MANUAL-1 

Particulars of Organization, Functions & Duties

[Section-4 (1) (b) (i)]

 Objectives / Purpose of the Public Authority:

    The Organization (ORISSAN INSTITUTE OF MARITIME AND SOUTH EAST ANSIAN STUDIES) was established to find out the commercial, intellectual linkages between Odisha (Ancient Kalinga) with South and South East Asians Countries. It was set up in the year 1986-87 with the Minister, Culture as its Working President. To manage the office an officer of Curator rank of Culture Department functions as its Secretary. The Organization is autonomous and the activities are reported directly to the office of the Minister, Culture.

Mission/Vision Statement of the Public Authority:

   The main mission of the organization and the public authority is to extricate the maritime linkages between ancient Kalinga with South East Asian Countries.

Brief History of the Public Authority and context of its formation:

   The organization was formed in the year 1986-87 to find out the navigation activities of Odisha (ancient Kalinga) and its cultural and commercial relationship with South and South East Asia.

Duties of the Public Authorities:

   The main duty of the organization is to conduct regular and systematic archaeological explorations and excavations at ancient ports sites along the coast of Odisha. Besides information is also collected in reference to the maritime activities of the ancient Kalingans.

   The Organization functions as an autonomous body under the Department of Culture with the Hon'ble Chief Minister as its President, Minister.

   The organization's main aim is to conduct archaeological explorations along the sea cost of Odisha from Barua to Tamulk. However the lake Chilika is also incorporated as it played a major roll in the navigation activities of the ancient Kalinga.

Main activities/functions of the Public Authority:

1. To study the past cultural links between Odisha (Ancient Utkala/Kalinga) and South East Asian countries.
2. To study the maritime connection that continued for a long period between the people of this land and of these countries.
3. To take up archaeological survey and exploration of the important sites stretching from Tamralipti to Kalingapatanam (the then coastal line of Kalingan empire) for reviving cultural materials of significance which may be invaluable for an in depth study of cultural and economic links maintained by Odisha with those overseas countries.
4. To  excavate  the   important  archaeological  sites  of the   coastal  belt  and  to  trace  out archaeological treasures which will constitute the primary source of information.                  
5. To take up oceanographic study of the Indian Ocean.
6. To liaison between the allied Institutes established in India and in the countries of South East Asia.
7. To take up study of written and oral folklore prevalent in coastal Eastern India and in these countries.
8. To study the evolution of art and architecture in Odisha and in those countries.  
9. To take up study of performing art of Odisha and of those countries.
10. To take up in-depth study of textile and other materials preserved in the Museums of countries    of South East Asia with a view to establishing linkages.
11. To organize lectures, symposia, national and international seminars with wider participation of scholars particularly from the South East Asian countries.
12. To publish reports, research papers and books based on primary sources.
13. To establish a Museum of Marine History.
14. To take up such other activities as may be required to widen the aims and objectives of the Institute.