In the article "Patronage and priests” (Parsiana, January 21-February 6, 2025) on the lecture in Bombay by Prof (Dr) Almut Hintze, Professor of Zoroastrianism at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London when she spoke "On Patronage in the Zoroastrian Tradition,” it has been stated: "‘Sadly even scholars are not allowed to see the manuscripts at The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI),’ regretted Hintze, hoping the trustees would revise their policy.”
On behalf of the Institute I would like to clarify that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has laid down clear rules and regulations regarding the issuing and operation of the S-5 Research Visa for research scholars. This visa is issued by the concerned Indian Embassy from the country of origin. The S-5 research visa currently issued specifically mentions the names of the institutions which the research scholar can enter to pursue research. Hintze and her students did not possess the required endorsement to the KRCOI in their S-5 visas, which meant permitting them entry to the library of the Institute would be in violation of the visa conditions. These violations would have caused problems for the Institute with the government authorities.
Foreign nationals with proper documents and valid visas can have access to manuscripts in the library. HOMA D. PETIT
President
The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute
The editors reply:
Perhaps the trustees of The K. R. Cama Oriental Institute should consider digitizing some of their manuscripts/literature so that the material is more easily accessible to scholars and others. Dissemination of knowledge is the primary purpose of such institutes.