casual visitors?
Casual readers can utilise the resources of the library for a few days.   They are required to produce an identity card.

3. Can we get books issued from the Library?
IGNCA’s Library is basically a Reference Library.  Lending facility is available only to the IGNCA’s Staff.  However, others can consult the Library and get photocopies of material as and when needed.

4. What type of books are available in the Library?
IGNCA’s Reference Library is strong in the area of Art and Culture of India.  However, there are books on other regions of the world also particularly on South East Asia. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

5. What are the subjects on which the books are available in the Library?
The collection is strong in the areas like art history, archaeology, social anthropology, philosophy, lifestyle and ritual studies, religion, classical literature, performing arts as well as folk, pastoral and community studies. There are books on ancient Indian history and culture. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

6. What type of reference collection is available in the Library?
IGNCA Library is a rich collection of catalogues of manuscripts, Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, Bibliographies and collected works of eminent persons in the field of literature.  It is a multilingual library.  Apart from English, books are available in Hindi, Bengali, Assamese and in certain foreign languages etc. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

7. What type of non book material is available in the Library?
Non book material comprises:

2. Microfilm and digitised version of manuscripts (approximately 2.50 lac).
3. Slides on Indian Art and Architecture including performing arts.
4. Digitized version of rare books etc.

The manuscripts have been collected from various heritage libraries and institutions from India and also from foreign libraries like British Library, Bibliothique Nationale, de Paris; Strass Bibliothique, Berlin, St Petersberg Collection from Russia  and collections from China and Indonesia . More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

8. What type of material is available in the Cultural Archives of IGNCA?
The Cultural Archives of IGNCA has a wide variety of material. It includes:

1. Personal diaries and other records of eminent people in the field of art.

Audio visual material comprising of music, interviews with eminent people in the field of art, embroideries, masks, paintings, sculptures and personal collections of art historians and scholars such as A.K. Coomaraswamy  collection. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

9. How one can consult microfilm or digitised version of the manuscripts?
The research scholars can consult the digitised version of the manuscripts in the library. In order to get copies/print out of the text, they are required to seek permission from the actual owners of the original manuscripts. After obtaining permission, one can get copies of the text against payment. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

10. How one can use the slide collection of the IGNCA library?
The slides can be consulted for academic purpose. If someone wants to use photographs in books, he/she has to obtain permission from the IGNCA or from the copyright holder depending on the collection from which the slide is to be taken. More details available on our website under Kalanidhi.

1. How are the Kalatattvakosa Reference Cards useful for scholars? In what way can this database be used?
These cards provide ready references in form of original text along with translations on Indian key concepts from a large number of texts belonging to various disciplines of Indian tradition.

2. Have the themes for the publication series – Kalatattvakosa and Kalamulasastra been fixed or new themes also introduced?
Both these series are long term projects for which a broad outline has been already drawn. However IGNCA is open to receive suggestions for new additions.

3. How do you select experts/scholars for your research projects? How can one join or participate in your projects?
Our projects are highly specialized. Hence requires involvement of experienced scholars in their respective fields. Young scholars can get associated with senior scholars in our projects. This also facilitates preparing second line of scholars/experts.

4. Can foreign scholars/institutes contact Kalakosa for research collaboration?
IGNCA works on global level. Yes, Kalakosa has associated with foreign scholars and Institutions in the past in accomplishing its project viz. publications, conferences, exhibitions etc.

5. Does one need an invite or ticket to attend events organized by the division?
There is no ticket for participation in our events. However invites are uploaded on our website regularly whenever an event is scheduled.

6. Can an institution/individual collaborate with Kalakosa to organize events like exhibitions, conferences, seminars, workshops etc? Does the division also organize conferences abroad? What is the procedure for contacting the division?

Yes, Kalakosa has been organizing events like seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions etc. in collaboration with various sister institutions on themes related to its conceptual frame work.

Yes, it is possible to organize programmes abroad too.

7. Does the division have any special programs for schools and colleges?
No we don’t have programmes for schools and colleges in Kalakosa. However, IGNCA through its Kaladarsana and Kalanidhi divisions has been putting up exhibitions, organising workshops etc. for schools and colleges.

1. How does Janapada Sampada select experts/ scholars for your research projects? How can one join or participate in your projects?
Through universities and Research centers of high repute. There is no direct grant giving scheme.

2. Can foreign scholars/ institutes contact Janapada Sampada for research collaboration?
Yes, process includes submission of proposal with budget and concept through applications through Universities and Research Centers of repute.

3. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with Janapada Sampada for research projects or events like exhibitions, conferences, lectures, workshops etc? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
Yes, process includes submission of proposal with budget and concept through applications through Universities and Research Centers of repute.

4. Are events organized by the division open for the public or is it only by invitation?
Both.

5. Does the division have any special programs for schools and colleges?
Yes, through workshops, exhibitions etc organized around our research projects.

6. Is the Ethnographic collection available for scholars for research purposes? Is there an online catalogue of the collection?
Depending on the nature of research, collections may be made available to scholars on recommendations by their universities and institutions. Work is going on to make some of the collection available online.

7. Can the Ethnographic collection be used by other institutions for exhibitions? What is the procedure of contacting the division?
Yes in some rare cases, the collection can be used for exhibitions on co-collaborative basis. Proposals highlighting all the details can be sent to IGNCA, where it would be vetted by different committees.

8. Do you have a central repository of all the documentation done by the division? Is it available for scholars/ institutions? Is it available online?
Visual Archive in Media Centre can be approached by scholars with recommendations by their Institutions/Universities.

9. Does the division also make documentaries? Do you collaborate with freelance filmmakers? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
Yes, it is only under the project research programme of the Division that documentation is undertaken either in-house or in collaboration with individual film makers, scholars etc. The Division’s main activity is not documenting films as a standalone activity. The documentaries that we make are the collaborative ventures, for which the proposal is vetted by expert committee and such proposals are only formulated if the specific program feels the need for a documentary film in that particular area.

10. Are the subjects for documentation selected by the division? Or are proposals from filmmakers/ organizations/ production companies also accepted?
Yes, it is only under the project research programme of the Division that documentation is undertaken either in-house or in collaboration with individual film makers, scholars etc. The Division’s main activity is not documenting films as a standalone activity. The documentaries that we make are the collaborative ventures, for which the proposal is vetted by expert committee and such proposals are only formulated if the specific program feels the need for a documentary film in that particular area.

1. Does one need an invite or ticket to attend events at IGNCA? Where are the tickets available and what is the cost?
No, the events at IGNCA have free entry.  For few events, passes are dispatched for entry which can be collected from Kaladarsana Division.  The information is always mentioned on invites (including e-invites).

2. Are there any restrictions on taking photos and video during events?
Yes, there are restrictions in taking photographs or videos of on-going exhibitions within IGNCA’s galleries. Prior permission is required for the same. However, there are no restrictions in taking pictures or videos of performances or any other kind of festivals which are presented at the institution.

3. What is the procedure for booking the venue at Kaladarsana Division?
A proposal on event needs to be sent to Kaladarsana Division. If a particular venue is available on the dates mentioned in the proposal, the file is put forward for approval from senior authority.  The event must adhere to the guidelines which IGNCA follow for organizing programmes.  The proposal should not have a commercial interest and should be based on education.  Once approved by senior authority, the particular venue is booked for the event.

4. Are there any specific criteria for the type of events that will be organized by Kaladarsana?
Yes, there are specific criteria to organize events at IGNCA. Firstly, the theme of the event must be based on promotion of art and culture of India which could include cultural traditions and heritage, inter cultural linkages and influences with the international world, preservation of dying art forms and contemporary scenario of Indian art world. The events at IGNCA are meant to educate people on different art forms, these are not based on commercial interest or any kind of flashy entertainment.  Secondly, the events should also not promote any corporate brands at IGNCA.

5. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with Kaladarsana for organizing an event?
Yes, institutions and individuals can collaborate with IGNCA while organizing events. An MOU is signed which mark out the responsibilities of both the institutions in a well- defined manner. Also venues become free of cost for the partner institution, when the events are organized in collaboration.

6. Can any institution/ community group/ individual book space in IGNCA for an event? Is there any selection process?
Yes, different institutions can book space in IGNCA. The selection is based on the criteria mentioned in Q. No. 4. These events should be education based. IGNCA charges for booking of spaces and such events are organised on non-collaborative basis which implies that IGNCA is only a venue partner in such programmes. If events are organised on collaborative basis, the venue becomes free of cost.

7. Under what conditions, booking request can be rejected?
The booking request can be rejected if the proposal of the programme does not follow the guidelines (mentioned in Q. no. 4) of organizing events at IGNCA. It can also be rejected if venues are not available at particular dates mentioned in the proposal.

8. What kinds of venues are available at the IGNCA? What is the procedure and charges for booking space?
IGNCA has following main venues for events:
At C. V. Mess, Janpath
Twin Art Gallery, Mati Ghar, Auditorium, Conference Hall, Amphitheatre, Front and Back Lawns
At 3, Dr. R. P. Road
Lawns with Stage
At 11, Mansingh Road
Exhibition Hall, Lecture Room, Corridor outside Lecture Room

For more details and knowing about procedure, charges, survey plans for booking space, kindly see the Norms for utilization of IGNCA spaces.  A form has also been provided for sending applications for booking of spaces to Kaladarsana.

9. Are there any package deals for booking?
No, there are no package deals for booking.

10. Does Kaladarsana also manage catering for all events?
No, Kaladarsana does not manage catering for all events.  Catering is arranged for events that are held by IGNCA either singularly or in partnership with other organizations. However, Kaladarsana does guide non-collaborating institutions if they require help regarding catering arrangement.

11. Does Kaladarsana handle public relations for all the events taking place in IGNCA?
No, Kaladarsana does not handle public relations for all events at IGNCA. It manages PR and publicity of those events which are singularly arranged by IGNCA or are held in partnership with other organizations.

12. Does Kaladarsana handle recording of the event (photography, video and live telecast)?
Kaladarsana instructs Photo Unit, Media Centre and Cultural Informatics for all kinds of arrangements for photography, video filming and live webcast. It is done for events that are held by IGNCA either singularly or in partnership. However, it does help non-collaborating institutions to get in touch with these three units if they require it for their events.

13. Does the Division have any special programs for schools and colleges?
Yes, Kaladarsana Division manages ‘Bal Jagat programme’  for IGNCA.  Several programmes are organised by the Division from time to time. These include workshops on different genres of art, storytelling sessions, special film screenings, etc. The students from schools and colleges are also invited to visit ongoing exhibitions, cultural performances happening at IGNCA. Excursion tour of the whole institution is also organised often for students from different schools and colleges. To increase its outreach, IGNCA also goes out to other institutions and organizes workshops, performances, exhibitions, special lectures or film screening at their premises.

14. How do we contact the Division if we are interested in bringing our students to IGNCA for excursion tours and programmes?
Kaladarsana Division can be contacted either through phone call or an email or social media tools.  The letter must be addressed to Programme Director of Kaladarsana Division.

Phone numbers: 011- 23388155 and 011-23388341
Email id is igncakaladarsana@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IGNCA/
Twitter: @igncakd

15. Is it possible to associate yourself with Kaladarsana as a volunteer?
Yes, Kaladarsana does appoint volunteers and scholar guides for its programmes and events if required. Those interested can send in their CV to igncakaladarsana@gmail.com . A small stipend is also paid to the appointed volunteers or scholar guides. IGNCA also issues a certificate of experience, if it is desired by them.

1. Does Media Centre collaborate with freelance filmmakers? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
IGNCA Media Centre is a complete production unit and does not collaborate with freelance filmmakers. Research films are dealt by the research divisions of IGNCA.

2. Are the subjects for documentation selected by the division? Or are proposals from filmmakers/ organizations/ production companies also accepted?
Media Centre does not accept any film proposals directly. Research proposals may be sent to research division for their perusal.

3. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with Media Centre for research projects or organizing events?
Media Centre is open to institutional collaborations on the subjects of IGNCA’s mandate

4. Does the Media Centre store archival footage of IGNCAs events, important news events, documentation etc that can be used for research?
Media Centre Audio Visual library has all the footage of documentations or event coverage done by Media Centre and is available for research access. Scholars can come to the centre with prior information to view any footage.

5. Is any material available online for download?
No. But most of the information on the material/ clips is available on IGNCA website.

6. Does Media Centre collaborate with private organizations for filming or post production?
No

7. Does Media Centre provide post production to other institutes/ filmmakers? Can the studio be rented?
No

8. Does Media Centre have any special programs or documentaries for schools and colleges?
Yes. Under the outreach programme special programs and documentary film screening are held at the centre and even in colleges, universities and schools.

9. Can a scholar access the repository of documentation in Media Centre? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
Yes. Scholars can have access to the repository with prior information. They can view the material in the listening and viewing counters of Media Centre A/V Library.

10. Can an individual/ institute screen documentaries done by Media Centre at any public event like lecture, conference, seminar, workshop, film festival etc? What kinds of permissions are needed?
Materials of IGNCA’s audio visual documentations are for outreach. Published DVDs can be screened with information to the centre and with due acknowledgements.

What is Rock Art?
The term ‘rock art’ is generally used for all artistic activities found on rocks and is classified into two main forms: pictographs and petroglyphs. Pictographs refer to painted figures and are also termed rock paintings. Petroglyphs include engravings, carvings, bruisings, dotting and cup-markings.  Pictographs are found on rock shelters while petroglyphs are usually confined to open rocks and boulders.

Rock art is one of the richest cultural resources in the world, which depicts the earliest expressions of human kind. This prehistoric art perhaps comes to signify the underlying philosophies and the worldview of the ancient people and tells us about the soul of a community, its thoughts, beliefs and emotions. It is also associated with cultural values, particularly in countries like India and Australia, where this art is a part of the living cultural heritage of their native populations.  Rock art images can be treated as a source for cultural communication with the past, present and the future.

Why a certain place was selected and then used for generations to produce art?
Some close association of primitive man to a specific place was found where he used to paint or engrave the rock art. Selection of place would have been governed by the basic sustaining needs of a human being like shelters, perennial waters and availability of food resources. He used natural shelters, caves and boulders as his canvas available at that point of time to depict rock art.

What is or was the function of art? Who were the producers of this art?
The primitive/early man used to imitate the activities he would see around like hunting, dancing or a herd of animals in the form of art. He also perhaps used art to gain control over supernatural powers and the hunt/game for their survival. In other ways it can be some method of keeping record of his lifestyle, traditions and beliefs till he developed writing skills. It only shows his creativity and expression of thoughts through art.

What pushes humans to produce art?  What place takes art in human culture?
Creativity in flow of expression and human instinct are the motivating factors that push humans to produce art. Art plays a key role in human culture as it depicts traditions, lifestyle, adaptive features and variation of thoughts as per human brain development and its exposure to the natural world which gets transferred from generation to generation. All the traditional arts are intrinsic to human culture.

How old is rock art?
It started around 30,000 to 40,000 years ago and it is conceptually equivalent to the type of art created in recent centuries, indicating the human cognitive and symbolling activities, were so called modern by that time. The origins of art are therefore much more ancient.

Are there populations in the world without art?
Except Antarctica, rest of the five continents Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America have rock art concentrations.

Are there people wishing to destroy art? Why?
Rock art is being destroyed due to two reasons i.e. natural and human. Stone quarrying, deforestation, human vandalism and lack of awareness about importance of rock art can be seen as main reasons for destroying art.
IGNCA under its program – Adi Drshya (primeval vision of man) has initiated field documentation at national level for preserving rock art sites/data, which otherwise is open to human vandalism and natural factors beyond one’s control. While recognizing the importance of Rock Art for the present generation and posterity, phase wise field documentation has been planned in different states of India with Rock Art concentration.

Can an institution/ individual collaborate with Rock Art Unit for research projects or organizing events?
Yes, collaboration can be done at institution or individual levels depending upon the nature of the proposal.

How do you select experts/ scholars for your research projects? How can one join or participate in your projects? 
The selection of experts or scholars for research projects are done on the basis of their interest, qualification or experience in the Rock Art field. Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) helps in identifying scholars. Interdisciplinary teams are formed in the states for documentation and research etc.
Those already working in the field at the individual level (senior researchers), most of them are IGNCA’s state coordinators. With their consideration, interdisciplinary teams are formed in different states of India. Since there is not a lot of expertise in Rock Art field, interested scholars are encouraged to take up this new discipline very seriously as it is directly related to the primeval vision of man and is perhaps the first creative act of human being.

Can foreign scholars/ institutes contact Rock Art Unit for research collaboration?
Yes, any foreign scholar or institute can contact Rock Art Unit for research collaboration.

Can a scholar access the repository of documentation in Rock Art Unit?
Researchers can access documentation repository of Rock Art Unit with prior appointment and due permission and as per rules of IGNCA.

Can the reports and images available online be used for research or public events like conferences, workshops, lectures etc?
It can be used with prior permission from IGNCA and for the use of material IGNCA should be acknowledged properly.

Does Rock Art Unit collaborate with private organisations for research purposes?   
There is no such collaboration with any private organisation for research purposes as of now.

Does Rock Art Unit have any special programs for schools and colleges?
Yes, we organize Rock Art workshops, special lectures and painting competitions for school children and college students from time to time. For any such upcoming/ongoing program and other information of the project you can check Rock Art Unit section on our website.   

1. Can an institution/ individual send material to be restored at the Conservation Division of IGNCA? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
Generally, the Conservation Division at IGNCA does not entertain requests from institution/ individual for conservation, unless it helps in conservation of heritage of national importance or it helps in building resources of IGNCA or as a case study for improving material and techniques of the Division. Any outside work in the laboratory is taken only after obtaining approval from the higher authority of IGNCA.

2. Does Conservation division hold events like lectures, seminars, workshops etc? How can one participate or attend events?
Yes. The division organizes lectures, seminars and workshops. Usually events are by invitation except for Public Lectures. Information about events  is available on the website.

3. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with Conservation Division for research projects or for organizing events? What is the procedure for contacting the division?
Any institution/ individual can collaborate with the Conservation Division. However, it is only possible after obtaining necessary approvals from the higher authority of IGNCA.

4. Does the Conservation Lab partner with private organizations for lab technology needs?
Yes. Conservation Division makes partnership with private organization for the technological needs. Tender announcements are available on the website.

5. Does the Conservation Lab also do active research to find new methods of conservation? Does the division collaborate with other institutions for such research?
Yes, the Division does active research to find new methods of conservation. We take technological and analytical help from research institutes like Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML).

6. Apart from the types of material mentioned does the lab also restore old photographs, textile etc?
Yes.  We do conservation of photographs and textiles.

7. Does the division have any special programs for schools and colleges?
The Division runs internship programme for the students of National Museum Institute (NMI) and Delhi Institute of Heritage Management (DHIRM).

1. Who can use the infrastructure facilities at SRC?
The facilities at SRC are open to general public, students, scholars, art fraternities and NGOS in the field of arts and culture for purposes that align with our mission. Space availability can vary depending on our in- house activities.

2. Is there any fee for utilising the space at SRC?
Yes, a nominal deposit and maintainence charges has to be paid for utilising the seminar hall, exhibition gallery and open space.

3. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with SRC for conducting programmes?
Yes, SRC will be happy to consider requests for collaboration. We frequently collaborate with art organizations, universities, schools and colleges for conducting various research projects, seminars, live programmes, workshops, exhibitions etc.

4. Do I need a membership for utilising the library and Reprography section?
Yes, the SRC Library and Reprography usage are specialized facilities and require registration. Primarily, the membership is open for students and scholars from reputed organisations/universities and NGOs.

5. What is the membership fee for the library at SRC?
We charge a nominal membership fee of Rs.250/- for students and Rs.500/- for scholars. The Annual renewal fee is Rs.150/- for student category and Rs.300/- for other scholars.

We also provide temporary membership at Rs.100/- per month

6. What all are the documents required to submit to obtain membership?
Address proof, ID proof (University /college ID Card) or Bonafide letter from the head of the institution/department.

7. How can research scholars approach IGNCA-SRC for research/documentation and publication work?
Based on our internal mandate for research and merits of the proposed research, every year, select scholars and projects are considered for funding. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. An Academic committee scrutinises the project proposals and if found suitable the applicant is called for a short discussion.

8. How will I get information/monthly newsletters and invitations for various programmes conducted by SRC?
Please visit our website (Southern regional Centre page)

You can also stay updated with our upcoming programmes through our Facebook page and Blog.  Or send your email ID to igncasrcblr@gmail.com, and we will include you in our mailing list.

Alternatively, you can visit our centre/ or our programme venue and fill up the newsletter requisition slip with your email ID. We will be glad to send our monthly newsletter and invitations to your email.

9. SRC conducts various programmes across South India every year. Does one need to pay to attend such events?
No. All the programmes are absolutely free for the public. Depending upon the space available we will be serving you on first come first serve basis.

10. Will I get a copy of IGNCA publications and Documentaries?
Yes. You can purchase IGNCA publications and documentary CDs/DVDs from our website. These are also available at our office and at the sales counters set up during our various events. Alternatively, you may please send a request with complete mailing address. On receipt of your request we will process it and ask you to remit the requisite charges. On confirmation of remittance the items will be delivered at your destination through courier service.

1. How do you select experts/ scholars for your research projects? How can one join or participate in your projects?

• Experts are selected through meetings of competent authorities of H.O. and in consultation with Advisor, Eastern Regional Centre (ERC).
• Scholars for Research projects are selected through a definite procedure determined by H.O. The details about current vacancies, eligibility, etc. are updated on our website.

2. Can foreign scholars/ institutes contact ERC for research collaboration?
So far, ERC has not been approached with such proposals. But it may be considered, in consultation with competent authorities of H.O.

3. Can an institution/ individual collaborate with ERC for research projects? What is the procedure of contacting the Centre?
So far, ERC has not been approached with such proposals. But it may be considered, in consultation with competent authorities of H.O. To contact the centre- Email: igncavaranasi@gmail.com Phone: 0542-2570169, 2570238

4. Can an institution/ individual contact ERC to organize exhibitions or other events? What is the procedure?
Yes, institutions can contact ERC to organize exhibitions or seminars. Interested institution will have to contact competent authorities of IGNCA through Advisor, ERC.  Further steps will be clarified through meetings with concerned personnel.

5. Does the Centre have any special programs for schools and colleges?

• Yes, as per instruction of M.O.C., ERC has established Interpretation Centres in three schools of Varanasi to create cultural awareness among school-children. Updating its details on the IGNCA website is restricted to only the formal inauguration of the centres by M.O.C.
• In future special programmes may be arranged for college students.

6. Does the Centre have a library which can be used by scholars for research?
Yes, ERC has a rich Reference Library which is used by the Centre’s researchers. But if a scholar approaches with his/her own requisition and seeks help from Advisor, ERC, then, the Centre can provide help to the scholar. But it is not a public library and issuing of books outside the Institute is not allowed.