Ernst-Waldschmidt-Preis

In recognition of outstanding research in the field of Indology, the Stiftung Ernst Waldschmidt of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz bestows the Ernst-Waldschmidt-Preis. It includes prize money up to 5,000 euros. The prize has been offered since 1988 and can be awarded every five years.

The Offering and Bestowing of the Prize

The prize is offered for research publications in the fields of Buddhism and Indian and central Asian archaeology and art. It can also be awarded to subsidize the printing costs of an unpublished work if the work has already been accepted by the relevant university faculty or department.

The Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz (Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation) announces the offering of the prize. Any leading specialist in Indology can propose candidates. It is also permitted to apply on one’s own. The applicant should be no more than thirty-five at the time of application. Proposals should be submitted in writing to the president of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz. The decision on awarding the prize is made by the board of the Stiftung Ernst Waldschmidt.

The Stiftung Ernst Waldschmidt

The Stiftung Ernst Waldschmidt  (Ernst Waldschmidt Foundation) was established in Berlin in 1969. Its goal is to “support both public education in Germany by exhibiting art from India and German research on India by awarding money.” The Stiftung Ernst Waldschmidt owns twenty-six art objects housed in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (National Museums in Berlin) and finances the publication, at irregular intervals, of the series Monographien zur Indischen Archäologie, Philologie und Kunst (Monographs on Indian Archaelogy, Philology, and Art). The president of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz and the general director of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin are members of its board.

Ernst Waldschmidt (1897–1985) was until 1936 curator of the Indian department of the Berliner Völkerkundemuseum - now Ethnologisches Museum (Ethnological Museum) - of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. His work focused on, among other things, the study of Sanskrit texts from the Turfan Collections brought to Berlin. In addition, he acquired numerous objects for the museum on a trip to India and Sri Lanka.

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