D.Litt Admission 2026–27: Eligibility, Fees & Admission Process

D.Litt Admission 2026–27: Eligibility, Fees & Admission Process

What Is a D.Litt Degree?

D.Litt stands for Doctor of Letters or Doctor of Literature. It is an advanced academic qualification generally associated with literature, humanities, social sciences and related fields.

The structure of a D.Litt degree differs among universities. Some institutions award it as a higher doctorate to candidates who already hold a PhD and have made significant research contributions. Others may have separate earned-degree regulations.

Therefore, candidates should check the official university ordinance before applying. Eligibility, research experience, publications, fees and submission requirements are not uniform across India.

What is a D.Litt Degree? Types & Meaning

1. Earned D.Litt (Regular Research Program): Awarded after completing a rigorous 2-year (4-semester) research program, culminating in a thesis submission and viva voce. Some universities require a prior PhD for this, while others accept exceptional Master’s degree holders.
2. Higher Doctorate D.Litt: Awarded to established academics who already hold a PhD and submit a substantial, impactful body of published work (books, peer-reviewed journals) accumulated over 5+ years.
3. Honorary D.Litt (Honoris Causa / Dilit Award): Conferred by university senates on distinguished public figures, authors, and artists for lifetime contributions to society. Note: Honorary degrees do not carry academic validity for teaching appointments.

Honorary D.Litt vs Earned D.Litt – Key Differences

How to Get D.Litt Degree in India – Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Understanding how to get D.Litt degree in India is essential for serious humanities scholars planning to pursue this prestigious qualification. The process varies depending on whether the candidate pursues a regular earned D.Litt or a higher doctorate D.Litt based on published works. Both pathways require demonstrating exceptional scholarly merit throughout the admission and research process.

Steps to Get D.Litt Degree in India – Complete Process

• Step 1 – Complete Postgraduate Education: Candidates must first complete their Master’s (PG) degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized university in the relevant humanities discipline – English Literature, Hindi, Sanskrit, Linguistics, History, Philosophy, or related fields. Without this foundational qualification, no D.Litt pathway is accessible.
• Step 2 – Complete PhD if Required: Many Indian universities position D.Litt as a higher doctorate above PhD, making a PhD degree the prerequisite for D.Litt admission at those institutions. Completing a PhD therefore becomes an essential stepping stone for the higher doctorate D.Litt pathway at premier universities like BHU, DU, and Mumbai University.
• Step 3 – Identify an Original Research Topic: Candidates must identify a significant and original research topic in literature, arts, linguistics, history, or a related humanities field that justifies doctoral-level investigation. The research topic must demonstrate clear potential for genuine knowledge contribution rather than merely reviewing existing scholarship.
• Step 4 – Apply to UGC-Recognized Universities: Apply to universities offering UGC-recognized D.Litt programs – including BHU Varanasi, Delhi University, Mumbai University, Ranchi University, Bharathiar University Coimbatore, and IGNOU New Delhi – based on the chosen research specialization and preferred location.
• Step 5 – Clear Entrance Exam and Interview: Appear for the required entrance examination (NEE, DEB, UGC, AIU, or university-specific tests) and qualify the minimum score. Subsequently, shortlisted candidates defend their research proposal before the university’s expert academic committee during the personal interview stage.
• Step 6 – Register and Complete Research: After successful admission, register as a D.Litt research scholar, complete the required coursework across 4 semesters, conduct original research under a faculty supervisor, and submit a comprehensive research thesis demonstrating original contribution to humanities knowledge.
• Step 7 – Viva Voce Examination and Conferment: Defend the completed thesis before an expert examination committee during the viva voce session. Upon successful defence and committee approval, the D.Litt degree is formally conferred by the university in a convocation ceremony.

D.Litt After PhD vs D.Litt Without PhD – Which Pathway Is Right for You?

D.Litt in Theology – Specialization Guide 2026

D.Litt Theology – Key Program Details

D.Litt Degree Online – IGNOU and Distance Learning Options 2026

D.Litt Eligibility Criteria 2026-27

D.Litt Eligibility Criteria – Detailed Table

Key Points About D.Litt Eligibility – What Every Candidate Must Know

• Postgraduate Degree is Mandatory for All Pathways: All candidates must hold a recognized postgraduate degree with minimum 50% marks to apply for D.Litt admission at any Indian university – whether pursuing the regular 2-year program or the higher doctorate pathway. This is the non-negotiable baseline for every D.Litt application.
• No Age Restriction – Open to All Career Stages: D.Litt admission has no upper age limit, making it accessible to scholars ranging from recent Master’s graduates to senior professors with decades of academic experience. This inclusivity is one of the D.Litt’s most distinctive features compared to other competitive examinations.
• Research Proposal Is Critical for Selection: Most D.Litt programs require candidates to submit a research proposal outlining the intended thesis topic, research methodology, expected contribution, and review of existing literature during the admission process. A weak or generic research proposal is the most common reason for D.Litt application rejection at premier universities.
• PhD May Be a Prerequisite at Premier Institutions: Elite universities like BHU, Delhi University, and Mumbai University award D.Litt as a higher doctoral qualification above standard PhD. At these institutions, candidates must already hold a PhD before applying for D.Litt enrollment – making the research pathway a two-stage doctoral process.

D.Litt Admission 2026 – Process and Important Dates

D.Litt Admission 2026 – Expected Important Dates

D.Litt Admission 2026 – Step-by-Step Process

• Step 1 – Check Eligibility: Verify that all D.Litt eligibility criteria are met – including the 50% PG degree requirement and any PhD prerequisites of the chosen university. Different institutions have significantly different eligibility standards for D.Litt admission, so checking each university’s specific requirements separately is essential.
• Step 2 – Apply Online or Offline: Visit the official university website to access the D.Litt application form online (BHU at bhu.ac.in, DU at du.ac.in, Mumbai University at mu.ac.in, IGNOU at ignou.ac.in). Offline applications remain available at the admissions office for certain institutions – check the specific university’s admission notification for the accepted application mode.
• Step 3 – Submit Research Proposal: Submit a well-structured research proposal outlining the intended D.Litt thesis topic, research objectives, methodology, literature review, and expected original contribution to the field. Given that the proposal carries decisive weight in the selection interview, invest substantial time in its development before submission.
• Step 4 – Appear for Entrance Exam: Appear for the relevant D.Litt entrance exam (NEE, DEB, UGC NET, or AIU examination) and secure the minimum qualifying score as specified by the chosen institution. Different universities accept different examinations – verify the accepted exams for your target institution before registering.
• Step 5 – Attend Research Proposal Interview: Shortlisted candidates must defend their research proposal before an expert academic committee during the personal interview. The quality of the research proposal and the candidate’s scholarly engagement with the topic determines selection outcomes significantly at this stage.
• Step 6 – Fee Payment and Enrollment: Selected candidates pay the D.Litt fees within the specified deadline to confirm admission and begin the doctoral research program under the guidance of an assigned faculty supervisor.

D.Litt Entrance Exams 2026-27 – Complete Guide

D.Litt Entrance Exam Pattern – Quick Overview

• All test papers in D.Litt entrance exams are entirely objective in format with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering the relevant humanities discipline.
• The examination mode is Computer-Based Test (Online CBT) for most national-level exams, while university-specific tests may be conducted offline at designated centres.
• Each exam contains approximately 100 to 150 multiple choice questions across relevant subject areas including literary theory, research methodology, and subject-specific content.
• Most D.Litt entrance exams award one mark for each correct answer, with no negative marking for incorrect responses – making complete attempt the optimal examination strategy.
• Research proposal submission and personal interview carry significant weight alongside the entrance exam score in determining final D.Litt admission outcomes at most institutions.

Top D.Litt Colleges in India 2026-27

D.Litt at BHU and Delhi University – Key Institutions

D.Litt Fee Structure 2026-27 – College-Wise Comparison

D.Litt Syllabus and Subjects 2026-27

D.Litt Core Subjects Overview

Semester-Wise D.Litt Syllabus – Year 1 (Semesters I and II)

Semester-Wise D.Litt Syllabus – Year 2 (Semesters III and IV)

D.Litt Course Structure and Teaching Methodology

D.Litt Course Structure – Quick Reference

• Total Semesters: 4 Semesters over 2 Years
• Literary Theory and Practice: Core component covering classical and contemporary literary theory across traditions
• Core Subjects: Mandatory subjects covering foundational humanities and literature disciplines
• Elective Subjects: Optional subjects chosen based on research specialization and supervisor recommendation
• Research Methodology: Dedicated coursework in qualitative and quantitative research methods for humanities
• Dissertation: Major original research thesis submitted in the final semester – the central academic requirement of the entire program

D.Litt Teaching Methodology – Research-Oriented Approach

The Doctor of Literature program uses research-oriented teaching methodologies that prioritize independent scholarly inquiry, critical analysis, and original knowledge creation. These methodologies ensure D.Litt graduates develop the intellectual rigor, analytical depth, and research competency needed for distinguished academic careers at the most senior institutional levels.

Structured Assignments and Independent Research

Assignments on literary theory, historical context, and subject-specific analysis develop critical thinking and research skills progressively throughout all four semesters. In addition, independent research sessions with the assigned faculty supervisor build the scholar’s capacity to work autonomously on complex intellectual problems – a skill essential for both thesis completion and post-doctoral academic leadership.

Thesis, Dissertation and Viva Voce

The D.Litt thesis is the central and most significant component of the entire program. Candidates develop and defend an original scholarly argument through rigorous academic research, representing a genuine contribution to the body of humanities knowledge. As a result, the thesis quality determines both examination outcomes and the scholar’s standing in the academic community for decades following graduation.

Research Seminars and Case Studies

Regular research seminars where scholars present their ongoing work for peer and faculty feedback build academic confidence and sharpen research arguments before the final viva voce defence. Case studies on specific literary works, authors, movements, and cultural phenomena additionally develop analytical skills and critical engagement with primary scholarly sources throughout the program.

Research Internships and Practical Exposure

Internships at universities, literary institutions, national archives, and cultural organizations provide D.Litt students with practical scholarly experience that complements theoretical classroom learning. These internship experiences frequently lead to publications, professional networks, and post-doctoral positions that significantly advance the graduate’s academic career trajectory.

D.Litt Projects – Research Topic Examples 2026

Research projects and the dissertation represent the intellectual heart of the D.Litt degree program. All D.Litt students must complete and submit their original research thesis by the end of the fourth semester. These research contributions advance scholarly knowledge in the humanities and are evaluated by national and international expert examiners to ensure the highest standards of academic quality.

Sample D.Litt Research Topics – Dissertation Examples

• Tense and Aspect in Itu Mbon Uso – A Linguistic Analysis
• Linguistics Analysis of Financial Corruption: A Case Study of Selected Media Articles
• The Effect of Social Media Language on Secondary School Learners of English Language
• The Travails of the African Woman: Feminist Reflections in Contemporary Literature
• Postcolonial Identity and the Politics of Language in Indian English Literature
• Women in Nation Building: A Feminist Study of Contemporary Fiction
• Drama and Ritual Performance in Tribal Cultural Ceremonies
• The Relevance of Oral Folklore in Contemporary Literary Pedagogy
• Dalit Literature and Identity: A Critical Study of Marathi and Hindi Dalit Writing
• Translation Theory and Practice in Indian Regional Language Literatures
• Digital Humanities and the Future of Literary Archiving in India
• Environmental Literature and Ecocriticism in Contemporary Indian Writing

Why Choose Doctor of Literature? – Top Reasons for D.Litt 2026

• Highest Academic Honor in Humanities: The D.Litt represents the ultimate academic achievement in the humanities – a distinction that fewer than 1% of academics across India ever attain. Earning D.Litt permanently places a scholar among the most distinguished intellectuals in their field, opening institutional doors that remain permanently closed to PhD holders alone.
• Diverse and Prestigious Career Opportunities: D.Litt graduates access the most prestigious academic and research positions available – including full professorship at premier universities, research directorship at national institutions, and senior government advisory roles that are practically inaccessible to PhD holders alone.
• Original Knowledge Creation: The D.Litt program challenges candidates to create genuinely new knowledge in their chosen humanities field, contributing lasting scholarly value that influences academic discourse for generations beyond the research period itself.
• High Earning Potential in Academic Sector: The average D.Litt salary in India ranges from INR 10 to INR 30 LPA (INR 65,000–2,50,000+ per month), with senior research and academic leadership roles at premier institutions commanding significantly higher compensation packages than standard PhD-level academic positions.
• Interdisciplinary Research Perspectives: D.Litt programs develop candidates as accomplished academic researchers capable of engaging with diverse interdisciplinary perspectives across literature, cultural theory, philosophy, history, and the arts simultaneously – a breadth of expertise increasingly valued in modern academic institutions.
• Affordable Access to Highest Qualification: Unlike international higher doctorates that cost USD 50,000–200,000, India’s D.Litt programs at government universities cost only INR 43,000–1,90,000 for the complete 2-year program – making it one of the most cost-accessible highest academic qualifications globally.

D.Litt Salary in India – Monthly and Annual Breakdown 2026

D.Litt Salary – Role-Wise Annual Breakdown

Career Options After D.Litt – Complete Guide 2026

Preparation Tips for D.Litt Admission 2026

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly: Candidates must study the entrance exam pattern, section-wise syllabus, question types, and recommended readings well in advance of the application deadline. Different universities have different exam formats – UGC NET pattern differs significantly from university-specific D.Litt entrance tests, so confirm the format for your target institution early.
• Solve Previous Year Papers Systematically: Solving all available previous year D.Litt entrance exam papers reveals recurring question patterns and high-priority topic areas. Analyzing answer keys critically builds deeper subject understanding beyond simple memorization, which is essential for the humanities focus of these examinations.
• Practice Mock Tests Regularly with Timed Conditions: Timed mock test practice builds the speed, accuracy, and examination stamina needed for performing well in the actual entrance examination. Setting progressively shorter time limits during practice improves performance under examination pressure, particularly for lengthy literary theory sections.
• Develop a Strong and Original Research Proposal: Since the research proposal carries decisive weight in the D.Litt selection interview, candidates should invest weeks in developing a compelling, original, and academically rigorous proposal. Seeking feedback from senior academics and mentors before submission significantly improves both quality and competitive standing.
• Strengthen Subject Knowledge Through Recent Academic Reading: Reading recent peer-reviewed journals, scholarly monographs, and academic debates in the chosen humanities discipline ensures candidates demonstrate current scholarly awareness during the interview and research proposal defence. Examiners specifically look for engagement with recent scholarship rather than familiarity with older canonical texts alone.
• Prepare Thoroughly for the Viva Voce and Interview: Practicing oral defence of the research proposal with academic peers or mentors builds the confidence and articulation skills needed for the expert committee interview. Anticipating challenging questions about methodology, literature gaps, and expected original contributions is essential preparation for this stage.

Skills to Excel as a D.Litt Graduate

Higher Education After D.Litt – Advanced Academic Options

As the D.Litt already represents one of the highest academic qualifications available in the humanities, post-D.Litt options focus primarily on career advancement, additional specializations, and professional certifications rather than additional degrees.

MBA After D.Litt – Educational Management and Leadership

A strategic MBA after D.Litt enables graduates to transition into educational management, institutional leadership, academic publishing, and higher education administration with significantly higher salary packages. The combination of D.Litt scholarly credentials and MBA management skills creates exceptionally powerful professional profiles that are rare and highly valued in India’s expanding higher education sector.

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships

Post-doctoral research fellowships at premier institutions like JNU, IITs, and international universities provide D.Litt graduates with the opportunity to continue high-impact research in collaboration with leading academic institutions. These fellowships often lead to prestigious research publications, international scholarly recognition, and pathways to the most senior academic positions at India’s premier universities.

Specialized Diploma Courses in Related Fields

Specialized diploma courses in translation studies, creative writing, digital humanities, or specific regional literary traditions provide focused skill enhancement that complements the broad D.Litt research training. In addition, professional certifications in academic publishing, cultural management, and arts administration create new career pathways beyond traditional academic roles.

PhD for D.Litt Holders Without Prior Doctorate

Candidates who pursued the regular D.Litt directly from a Master’s degree without a PhD may optionally obtain a PhD to strengthen their research credentials for specific institutional requirements or international academic positions. However, since D.Litt is positioned above PhD in most hierarchies, this pathway is only recommended when specific institutional requirements demand both qualifications.

Apply for D.Litt (Doctor of Literature) admission 2026-27 at your preferred government or private university across India. Top D.Litt universities like BHU Varanasi, Delhi University, Mumbai University, Ranchi University, and Bharathiar University Coimbatore have highly competitive admission processes with extremely limited research scholar seats. For free D.Litt college comparison, research proposal guidance, and admission counselling, contact Wing Educations today.

Explore our related guides: PhD Admission 2026-27 | D.Sc Doctor of Science Admission 2026 | M.Phil Admission 2026-27 | UGC NET 2026 Preparation Guide.

FAQs About D.Litt Degree 2026-27 – People Also Ask

Q1: What is D.Litt full form? What is Dilit Degree full form?

D.Litt full form is Doctor of Literature (also called Doctor of Letters). The Dilit degree full form is also Doctor of Literature – Dilit is simply a phonetic spelling variant of D.Litt used in search queries. Other variant spellings include D.Lit, DLitt, D-Litt, Di Lit, Litt.D., D Lt, and Litt D – all referring to the identical highest academic doctorate in the humanities. The formal Latin form is Litt.D. (Litterarum Doctor). The D.Litt full form in Hindi is डॉक्टर ऑफ लिटरेचर (Doctor of Literature) or साहित्य विद्यावारिधि. Some candidates also search “delete degree full form” – this is a voice search phonetic variant of D.Litt, and the answer is Doctor of Literature.

Q2: What is D.Litt degree? What is Dlit? What is Di Lit Degree?

The D.Litt degree (Doctor of Literature) is the highest academic doctorate in the humanities, sitting above a standard PhD at most Indian and international universities. The D.Litt degree in India is awarded in two forms – as a regular 2-year research program (earned D.Litt requiring PG degree with 50% marks) and as an honorary doctorate (Honoris Causa / Dilit Award) conferred on distinguished scholars. What is Dlit? Dlit is an alternate spelling of D.Litt. What is Di Lit Degree? Di Lit degree is another phonetic variant of D.Litt – all refer to the same Doctor of Literature highest humanities doctorate degree.

Q3: Is D.Litt higher than PhD?

Yes, D.Litt is higher than PhD at most Indian and international universities. The PhD is a standard terminal doctoral degree requiring a Master’s degree and a single research thesis across any discipline. The D.Litt, by contrast, is a Higher Doctorate in the humanities requiring either a substantial body of published scholarly work (at premier institutions requiring post-PhD credentials) or a 2-year research program after a PG degree (at select state universities). The D.Litt is to the humanities what the D.Sc. is to the sciences – both are Higher Doctorates positioned above the standard PhD in the academic hierarchy.

Q4: What is D.Litt meaning? What does Litt mean? What is doctor of letters meaning?

The D.Litt meaning is “Doctor of Literature” or “Doctor of Letters.” Litt meaning comes from the Latin word Litterarum, which translates to “Letters” or “Literature” in English. Therefore, D.Litt literally means “Doctor of Letters.” The doctor of letters meaning and doctorate of letters meaning are identical – the highest academic doctorate in humanities disciplines. The DLitt meaning and Dlit meaning are also identical, referring to Doctor of Literature.

Q5: What is D.Litt degree full form in Hindi? (डी लिट फुल फॉर्म) Di Lit Ka Full Form?

The D.Litt degree full form in Hindi is डॉक्टर ऑफ लिटरेचर (Doctor of Literature) or साहित्य विद्यावारिधि. The डी लिट फुल फॉर्म is डॉक्टर ऑफ लिटरेचर. The Di Lit Ka Full Form is also डॉक्टर ऑफ लिटरेचर. The द लिट फुल फॉर्म = डॉक्टर ऑफ लिटरेचर। In Hindi academic tradition, D.Litt represents the highest academic achievement in literature and humanities studies, available at BHU, Delhi University, Mumbai University, Ranchi University, and IGNOU.

Q6: What is the honorary D.Litt degree (Dilit Award)?

The honorary D.Litt degree (also called Honoris Causa D.Litt or Dilit Award at some institutions) is a special form conferred by universities on distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions to literature, arts, social development, or public service – without requiring examination, thesis, or coursework. No formal eligibility criteria apply for honorary recipients. Premier Indian universities like BHU, Delhi University, and Calcutta University have historically conferred honorary D.Litt degrees on eminent scholars, writers, and public figures including Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Q7: How to get D.Litt degree in India?

To get a D.Litt degree in India: (1) Complete PG degree with 50% marks. (2) Complete PhD if applying to institutions treating D.Litt as Higher Doctorate (BHU, DU, Mumbai University). (3) Identify an original research topic in the chosen humanities field. (4) Apply to a UGC-recognized university offering D.Litt. (5) Clear entrance exam (NEE/DEB/UGC/AIU/university specific). (6) Submit research proposal and clear personal interview. (7) Complete 4 semesters of research, submit thesis, and defend in viva voce. (8) Receive D.Litt degree conferment from the university.

Q8: What is D.Litt salary in India per month?

The D.Litt salary per month in India ranges from INR 65,000–1,00,000 at entry level (INR 8–12 LPA annually) to INR 1,65,000–2,50,000+ per month at senior levels (INR 20–30+ LPA annually). Government Professor positions at central universities earn INR 15–25 LPA plus academic allowances under the 7th CPC pay structure. Chief Scientists at national research laboratories earn INR 25–40 LPA. The D.Litt full form salary – meaning the salary that D.Litt holders command – consistently exceeds PhD-level academic salaries due to the higher qualification’s standing in university hierarchies.

Q9: What is the difference between D.Litt and PhD?

The main difference: D.Litt is a Higher Doctorate (above PhD) in the humanities, requiring either a substantial body of published scholarly work or a 2-year research program after PG/PhD. PhD is a standard terminal degree across all disciplines requiring a Master’s degree and single research thesis (3–5 years). D.Litt is rarer (fewer than 1% of academics hold it), more prestigious, commands higher salaries (INR 10–30 LPA vs INR 6–20 LPA), and qualifies holders for the most senior professorial and research director positions unavailable to PhD holders alone.

Q10: What is the D.Litt degree online option?

The D.Litt degree online option is available through IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and select UGC-recognized open universities offering distance or blended-mode doctoral research programs. Candidates must verify UGC recognition at ugc.ac.in before enrolling in any online D.Litt program, since several non-recognized institutions issue academically invalid D.Litt degrees. Only D.Litt degrees from UGC-recognized institutions carry full academic validity for teaching appointments at Indian universities.

Q11: What is D.Litt in theology?

D.Litt in theology is one of the specialized areas where select Indian universities and theological institutions offer higher doctoral programs. Theological seminaries, Christian universities, and certain state universities confer D.Litt degrees in Theology, Biblical Studies, Religious Studies, and Comparative Religion. Eligibility typically requires a PG degree in theology (M.Th or M.Div) with minimum 50% marks. Career options include Professor of Theology, Church leadership, religious research, ecumenical councils, and interfaith dialogue institutions.

Q12: How many years is D.Litt? What is D.Litt degree duration?

The D.Litt degree duration in India is 2 Years (4 Semesters) for regular earned D.Litt research programs at universities like Ranchi University, Bharathiar University, and select state universities. At premier institutions like BHU and Delhi University where D.Litt is awarded as a Higher Doctorate based on published work, there is no fixed duration – evaluation is based on the submitted body of scholarly publications. Honorary D.Litt (Honoris Causa) has no duration requirement as it is a recognition award, not a research program.

Q13: What is D.Litt eligibility? Can I do D.Litt after a Master’s degree?

The D.Litt eligibility requires a minimum Postgraduate (Master’s) degree from a recognized university with 50% aggregate marks. No age limit applies. PhD may be required at premier institutions (BHU, DU) treating D.Litt as a Higher Doctorate. At select state universities like Ranchi University and Bharathiar University, a Master’s degree with 50% marks is sufficient for D.Litt admission without requiring a prior PhD. Research proposal submission and entrance exam clearance are also mandatory for all D.Litt admission pathways.

Q14: Who are famous D.Litt degree holders in India?

Famous D.Litt degree holders in India include Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore (honorary D.Litt from Oxford and multiple institutions), eminent Hindi and Sanskrit scholars at BHU and Allahabad University, distinguished Urdu poets from Jamia Millia Islamia and AMU, prominent regional language writers honored by Bharathiar University and Jadavpur University, and senior professors at Delhi University, Calcutta University, and Mumbai University. The earned D.Litt is held by a small, elite group of senior research scholars who represent the pinnacle of humanities scholarship in India.