A research institution founded on 16 February 1946 in Bombay, India under the patronage of the third Aga Khan, Sultan Muhammad Shah(1294-1376/1877-1957), the 48th imam of the Nizari lsmailis. Its primary objective, according to the charter, has been the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with Ismailism with the stated policy of refraining from all religio-political missionary activities.
Co-Director and Head of the Department of Academic Research and Publications
An authority in Shi'i studies, with special reference to its Ismaili tradition, Dr. Daftary has published and lectured widely in these fields of Islamic studies. In 2011 a Festschrift entitled Fortresses of the Intellect was produced to honour Dr. Daftary by a number of his colleagues and peers.