The article is devoted to the study of the philosophical heritage of India and China at St. Petersburg University and researchers-graduates of the University who conducted their research at the University and other academic institutions. The article examines the period from the second half of the XIX century to the beginning of the XXI century and notes the changes that took place in the approaches to the study of philosophy of India and China during the early and late XX century. Special attention is paid to the revival of the study of the philosophical heritage of India and China during the late USSR and the post-Soviet period.