About us

Located at the crossroads of South Asia and Central Asia, facing southwards from the Hindukush into the Indian sub-continent and looks down northwards into India’s extended neighbourhood.

Afghanistan’s political geography has left a deep imprint not only on the regional geo-political calculus but is also mirrored in its diverse and complex socio-cultural tapestry.

Traditionally the India has had deep civilizational links with Afghanistan. The change in political geography of the region with the 1947 partition notwithstanding, India has maintained good political relations with the Afghan state. The only aberration thus far being the period of Taliban rule (1996-2001). India’s engagement with the country was stepped up after 2001 with the aim of contributing to international efforts to bring peace, stability and eventually resuscitating the country as a bridge between South and Central Asia.

However intensified political and diplomatic engagement has not translated into a deeper socio-anthropological understanding of Afghan society, essential to evolving a sound policy prognosis.

The Centre for Afghanistan Studies (CAS) through its research intends to provide a window into complex yet fascinating dynamics shaping socio-cultural, geo-political and economic landscape of Afghanistan. CAS would contribute to cutting edge, policy oriented research on Afghanistan and its implications for the region at large. It would also provide a platform for collaborative exchange programs and transmission of knowledge to students and scholars.

Vision

The Centre for Afghanistan Studies (CAS) envisions itself as a leading academic hub for the systematic study of Afghanistan and its wider regional setting. It seeks to advance informed, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant scholarship on Afghanistan’s political structures, historical development, and socio-cultural dynamics.

CAS aims to move beyond conflict-based interpretations by examining Afghanistan as a civilisational intersection linking South, Central, and West Asia. The Centre’s work focuses on understanding how historical continuities, cultural exchange, and social resilience have shaped Afghanistan’s identity and its interactions within the region.

Within Jindal Global University, CAS aspires to cultivate a community of scholars and students engaged in rigorous and contextually grounded research. The Centre aims to enhance a more thorough and equitable comprehension of Afghanistan within regional and worldwide academic discussions by integrating scholarly investigation with critical debate and documentation.

Missions

The Centre for Afghanistan Studies (CAS) aims to promote an extensive and interdisciplinary comprehension of Afghanistan: its politics, society, and culture, and their influence on the broader South, Central, and West Asian regions.

  • Reconceptualising the Discussion: Shift from conflict-focused narratives to emphasise Afghanistan’s persistent cultural, linguistic, and historical continuities, while contextualising it within wider civilisational connections across Asia.
  • Promoting Research and Knowledge Dissemination: Conduct comprehensive, policy-oriented research across various disciplines, including history, politics, economics, anthropology, and cultural studies, while acting as a conduit for knowledge among scholars and students within JGU and beyond.
  • Foster Cultural Understanding: Promote artistic, literary, and linguistic collaborations that highlight Afghanistan’s role as a historical meeting point of civilisations, bridging the Gandharan, Persian, and Indic worlds.
  • Facilitating Policy and dialogue: Produce informed academic analysis to assess regional policy and peacebuilding efforts, and promote ongoing dialogue via conferences, publications, and cultural collaborations focused on identity, migration, and reconstruction.

Initiatives

Internship Programme

The CAS offers internship opportunities to all students of JGU with academic backgrounds in history, law, political science, international relations and public policy. These internships are designed to provide students with practical experience through a range of activities such as training sessions, workshops and conferences.

Dāstan

Dāstan functions as a professional platform dedicated to the discussion and exchange of ideas. This research initiative aligns with the vision of the CAS, highlighting the significance of scholarly collaboration across societies and disciplines. We invite early-career researchers, students, and academic professionals to contribute analytical perspectives on recent developments in Afghanistan and the surrounding region, with a focus on areas such as society, culture, security, foreign policy, gender, education, etc.

Scholarly Engagement

CAS consistently invites distinguished experts and professionals to engage deeply with the core themes of Afghanistan’s politics, society, and culture, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping regional geostrategic dynamics. Through these scholarly interactions with interns and JGU students, CAS fosters a dynamic environment of collaborative research and knowledge exchange. This facilitates meaningful student participation, enriching their educational experience while promoting regional exploration and greater academic engagement.

Cultural Events

We regularly organise cultural events that celebrate Afghanistan’s rich heritage, inspiring cross-cultural dialogue and deepening appreciation for its timeless traditions among scholars and the community. Events include Nowruz celebrations, marking the Afghan New Year and spring’s arrival, symbolising renewal, rebirth, and the Afghan food stalls event showcased traditional culinary delights, offering attendees a taste of regional flavours and cultural warmth. These initiative fosters cultural preservation and engagement, strengthening appreciation for Afghanistan’s historical and artistic legacy within and beyond the scholarly community.

Academic Exercises

CAS enriches student learning through a diverse range of academic events led by distinguished professionals. These include simulation exercises, conferences, expert lectures, and workshops designed to deepen understanding of Afghanistan’s political, social, and cultural dynamics. By actively involving students in these interactive formats, CAS promotes critical thinking, practical skills, and collaborative research.

YouTube and Podcast Series

CAS actively engages its audience through a dynamic YouTube and podcast series, featuring expert discussions, in-depth analyses, and interviews with prominent scholars and policymakers. These digital platforms provide accessible and timely insights into Afghanistan’s evolving political, social, and geopolitical landscape. By leveraging multimedia formats, CAS fosters an informed community around key regional issues and academic research.

Sociocultural Mobility

CAS promotes sociocultural mobility and holistic learning through active collaborations with organisations such as the Simurgh Centre, Apna Ghar Initiative, etc. These partnerships go beyond academic study to foster deeper cultural understanding and exchange among interns and the Afghan people. By engaging in joint projects, cultural workshops, and community-based programs, CAS facilitates immersive experiences that enhance empathy, social awareness, and regional connectivity.

Projects and Reports

CAS undertakes significant projects to deepen understanding of Afghanistan’s socio-political landscape and contribute to policy-relevant research into areas such as school education in Faryab, Afghanistan, which was executed in collaboration with Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA) and “Khanabadosh: Experiences and Implications of Afghan Refugees in India,” which was supported by a grant from JGU’s Research Committee.. Through these projects, CAS actively engages in rigorous, interdisciplinary research that addresses on-ground realities, fostering academic scholarship and informing public policy on Afghanistan and its diaspora.