Indian Art and Letters

Author(s): India Society
Publisher: India Society

Page 84

THE INDIA SOCIETY
« THE ancient history and the art of India are of unique interest in the
history of human endeavour." These words are taken from the reply of His Majesty King George V. to the address presented to him on the opening of the School of Oriental Studies on February 23, 1917. The India Society is anxious to give, within the limits of its opportunities and resources, practical application to this noteworthy utterance, and invites the adhesion of all who sympathize and agree with it.
OBJECTS The India Society was founded in the year 1910 by a small body of scholars, artists, and men of letters (both English and Indian) with the object of promoting in the West and in India itself a better appreciation and understanding of the historic culture of India, especially as represented in the Arts. During the years which followed the Society has won for its work the sympathy and active support of a distinguished body of members, including several of the ruling Princes of India, together with leaders in art, literature, and the public services in many quarters of the world.
It holds itself entirely aloof from the political controversies of the day, and seeks to unite its members, and all whom its influence can reach, in the study and admiration of those aspects of Indian culture whose beauty and nobility can be recognized and appreciated by all.
LECTURES AND CONFERENCES Lectures at which papers are read by leading British, Indian, and Continental specialists, have become a regular and important feature of the Society's activities. In order that members resident abroad may be able to share in the benefit of these Lectures, papers and proceedings are published from time to time in INDIAN ART AND LETTERS, together with additional articles from the Society's correspondents abroad, and book reviews. Visits to private collections of Oriental Art are also arranged. Exhibitions are organised from time to time.
TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP The Annual Subscription for members who join after December 31, 1928, is One and a half Guineas (£1 IIS. 6d.), payable on election, and on January 1 of each succeeding year. Life Subscription, Twelve Guineas. Cheques should be made payable to “ The India Society" and crossed “ Lloyds Bank." Forms of application for membership can be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, 3 Victoria Street, London, S.W. 1. Members receive free in return for their subscription (i) the annual volume of the Society on Indian Art and Literature, (ii) the Journal of the Society, entitled INDIAN ART AND LETTERS, and, when in Great Britain, invitations to the Society's lectures and meetings, or to those of the Association Française des Amis de l'Orient, whilst staying in Paris or Strasbourg.
Similar facilities on the Continent are offered to members by Les Amis de l'Orient in Brussels and Der Vereeniging Van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst in Amsterdam. Members should, however, in each case first write to the Hon. Secretary of the India Society for a letter of introduction to these forcign societies.