Sikkim
Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) is one of the esteemed
institutions in India. The Institute is perched on a hill that is easily
accessible by a comfortable trail from the main market of Gangtok.
Initially known as Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Institution was
named after Late Palden Thondup Namgyal (the Chogyal of Sikkim).
Actually, the Institute was the great invention made by this legend.The museum in the Institute embraces one of the world's largest collected works and rare manuscripts on the theme of Mahayana Buddhism. Apart from this amazing collection, the museum houses more than 200 Buddhist icons, antique paintings, thangkas, statues, shrines, tapestries, masks and other religious works of Tibetan Art. In the present day, the Institute is a famous global center for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
This Institute has been internationally acclaimed for being the centre of Tibetan Studies and Research House. The Institute has not less than 30,000 volumes, more often than not xylographs, which are printed documents on wooden slabs with matter imprinted on them. Not only this, it also encompasses translations of the original teachings of the Lord Buddha and discourses by eminent Buddhist scholars from all parts of the world.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has been held as the leading institute in the world to carry out research in the language and culture of Tibet. This premier institute is regarded as the highest seat of learning amongst the Mahayana scholars. A visit to Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology would be definitely worthwhile to peep into the Tibetan culture.
