Institute of Indology

In the mid-1950s, Muniji Punyavijaiji Maharaj, a Jain monk, contacted Kasturbhai Lalbhai, who wished to donate to him a magnificent collection of ancient manuscripts on the condition that they be properly stored and preserved. Lalbhai responded positively and the idea was expanded to include a research institute with a museum. The Ahmedabad Education Society donated a 3.7 hectare plot near Gujarat University and Doshi was invited to submit a design. Traditionally, ancient texts were kept in the basements of temples. The new building could not be air-conditioned, as the manuscripts would soon have been destroyed. Doshi therefore placed the library semi-underground, letting indirect light in through angled windows and reflecting it on a pool of water that also served as insulation. A mediados de la década de 1950, Muniji Punyavijaiji Maharaj, un monje jainista, se puso en contacto con Kasturbhai Lalbhai, que deseaba donarle una magnífica colección de manuscritos antiguos con la condición de que se guardaran y conservaran adecuadamente. Lalbhai respondió positivamente y la idea se amplió para incluir un instituto de investigación con un museo. La Sociedad de Educación de Ahmedabad donó una parcela de 3,7 hectáreas cerca de la Universidad de Gujarat y se invitó a Doshi a presentar un diseño. Tradicionalmente, los textos antiguos se guardaban en los sótanos de los templos. En el nuevo edificio no se podía utilizar aire acondicionado, ya que pronto se habrían destruido los manuscritos. Por ello, Doshi colocó la biblioteca semisubterránea, dejando entrar la luz indirecta a través de ventanas en ángulo y reflejándola en un estanque de agua que también servía de aislante. The main level was half a storey above the ground and was accessed by a raised bridge over the moat. The upper floor was cantilevered over the walkways and contained teaching rooms. It also had a deep verandah for protection from the sun.