Studies on Jain Art and Architecture are extremely crucial: Prof. Kumud Kanitkar

Pune, 4th September 2024: The Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Pune organised The First National Annual Research Seminar on Jain Art, Architecture and Archaeology under the aegis of Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology on 31st August 2024. Around 17 research papers on various aspects of Jainism focusing on Art, Architecture, Iconography, Narratives, Recent Explorations and Textual Traditions were presented by scholars coming from various parts of the country. Around 150 participants came from Pune and other cities to attend the seminar.

Prof. Pramod Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College chaired the inaugural function and explained about the activities being undertaken by the Chair for Jain Archaeology. Eminent art-historian Prof. Kumud Kanitkar spoke on the Jain Architectural and Sculptural Remains in Maharashtra and expressed a strong need for undertaking studies related to Jain Art, Architecture and Archaeology. She during her lecture encouraged young scholars to go deeper into every minute aspect for getting the best research outcome. Guest of Honour, Dr. Shrinetra Pandey, Director of International School for Jain Studies, highlighted the importance of such academic activities and conveyed his wishes for the auspicious Paryushan Parv. Prof. P. D. Sabale gave the welcome address. Dr. Shrikant Ganvir, Coordinator of the Seminar and of Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Archaeology, gave the introductory speech. Four technical sessions covering multiple aspects of Jain studies were chaired by eminent scholars like Dr. Shubha Majumder, Superintending Archaeologist, Mumbai Circle, ASI; Dr. Shrikant Pradhan, Visiting Faculty at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and Dr. Rajashree Mohadikar, Former Faculty, Department of Sanskrit and Prakrit. The audience interacted with scholars on the topics presented by them during the question-and-answer sessions. Scholars and students of colleges and universities from the states of Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan participated in the seminar.

The valedictory function was graced by Prof. Prasad Joshi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College. Prof. Ashok Kumar Singh, Former Professor, B L Institute of Indology and Research Associate at International School for Jain Studies, spoke as the guest of honour, where he appreciated the efforts put in by the presenters for bringing original researches to the floor. Prof. Shahida Ansari, Head, Department of AIHC and Archaeology, and convenor of the seminar expressed her appreciation for the new generation’s zeal for enquiring about the past. Gopal Joge presented the academic report of the seminar and highlighted the key outcomes of the research papers that were read. Dr. Shrikant Ganvir presented vote of thanks and applauded the efforts put in by the advisory, organising and volunteering committees for the successful organisation of this seminar. An abstract book and a momento with inscription from Pale Jain Cave were given to all participants as souvenir. Oshin Bamb did the comparing for the programme. The Seminar was well received by the audience and was thus successful in disseminating knowledge on Jain Studies to the academicians as well as the commoners.