The Centre was established  with the financial assistance from the UGC  with the intention of carrying out sustained research in Indian Culture in general and Sanskrit, Vedanta and allied systems of Indian philosophy in particular.Dr.R.Karunakaran (late) was the first Director & Professor and on his retirement Dr.E.Easwaran Nampoothiri (late) was given charge. Dr.T.Devarajan was Hon. Director for some time and from 2000, the present Hon. Director has been in charge.