Source: TOI
Why in News?
India and Kyrgyzstan jointly established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The initiative also marked the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, strengthening cultural and academic ties between the two countries.
What is the India–Kyrgyzstan Civilizational Initiative?
- A joint initiative to promote comparative studies of the Mahabharata and the Manas Epic.
- Established to deepen India–Kyrgyzstan cultural diplomacy through research, academic collaboration, and preservation of shared civilizational heritage.
- Manas is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About the Manas Epic
- National epic of Kyrgyzstan.
- One of the longest epic poems in the world.
- Narrates the life and heroic deeds of Manas, a legendary Kyrgyz warrior.
- Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About Kyrgyzstan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bishkek |
| Currency | Kyrgyzstani Som |
| Region | Central Asia |
| Neighbouring Countries | Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan |
