Our Mission

Karnataka has rich historical and cultural heritage. History is well preserved here compared to many other regions in India. The magnificence of its heritage can be seen in innumerable temples, inscriptions, hero stones, copper plates and other historical artifacts and literature. The varieties of memorial stones, especially Hero stones and Masti stones, can be seen no where else in India. There was a dire need to research, document, preserve this rich heritage and bring the awareness to the people. In the year 1986 eminent historians of the state under the leadership of Prof G.S.Dixit and Dr. Suryanath U. Kamat founded the voluntary organization ‘ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ’ – ‘Karnataka Itihasa Academy’. Since its inception, the academy is striving to promote research and create heritage awareness through workshops, seminars, conferences and various allied activities with the sponsorship of many institutions.

Activities

Annual Seminar is held every year in a historical town/village in Karnataka. Seminar offers an excellent opportunity to people from all walks of life to present papers on their historical findings and historical research. Academy has conducted 37 conferences in different parts of the state so far. Several religious institutions, educational organizations with similar view have collaborated in this venture. Scholars from universities as well as common people have submitted their papers and brought out many unknown places, unique article, statues and temples to fore. Several scholars of Karnataka have adored the chair of conference. There is a tradition of honoring the scholars who got their PhD in historical research as part of the annual conference. And conference is attended by delegates from far and near places. The first annual meet was conducted in 1987 under the chairmanship of Dr. Chidananda Murthy. It was inaugurated by D.V.K. Gokak.

Annual Publication

ಇತಿಹಾಸ ದರ್ಶನ  – ‘Itihasa Darsana‘ is published every year. It contains information about the proceedings of the seminar and the research papers presented for that year. All volumes of Itihasa Darsana have been digitized and are accessible on this website.

Save Historical Heritage week

In the month of August, every year, with the cooperation of our members, teachers and students of schools and colleges, ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಪರಂಪರೆ ಉಳಿಸಿ ಸಪ್ತಾಹ  – ‘Save Historical Heritage’ week is held in all districts of the state. The purpose is to protect the neglected temples, inscriptions, manuscripts and ancient paper records and enlighten the local people about their importance.

Recognizing and Honoring Scholars

Karnataka Itihasa Academy has been recognizing the valuable work of scholars who have contributed greatly to the study of history of Karnataka and have rendered yeoman service in the field.  Academy manages several endowment awards instituted by trusts and organizations.