The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune, was founded in July,1917 in the honor of the work of Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarakar, the foremost pioneer of scientific Orientology in India. The Institute is engaged in research activity in the field of Orientology (study of the indigenous lore and wisdom of the ancient East or the 'Orient') with a vision to enlighten the world about the all - comprehensive knowledge generated in the East especially in India.
The institute has one of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts spanning over 1,25,000 books and 28,000 manuscripts collected in a period of 90 years covering practically every aspect of Orientology. This collection covers several language and scripts such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, Indian regional languages, Classical, Asean and European languages.
The Institute normally works through its four main Departments: 1. Mahabharat and Research Unit. 2. Manuscripts. 3. Publication and 4. Post-Graduate Teaching and Research.