The Indus Research Centre (IRC) undertakes scientific investigations into the various aspects of the Indus Civilization, particularly the Indus Script, which remains undeciphered. It was started in 2007 under the guidance of Padma Shri Iravatham Mahadevan, the first honorary consultant. He was succeeded by R. Balakrishnan.
The Iravatham Mahadevan (IM) Chair was established at the Indus Research Centre of the Roja Muthiah Research Library in 2025 by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the memory of late Padma Shri Iravatham Mahadevan for his pioneering research on the Indus script and Tamil epigraphy, and to undertake further research in these fields. R. Balakrishnan serves as the Chairperson of the IM Chair. It aims to focus on advanced research, documentation, and public engagement in the multidisciplinary study of the Indus Civilization and epigraphy. One of its activities is to publish a biannual journal on Indus Civilization.
The journal aims to promote the study on Indus Civilization and its scripts through new archaeological discoveries, scientific research and implementation of interdisciplinary and computational approaches. In spreading these insights to people, Indus Research Centre of the Roja Muthiah Research Library, have launched a Journal - ‘Journal of Indus Studies’. The Journal will be a Peer-reviewed International journal and will be published Biannually.
The journal will cover multidisciplinary aspects and study of the epigraphy, linguistics and archaeology of Indus Civilization. It will also carry interviews with renowned scholars which can give insight into new trends and outlook of the Indus Civilization. It will provide a platform for new studies and research findings in epigraphy, material culture, urban planning, trade networks, and script analysis providing more possibilities to understand the Harappan Civilization and its broader cultural links.
