According to ancient Buddhist sources, Buddhism was introduced in Kashmir during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C, after the conclusion of the 3rd Buddhist Council at Patliputra. For the next sixteen centuries, the religion flourished in Kashmir, and the valley became an important centre of Buddhist philosphy and learning. The above mentioned project aims at conserving and focussing on the rich Buddhist Heritage in Kashmir.

The project proposal envisages the development of tourist circuit of ancient Buddhist sites in the Kashmir valley. The project aims at following:

• To develop and generate knowledge/awareness about the Buddhist influences in Kashmiri art and culture;
• To offer research fellowships dedicated to the study of Buddhism and its impact on the culture and traditions.
• To develop a gallery at the Centre depicting artefacts, posters, pictures etc related to Buddhist culture in Kashmir.
• To set up an Interpretation Centre at Harwan.