Deep Continental Studies (DCS) in India have a deep rooted traditional foundation illustrated by one of the earliest scientific documentation of lithospheric characteristics enshrined in the absolute gravity measurements in 1865' that strengthened the then emerging concept of isostasy. However, organised DCS programmes by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) started as a part of the Himalayan Seismicity Programme in 198 1, almost coinciding with the launching of the CRUMANSONATA project of the Geological Survey of India, reflecting the national awareness for the need to channelise researches in a systematic manner. Deep Continental Studies programmes were later placed under a sub-committee and then in the ambience of a separate Programme Advisory and Monitoring Committee (PAMC) in 1985. The DST is playing a pro-active role in bringing together several research organizations and scientists whose researches are overviewed by the PAMC.

We are backed in our current efforts to understand the deep continental structure by fairly well documented large scale geological maps; a deep insight into the gravity field of the Indian lithosphere; and a first order estimate of the velocity structure of fairly high resolution, established along some 21 DSS profiles,including one across the Himalaya and there across the lndian. Interpretation of teleseismic data, collected through several nationally built and recently upgraded seismological stations, using both body and surface waves have further enhanced our knowledge of the velocity structure of lithosphere, on the one hand and the seismic response of different parts to the varying patterns of stress build up on the other. Seismic tomography has established deep continental roots deep down to >300 km in South Indian Shield and is being extended into other parts of the Indian lithosphere. A wealth of aero-magnetic data awaits interpretation of deep structure of the magnetic crust and have been partly interpreted. MAGSAT data have also been processed and interpreted in terms of geology of the Indian lithosphere. Paiaeomagnetic and magnetostratigraphic studies have been taken up in critical areas covering both volcanic provinces and sedimentary basins. Studies on Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) are being taken up in some select Precambrian terrains. Facilities for High Ptessure-Temperature Experiments are set up at the National Centre of Experimental Minerology and Petrology in the university of Allahabad