The Tuli Research Centre of India Studies (T.R.I.S), founded by Neville Tuli, offers unprecedented access to vast archives on cinema, arts, architecture, and more. This pioneering institution aims to revolutionize the understanding of India’s complex identity through an interdisciplinary and accessible approach.
On August 15, 2024, the Tuli Research Centre of India Studies (T.R.I.S) will open its digital doors, marking a significant milestone in the understanding and appreciation of India’s multifaceted identity. This pioneering institution, conceptualized and nurtured by Neville Tuli over three decades, promises to revolutionize the way India is studied, researched, and understood globally. With a vast archive and library amassed since the early 1990s, the Centre is poised to offer unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge spanning cinema, fine arts, architecture, ecological studies, and more.
Neville Tuli’s journey began with a simple yet profound question: “How does India express herself in the clearest, most honest manner, which is her nature?” His answer lies in the creation of the Tuli Research Centre, which he describes as “a gift that once and for all, any human being who wants to understand India can.” The Centre’s primary focus is to illuminate the connections between India’s past and present, offering valuable perspectives on its complex identity through rigorous preservation and scholarly exploration.
The Centre’s collection spans Indian and world cinema, modern and contemporary fine and popular arts and crafts, photography, architectural heritage, animal welfare, ecological studies, and the social sciences. Tuli emphasizes the importance of access to these archives, stating, “Creativity is in everyone. Where do you get your chance? And that chance is dependent on access.”
The archives offer insights into the complexities of contemporary India and its global interactions since the 1850s. By preserving and exploring these materials, the Centre aims to shed light on how India’s historical trajectories shape its current and future identities.
One of the Centre’s distinguishing features is its interdisciplinary approach to India studies, structured around 16 governing pillars. Tuli critiques the traditional Western model of interdisciplinary studies, which often involves “taking five departments—law, history, social anthropology, economics, and the arts—putting them on one campus, and saying we are now going to teach you together.” Instead, he advocates for an approach he likens to a mixed pickle, where diverse elements interrelate organically, each maintaining its unique flavor while contributing to a holistic understanding.
These 16 pillars include areas such as ‘Animal-Human-Nature Continuum,’ ‘Cinema as a Key Educational Resource,’ and ‘Economics of Art, Cinema & Culture,’ among others. This framework enables in-depth research on India, allowing scholars to explore the intricate web of relationships that define the country’s cultural and historical landscape.
Tuli’s passion for cinema as an educational resource is evident in his extensive work in this field. He recalls the early 2000s, when cinema memorabilia like posters, booklets, and show cards were considered mere ‘raddi’ (scrap). By attaching value to these items through auctions, he transformed public perception, leading to a greater appreciation of cinema’s cultural significance. “Guide posters sold for one and a half lakhs. Humraaz lobby card sold for something. Suddenly everyone started looking for it,” he reminisces.
The Centre’s archives include the single greatest collection on world cinema, not just Indian cinema. Tuli explains, “My main objective, the first research category, is cinema as a critical educational resource. How do you transform the ecology of everything cinema’s made into the leading, most important source of education?”
Despite some skepticism within his team, Tuli firmly believes in the power of the Internet to unify and democratize access to knowledge. “The Internet was built to unify the world,” he asserts. The online platform of the Tuli Research Centre offers scholars, researchers, students, and connoisseurs of art and culture an opportunity to learn about India from anywhere in the world. Through exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and conferences, the Centre will introduce its archives and library over the next three months, paving the way for the first undergraduate degree program in Contemporary India Studies.
The Tuli Research Centre represents a new paradigm in India studies, offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and accessible approach to understanding the country’s rich and complex heritage. Tuli’s vision, driven by a deep passion for art and culture, seeks to democratize knowledge and inspire a new generation of scholars and enthusiasts.
As the Centre prepares to launch, Tuli reflects on the journey and the potential impact: “It’s taken 30 years. With its robust archives, innovative research framework, and commitment to accessibility, the Tuli Research Centre is set to become a beacon of knowledge and understanding, illuminating the many facets of India’s identity for years to come.”
The Tuli Research Centre is more than just an academic institution; it is a testament to Neville Tuli’s lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. By providing access to a wealth of knowledge through an innovative and interdisciplinary framework, the Centre promises to transform the study of India and its global interactions. As it opens its doors to the world, it invites scholars, students, and connoisseurs alike to embark on a journey of discovery, understanding, and appreciation of one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic civilizations.