The centre has ambitious plans for the preservation and promotion of the Classical Kannada heritage. Its project and activities are on the following areas:

 

a.  Translations and Critical Studies

The centre is dedicated to translating significant classical Kannada texts into English, engaging distinguished scholars and translators for this task. For an overview of our initial translation projects, please visit the publications page. These translations will be accessible online at no cost, serving the Kannada-reading community. In addition to translations, the centre also plans to publish monographs, art books, and critical studies.

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b.  Kannada Commentaries 

Classical Kannada literature often remains elusive to modern readers due to the prevalence of extensive compound words, rare terms, and the absence of explanation for complex passages. Our project endeavours to bridge this gap through the Kannada commentary initiative, aimed at simplifying these texts. By undertaking padaccheda—the separation of words in samāsa (compounds) and sandhi (phonetic combinations)—we make the texts more approachable. Additionally, we will provide critical commentary and detailed explanations to demystify the complex passages for readers.

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c.  Digitization Initiatives 

The project focuses on the curation and digitization of important texts from Kannada literature for both easy online readability and searchability. Each text will be carefully typed out, maintaining its original metric form, and accompanied by detailed metadata, including chapter and stanza numbers, metres, etc. Additionally, wherever possible an audio recording of the text in both standard and gamaka (a traditional style of narration) form are provided. This approach significantly enriches the digital representation of these literary treasures.

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d.  Kannada Literary Database 

This project seeks to compile a comprehensive digital catalogue of Kannada literature spanning from the 9th to the 19th century, something akin to the Pandit Project dedicated to Sanskrit literature. The database aims to meticulously list the names of authors, their works, and the dates of these works, along with the listing of genre, meter, form, and structure of each work.

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e.  Epigraphy 

Our project focuses on digitizing the Kannada epigraphic corpus, making it searchable with detailed metadata such as date, kings, dynasty, place, deities etc. Depending upon the human resources available, we aim to provide critical commentary and translations for each inscription. Additionally, we will cross-reference inscriptions with scholarly articles and prepare a glossary of inscriptional words.

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f.  Temple Mapping & Documentation

The temple mapping and documentation project aims to systematically catalog and create detailed records of temples, encompassing their historical, architectural, and cultural significance. This initiative involves geographically mapping temple locations, compiling comprehensive data on their construction periods, architectural styles, inscriptions, deities worshipped, and associated rituals and festivals. Such initiatives will hopefully create more awareness and boost preservation efforts.

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g.  Outreach Activities 

Our outreach initiatives are designed to enhance the visibility and understanding of Classical Kannada language and literature. Through our Publication Division, we focus on both the publication of new scholarly texts, translations and the republication of valuable old works. To support learning and research, we provide teaching and mentorship assistance, alongside grants and fellowships for select students and researchers. Additionally, events and conferences will be organized to create opportunities for scholars, enthusiasts, and the community to engage, discuss, and collaborate on Kannada studies.