The Ministry of Science and Technology announced that Nalanda University and the CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on research and capacity building in traditional knowledge, intellectual property rights, people’s rights and cultural heritage. The agreement will focus on academic activities, research, training, student internships and exchanges between the two institutions.
Key facts
- MoU signed between Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi (Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University) and Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri (Head, CSIR-TKDL Unit) on 1 October 2026
- CSIR-TKDL database holds information on over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga
- TKDL database is available to 18 international patent offices
- Over 375 patent applications worldwide have been revoked, rejected or withdrawn based on TKDL evidence
- TKDL information available in five languages: English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish
- Nalanda University is located at Rajgir, District Nalanda, Bihar
What the collaboration will do
Through this partnership, Nalanda University and CSIR-TKDL will combine their expertise to work on matters relating to India’s traditional knowledge, intellectual property, and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on Bihar’s traditions. The two organizations will jointly undertake academic research, intellectual exchanges, training programmes, student internships and exchange visits. They will also establish networks to share knowledge and resources between researchers and scholars.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge across various subjects including ecological knowledge, folklore, music and other cultural expressions. The partnership also aims to raise awareness about intellectual property rights among younger generations and integrate traditional knowledge with modern academic research.
About the CSIR-TKDL database
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library was established in 2001 by the Government of India through collaboration between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of AYUSH. The primary goal of TKDL is to prevent incorrect patents being granted on Indian traditional knowledge and to stop the misuse of India’s heritage by other countries or organizations.
The database contains detailed information on over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from India’s traditional medical and health systems. This includes knowledge from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa Rigpa medical systems as well as information on Yoga. The information has been converted from traditional texts into digitized, searchable formats linked with modern scientific terminology.
The database is available to patent offices in 18 countries, helping examiners identify when patent applications attempt to claim ownership of knowledge that is already part of India’s documented heritage. The impact has been substantial, with over 375 patent applications being revoked, rejected, amended, withdrawn or abandoned worldwide based on evidence from TKDL.
About Nalanda University
Nalanda University is an international university established under the Ministry of External Affairs at Rajgir in Bihar. It is designated as a university of national importance. The institution draws inspiration from the ancient Nalanda University, which was a major centre of learning in Asia. The modern university focuses on intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies with an emphasis on regional understanding and international cooperation.
What this means for you
Students and researchers interested in traditional knowledge, intellectual property, Indian medicine systems, or cultural heritage now have greater opportunities for study and training through this partnership. Academic scholars can access both institutions’ resources and participate in exchange programmes. The collaboration may also create internship opportunities for students pursuing studies related to traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
For communities and knowledge holders, the partnership strengthens efforts to document and protect their traditional knowledge from misuse. The focus on safeguarding the interests of knowledge holders and communities means that traditional practices and formulations will be better protected against unauthorised commercial use or patent claims elsewhere.
Connection to national policy
The collaboration aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and the National IPR Policy 2016, which emphasize the importance of protecting and promoting traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Both institutions view this partnership as a way to contribute to these national objectives while also reviving Nalanda’s historical role as a centre of learning and scholarship.