Dr. Indira Malapaka is a distinguished scholar specializing in Epigraphy, Manuscriptology, and Ancient Indian Culture. She currently serves as the Director (Manuscripts) at Sanaathan Jeevan Trust and is the Centre Coordinator for Gyan Bharatam under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Dr. Malapaka holds a Ph.D. from S.V. University, where her seminal research focused on Telugu Inscriptions in Karnataka, providing a comprehensive socio-cultural study of regional historical records. She recently completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Pondicherry University, focusing on the representation of women in South Indian art. A prolific researcher, she has authored six books; including Telugu Inscriptions in Karnataka – A Cultural Study (2025) and published over 25 papers in national and international journals.

Beyond her research, she holds significant leadership roles as the Head of the Dakshi Council for Historical Research in New Delhi and an Advisory Board Member for its flagship publication. She also serves as the Editor for the International Dakshi Journal for Multidisciplinary Research in Indian Knowledge Systems (IDJMRIKS). A recognized expert in script decipherment, she is a regular resource person for the National Manuscript Mission and a recipient of the State Level Pratibha award and 2025 Maharshi Patanjali Best Researcher Award. In addition to her ongoing research, she compiled the authoritative Conservation Manual for the Gyan Bharatam Mission, establishing standardized protocols for the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.