Project Overview

We are seeking an independent, resourceful Field Research Assistant to conduct a targeted, short-term manuscript hunting and digitization project across three primary historical regions in India: (Uttar Pradesh), (Rajasthan), and (West Bengal).The primary goal is to locate, physically inspect, and digitally document specific primary source texts, commentaries, and historical manuscripts written in Sanskrit and Bengali. The ideal candidate will be working directly under a principal investigator.

Location-Specific Responsibilities

- Vrindavan (UP): Coordinate with local mathas, traditional temple ashrams, and established institutional archives (such as the Vrindavan Research Institute) to trace Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava texts, theological commentaries, and related Sanskrit/Bengali devotional manuscripts.
- Jaipur (Rajasthan): Navigate state archives, royal libraries (like the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum archives), or private collections to access catalogs and classical Sanskrit records.
- Vishnupur (West Bengal): Travel into Bankura District to locate rare, regional palm-leaf or paper manuscripts preserved in old temple archives, private family estates, or local collections mapping back to the Malla dynasty era.
- Digitization & Reporting: Capture clear, high-resolution digital photographs of text folios, title pages, and colophons,



organizing them systematically by location and repository shelfmark.
- Language & Script Fluency: Advanced reading proficiency in Classical Sanskrit and Bengali. Ability to read historical handwritten scribal hands or older variants of regional scripts is highly preferred.
- Fieldwork Adaptability: Complete willingness and physical readiness to travel independently between Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Comfort navigating both structured formal archives and informal, conservative temple settings.
- Academic Credentials: Master's degree or Ph.D. track in Indology, Religious Studies, Sanskrit, Bengali Literature, or South Asian History.
- Professionalism: Strong cross-cultural communication skills to negotiate viewing rights with local curators, priests, and private library owners.

Logistics & Budget

- Project Structure: Short-term field contract divided into location-based milestones.
- Travel & Expenses: 100% reimbursement for pre-approved long-distance train/flight travel, safe lodging, and daily field stipends.
- Equipment: Must own a smartphone with an excellent camera (or a portable document scanner) and a laptop for data compilation and remote syncing.

Pay: ₹10,813.89 - ₹20,000.00 per month

Perks:

- Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

📌 Field Research Assistant – Manuscript Hunting & Digitization (Vrindavan, Jaipur, Vishnupur) (India)
🏢 Gaura Rasa
📍 India