The work-flow of Jnana-Pravaha in the academic year 1999-2000 (from August 1999 to July 2000) displays a rising graph of accomplishments. The success is due to the grace of Lord Vishvanatha and Ganga Ma who have motivated the saints, scholars, students, distinguished guests and organizations to lend their kind co-operation in multiple ways.
1. EVENTS
1.1 Kala-Mandapa
The opening of Kala-Mandapa (Art Pavilion) in the beginning of the Academic Session on 1st August 1999 at Jnana-Pravaha, opened a new chapter in the history of Varanasi, vibrating with the cultural ethos of India. It nicely fulfils the aim of the Institute, which is engaged in salvaging, promoting and fructifying different aspects of Indian art and culture.
The Kala-Mandapa presents some important specimens from the collection of Shri Suresh Neotia, an art connoisseur of repute and Chairman, Jnana-Pravaha Trust. Though small, it gives a bird's eye view of several major schools and sub-styles of Indian miniature paintings. These include Pala, Western Indian, Mughal, Mewar, Bundi, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Jaipur, Pahari (including Guler, Kangra) and Company. Nepal is represented by a Mandala Tanka and book-covers with miniatures. On the other hand, Tibet is introduced by a beautiful Tanka with a Buddhist saint.
Beside paper, palm-leaves, parchment (charba), ivory, cloth, wood, mica, etc. have also been used. Chronologically, the exhibits range from circa 11th century to the early 20th century. Some of the painted wood-covers (patalis) used for safe keeping of the illustrated manuscripts are quite interesting. In one case, the script is early but the illustrations were made after a gap of about three hundred years. In another case, the painting does not follow the scheme of calligraphy, being upside down. The real purpose of such illustrations remains obscure although different interpretations have been offered. Like other works, the painters in most of the cases are anonymous, but we do find the name of an artist in our collection and he is Muhammad from Bikaner.
The subject matter varies from religious themes to garden party, sports, portraits, hunting and battle scenes, heroes and heroines (naykiabheda), musical modes (raga-raginis), festivals, ceremonies, etc.
While some paintings are of high aesthetic merit, the others are important for their style and rarity. A few miniatures and manuscripts being dated, assume historical value. The Sadhanamala sketchbook, in the showcase, is of unique significance. Similarly, the voluminous illustrated book prepared in folk-style in 1736 CE at Varanasi, is perhaps the earliest citation of miniature painting tradition of Banaras and as such it is or vital importance for the reconstruction of the regional history of miniature paintings.
The Kala-Mandapa was inaugurated jointly by two stalwarts, Padmabhushana Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra and noted art historian Padmashri Shri Jagdish Mittal who also delivered an illustrated lecture on the Deccani Painting Scrolls. Prof. Anand Krishna, an eminent scholar, helped in classifying the objects. The Kala-Mandapa is to be enlarged , housing a variety of artifacts like terracottas, sculptures, decorative and folk specimens when the new building is ready for commission.
1.2 Shastrartha (Academic Debate)
This annual feature stands for generating more interest in the scholarly pursuits and eloquence. The event was the recreation of the discussion held between Bandi and Ashtavakra in the court of king Janaka.
The episode occurs in the 134th chapter of Vanaparva of the great epic Mahabharata. Accordingly, Ashtavakra was born to Sujata, the daughter of sage Uddalaka. He was cursed by his father Kahoda when he was still in womb and was born with uneven limbs. Kahoda was defeated in a debate by Bandi who was the chief Pandita of king Janaka. When Ashtavakra came to know about the defeat of his father he proceeded for discussion with Bandi.
The young boy of twelve, Ashtavakra, had to cross several hurdles of servants, door-keepers and scholars but he subdued them by his eloquence and depth of knowledge. Even the king was bewildered to mark the blissful learning of the young guest and he permitted the discussion between Bandi and Ashtavakra.
The debate began with numerical figure from one and continued up to thirteen when Bandi stopped and his opponent Ashtavakra completed the verse. Bandi accepted the defeat and released the scholars who were earlier defeated by him. Thus the father of Ashtavakra, Kahoda also appeared.
A young student of Sarvabhauma Sanskrit Sansthana, Shri Rajeev Kumar Pandey presented himself in a forceful action of Ashtavakra while Dr. Sukumar Chattopadhyaya, Senior Research Officer of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts appeared as Bandi. From the same Institution was Dr. (Miss) Pranati Ghosal who responded to a number of questions relating to the contents of the debate.
Mahamahopadhyaya Prof. Sita Ram Shastri acting as king Janaka gave an in-depth analysis of this classical debate. He was flanked by two other eminent scholars Dr. Nilkanth Purushottam Joshi and Pt. Hemendra Nath Chakravarty.
The chief characteristic of the event was the rendering of poetic Hindi version of the entire episode by Dr. Kamla Pandey, Head of Sanskrit Department in the Vasant Girls Degree College.
The debate (Shastrartha) was planned and commented upon by Prof. R.C. Sharma, Hon. Director/Acharya, Jnana-Pravaha, while Smt. Bimla Poddar welcoming the guests aspired for more such events to disseminate the message and spirit of Indian Culture.
1.3 Exhibition
A photographic exhibition on the Life and Works of James Prinsep was put up in collaboration with the Indian Museum, Calcutta. It coincided with the bi-centenary celebration of James Prinsep in the last week of November 1999. He was born on 20th August 1799 at Essex in England, reached Calcutta in 1819, came to Varanasi from Calcutta in 1820 and returned to England in 1838, where he died on 22nd April 1840.
2. SEMINARS
2.1 Yogavasishtha
The academic year commenced with a three-day colloquial on the Philosophy of Yogavasishtha. It was commenced in the collaboration of the University of Hawaii, USA from 1st to 3rd August 1999. The Yogavasishtha is a huge Sanskrit work of about thirty-two thousand verses mainly propounding the Vedantic thought with Buddhist impact. At the same time, it incorporates useful material on aesthetics, art and iconography. The text has been presented in the form of questions posed by Rama and answers given by sage Vasishtha by way of story narration.
The seminar was opened by Rev. Prof. S. Rinpoche, Director, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, who also spoke on Yogacara and Relevance of Yogavasishtha as per Buddhist Thought. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Arindam Chakrabarti of the University of Hawaii.
The other participants and their subjects of discussion were : Prof. K.D. Tripathi - Aesthetics, Body, Vital Breath and Speech, Prof. D.K. Rai - Quantum Phenomenon, Prof. R.R. Pandey - Svapna (dream) Satya (truth), Prof. K.N. Tripathi - Jagadanantya (the position of Universe), Prof. K.N. Mishra - Jivanamukta (Liberated Soul), Prof. R.C. Sharma - Art and Iconography, and Dr. Pranati Ghosal - Paurusha (Endeavour).
The sessions were chaired by Rev. Prof. S. Rinpoche, Prof. Sita Ram Shastri, Prof. K.N. Mishra, Prof. Arindam Chakrabarti, Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta and Prof. Anand Krishna. Padmabhushana Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra delivered the Valedictory Address.
2.2 Kalidasa-Parva - Raghuvamsham
Kalidasa-Parva is the annual feature of the Institute and it purports to highlight the merits and contribution of this great Sanskrit poet and dramatist. It has been decided to focus attention on any one work and to appreciate its virtues. This year the Raghuvamsham was taken up for a two-day symposium held on 24th-25th October 1999. The next academic session will discuss the Malavikagnimitram.
Prof. R. Venkatachalam, Former Vice-Chancellor, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, in his Keynote Address observed that the works of Kalidasa are not to be confined to the Sanskritists only but all must taste the nectar of his speech which belongs to the entire nation.
Prof. Rewa Prasad Dwivedi, a well known writer on the works of Kalidasa, opined that Raghuvamsha is the outstanding treatise of the great poet and canto second is the best part of the epic. Raghu means speed, as the chariot of this Emperor could move everywhere whether earth, water or air. Raghu, therefore, symbolizes a man of forward and advance thinking.
Acharya Vayu Nandan Pandey viewed that Raghuvamsha denotes the duties of a noble king for the welfare of his subjects. The kings of the Raghuvamsha ensured safety, security, well-being and education of people.
Prof. Sita Ram Shastri drew attention on the nice proverbs used or introduced by Kalidasa, particularly in the Raghuvamsha. These sayings contain evergreen truth and beautiful exposition of human emotions.
Dr. Kamla Pandey, author of Rakshata Gangam, highlighted the forest life led by seers, sages and students who protected nature and kings followed them. We have to derive inspiration from this poet of nature to safeguard ourselves from pollution. She also recited the verses from Raghuvamsham.
Prof. Trinath Sharma surveyed the ideals of social order which hold good even today. Prof. Anand Krishna drew attention on a number of art motifs, which appear in the works of Kalidasa and particularly Raghuvamsha. The Director and Acharya of the Institute Prof. R.C. Sharma interpreted ten names or adjectives of lion as appeared in the second canto. Dr. Kapil Dev Pandey discussing the social theme of Raghuvamsha observed that the epic should not be considered just the narration of deeds of twenty-eight or twenty-nice kings, it actually presents the glimpses of textures of the Indian society.
Those who participated in discussion include Prof. V. Venkatachalam, Prof. Rewa Prasad Dwivedi, Prof. Trinath Sharma and Dr. N.C. Panda. Dr. Kapil Dev Pandey paid tributes to late Prof. K.N. Mishra through his Sanskrit verses as the two-day programme was dedicated to him. Prof. Sita Ram Shastri presiding over the session appreciated the dedication of the Institution for preserving and presenting Indian culture in the right perspective.
2.3 Ganga - Our Lifeline
A day-long seminar Ganga - Our Lifeline was held in collaboration with the Ganga Mahotsava Samiti on 21st November 1999 in which the views were presented on the importance of Ganga, its high place in Indian traditions and culture, its purity, utility, hygienic standard and the causes of pollution including the ways and means for restoring its early glory. Those who participated were Prof. Sita Ram Shastri, Prof. Anand Krishna, Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta, Dr. Rana P.B. Singh, Dr. Ratnesh Verma, Miss Irma Schotsman, Prof. V.B. Mishra, Prof. H.L. Maheshwari, Prof. Bettina Baumer, Shri Kranti Kumar, Shri R.S. Singh, Shri S.K. Mishra from Youngston, USA and Prof. R.C. Sharma. Dr. Kamla Pandey recited the Ganga prayers from her book. Smt. Bimla Poddar, Managing Trustee welcomed all. The seminar concluded with Ganga Arati and Dipadana in the evening.
2.4 James Prinsep
An epoch making academic event of the last academic year was the holding of a two-day seminar on James Prinsep and His Heritage on 25th-26th November 1999 coinciding with the bi-centenary of the illustrious scientist and Orientalist. Rich tributes were paid for his multiple monumental contribution in different fields and his genuine love for Varanasi.
Celebrations began with a brilliant Keynote Address by Prof. B.N. Mukherjee, a noted Indologist from Calcutta. He surveyed multiple aspects of the personality of James Prinsep who created many firsts. Basically he was a scientist and analyzed everything scientifically, whether it was technical discovery or Oriental learning. This scientific approach of studies was a big contribution to India. Prinsep invented several scientific instruments like accurate balance, heat measuring equipment and printing press machinery in India.
As Orientalist Prinsep discovered several names of important rulers through coins like Kanishka, Wema Kadphises and several Indo-Bactrian rulers as Antiochas. The earliest currency of India was named by him as "Punch Marked" and this continues to date. The biggest contribution of Prinsep was the decipherment of the Ashokan Brahmi. We would not have known Ashoka if James Prinsep had not unfolded the mystery of the Ashokan Brahmi. Prof. Mukherjee termed him as the best flower in the garden of Oriental learning.
The function started with the invocation of Ravindra Sangeet by Dr. Pranati Ghosal and offering of flowers on the Ganga-kalasha by Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra and lighting of lamp by Prof. Mukherjee. Smt. Bimla Poddar, Founder Trustee, Jnana-Pravaha in her welcome speech assured all possible help in the cultural studies.
Dr. B.S. Mehta highlighted the excellent contribution of Prinsep to the city of Varanasi, particularly in making bridges and erection of building and repairs of monuments. His book of sketches is an accurate and scientific document.
Prof. R.C. Sharma, Director of the Institute, conducting the programme advocated for the need of study of early scripts if the Oriental studies have to be kept alive and in this direction we must follow the footprints of Prinsep.
The special feature of the bi-centenary celebration was the commencement of three-week special course on Early and Obscure Scripts. Thirty-three participants attended this camp from Varanasi and outside.
Prof. Edward Ambrose of the New York State Independent College, inaugurated the special exhibition on the Life and Works of James Prinsep. It was organized jointly by the Indian Museum, Kolkata and Jnana-Pravaha.
Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra, presiding over the function, recalled the great services of several scholars for Kashi and Prinsep was the foremost.
2.5. Pilgrimage and Tourism
A National Seminar on Pilgrimage and Tourism was organized in collaboration with the Department of Art History and Tourism, Banaras Hindu University on 18th December 1999. This was participated by several scholars and tourist trade managers who presented their papers/views on various aspects of pilgrimage tourism, planning, problems and solutions. Prof. J.P. Singh from the Nehu University spoke on Kamakhya Temple, Engineer Madan Mohan Srivastava on Importance of Railways in Development of Tourism, Shri Puneet Gautam on Social, Family, Political and Religious Factors, Shri Ravindra Singh on the Role of Panda and Tourist Guide, Dr. R.C. Shukla on Shakta Spots between Prayag and Varanasi, Dr. M.N.P. Tiwari on Jaina Holy Places, Shri Sachin Vishnoi on Varanasi Tourism and its Negative Factors, Dr. Mani Shankar Shukla on New Vision for Tourism, Prof. R.C. Sharma on Some Fundamentals of Pilgrimage Tourism. Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta and Dr. Kamal Giri chaired the sessions and Dr. D.B. Pandey, Head, Department of History of Arts, BHU conducted the seminar.
2.6 The Eras
On the first day of the year, 1st January 2000, a symposium was organized to discuss Eras and their Use. Prof. Anand Krishna enumerated the Eras in Different Regions and Traditions. Dr. Ramji Pandey spoke on Kali Samvat. Dr. Gopal Shastri Karkhedkar on Reckoning. Dr. Kamlesh Jain on Jaina View of Counting Time. Dr. M.S. Shukla on Shaka and Kushana. Prof. R.C. Sharma on the Controversy of Era and Art Style. Dr. B.S. Mehta on Christian Era and also on views expressed by late M.M. Gopinath Kaviraj on eras. Prof. Vibha Tripathi presided over the symposium.
2.7 Shilpa Texts
An important seminar on the Studies of Shilpa Texts was organized on 27th February 2000 in collaboration with the Department of Art History, Banaras Hindu University in its Golden Jubilee Year. While presenting the papers the emphasis was laid on the study of Shilpa texts for interpreting the art and architecture of India. The presentations surveyed a good number of Sanskrit treatise and the technical terms contained therein.
Prof. Anand Krishna gave observations on the Vishnudharmottara Purana and explained the harmony of music, painting and dance. Some terms like bhulamba have not been explained so far.
Prof. Bettina Baumer highlighted the architectural terminology of Orissan temples in the context of Kailasa and Meru, of which earlier stands for Shiva like Lingaraja and the latter for Vaishnava temple like Jagannatha. In her opinion the temple of Rajarani, known for its sculptural beauty originally contained Shriyantra for worship and this can be proved by textual references as well as the architectural scheme and different components.
Dr. Ranjana Srivastava of Faculty of Music, BHU in her demonstration lecture compared different postures of dance with their renderings in visual arts. Dr. Deena Bandhu Pandey spoke on measurements and their significance (Tala-Mana) as discussed in the Shilpa texts.
The first session was chaired by the renowned art historian from Orissa Dr. Deena Nath Pathy.
The second session was presided over by the well known Sanskrit scholar Prof. Reva Prasad Dwivedi. Prof. R.C. Sharma made a comprehensive study of the term akriti (form) and its sixty layers of meaning from the Vedic age to the Medieval Indian literature. Prof. C.S. Upasak traced the importance and history of Buddhist art and Buddhist texts like Sadhanamala and Yoganispannavali.
The symposium began with the welcome address by Smt. Bimla Poddar, and concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Kamal Giri. Dr. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari of History of Arts conducted both the sessions.
2.8 Shaiva Concept in Vayu Purana
The two-day seminar on Shaiva Concept in Vayu Purana was held on 25th-26th March 2000. In his Keynote Address Padmabhushana Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra opined that the Puranas explain the complex philosophy of India in the simple language for the benefit of the common people. He further viewed that studies of Puranas suffered a set-back due to ignorance of people and under criticism from West. He unfolded the mystery of some of the stories of Purana. Prof. K.D. Tripathi of the Banaras Hindu University observed that some of the episodes of Puranas are alive in the Indian folk-lores although even the scholars have forgotten them. He said that the Puranas serve as encyclopedia of Indian thought.
In the second session Dr. Ganga Sagar Rai, introducing the contents of the Vayu Purana, said that it is an important treatise among the early and eighteen Mahapuranas and must have been composed between the Guptas and Harsha. Dr. Kapil Dev Pandey comparing the Vedic texts with Vayu Purana thought that Rudra of Vedas is Shiva of Puranas. Dr. H.R. Sharma highlighted the Vedic conventions as followed by the Vayu Purana and remarked that Shiva incarnated himself in the form of vowels. Chairing the session Prof. Sita Ram Shastri pointed out that there is no problem of textual controversy in Vedas and the Puranas should be accepted as their commentaries.
In the third session, Dr. I. Panduranga Rao from Delhi compared the Vedic Shrirudram with Vishnusahasranama and Vayu Purana. He observed that the Vayu Purana is also called Ayu Purana because its propagator was Vayu (god of wind) who is also known as Jagadayu. Dr. Shitala Prasad Shukla presented his paper on the Geography in the Vayu Purana and also discussed some modern space researches in this context. Dr. B.S. Mehta was in Chair.
In the fourth session, Dr. Ramji Pandey of BHU highlighted the Concept of Cosmology, i.e. the creation of universe and its dissolution as per Vayu Purana. Dr. K.K. Sharma presented a paper on the Pashupatayoga in the Vayu Purana and analyzed the terms like pranayama (breath control), dhyana (meditation), pratyahara (receding), dharana (grasp) and smarana (memory). Prof. R.C. Sharma presented his paper on the Gleanings of Iconography in the Vayu Purana and highlighted several new and rare features. The session was presided over by Prof. K.D. Tripathi.
The fifth session began with Dr. B.S. Mehta's presentation of an ambitious project of a Shaiva Museum at Varanasi. Dr. Deena Bandhu Pandey of BHU explained the architectural details of house planning and also traced Vedic and Prehistoric glimpses in the Vayu Purana. Prof. Ram Chandra Pandey spoke on the Space Science as Revealed in the Vayu Purana and observed that even the modern science is not able to unfold the mystery of cosmic dust (rajovarshana). Dr. Ganga Sagar Rai commented on the devotional aspect (Shivabhakti) in the Vayu Purana. Dr. K.K. Sharma presided over the session.
In his concluding remarks Prof. K.D. Tripathi, Coordinator, felt the necessity of organizing more seminars to project the rich contents of the Puranic literature. In the beginning, Smt. Bimla Poddar, Founder of Jnana-Pravaha, welcoming the scholars stressed upon the need for explaining some of the complex Puranic narrations on which the new generation puts interrogation mark. Prof. R.C. Sharma presenting the vote of thanks informed about the future events of the Institute.
2.9 Radiance of Kashi : Jaina Contribution to Varanasi
Radiance of Kashi is the annual feature of Jnana-Pravaha and this year the subject of the two-day seminar was Jaina Contribution to Varanasi, held on 11th-12th March 2000. The Jainism has contributed enormously in the glory of Varanasi as corroborated by literature, sacred places, archaeological remains and other traditions. This was highlighted well in the two-day seminar on Jaina Contribution to Kashi. In his Keynote Address, Shri Kranti Kumar, Coordinator of seminar and Chairman of Triratna Trust, surveyed the association of Jainism with Varanasi and discussed a number of important features and innovations.
Dr. Deena Bandhu Pandey of Banaras Hindu University presented a paper on the role of the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha particularly in the light of the fact that he was the first historical Jina and was born at Varanasi. Dr. S.S. Sinha surveyed the Jaina sculptures recovered from Sarnath but remained rather ignored in the Museum.
Dr. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari presided over the 1st session. Earlier, Smt. Bimla Poddar, Founder of Jnana-Pravaha and Dr. B.S. Mehta, Member, Governing Council, welcomed and felicitated the guest speakers.
The following day Dr. Kamlesh Jain presented his paper on the contribution of Yasho-Vijaya of the 17th century. He wrote seventy books including the detailed commentary on Syadvada. Dr. Jain also introduced several Jain institutes and study of Jainology in Varanasi. Dr. Phool Chandra Jain Premi's article drew the attention on four Tirthankaras of Varanasi, viz. Suparshva, Parshva, Shreyansh and Chandraprabha. Chairing the session, Prof. Anand Krishna pointed out the role of Syadvada Vidyalaya in the Freedom fight.
Shri Sharad Kumar Sadhak observed that the Tirthankaras preached for elevating the human society with noble deeds. He traced the background of Jainism and gradual development through ages. In earlier phase the sainthood dominated and later it was replaced by valour (virata). Shri B.B. Sharma, Director, Door Dharshan, who was in the Chair appreciated the role of Jaina saints and scholars in Indian culture.
In between, the 'Ramanavami' was celebrated by reciting the verses from the Valmiki Ramayana and the Paumachariyam of Vimala Suri. Smt. Bimla Poddar recited the prayer with music.
In the fourth session, Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta spoke on the tradition of four Tirthankaras of Kashi. Shri Munni Babu Jain paid his homage to Jinendravarniji, great scholar and saint of Varanasi. Shri Jamuna Lal introduced another scholar Shri Banarasi Das, who as a poet presented poetic translation of the Samayasara. He cemented the unity of Muslims and Hindus. Prof. R.C. Sharma, in his observation on a number of issues related with Jaina traditions and antiquity of Varanasi, opined that Varanasi may not be considered as birth place of the seventh Jina Suparshva and Mathura seems to have a better claim.
Dr. M.N.P. Tiwari gave an illustrated lecture on the Jaina sculptures from Varanasi region and highlighted some features as umbrella, personified attributes and palm tree with Neminatha. Dr. Kamal Giri chaired the session. Extending the vote of thanks, Prof. R.C. Sharma suggested for early documentation of the scattered and uncared sculptures in Varanasi.
3. LECTURES
During the period under review, a good number of lectures was organized in the Institution. The names of the learned speakers and their subjects of deliberations are as under:
Chamba Painters by Dr. Eberhard Fisher, Zurich (24.09.1999)
Rasa and Ananda - A Visual Discovery by Dr. Rashmi Poddar, Mumbai (06.10.1999)
Ganga and Environment by Prof. Veer Bhadra Mishra (30.10.1999)
Mexico Through Visuals by Ms. Gracula Iturbide through I.C.C.R. (02.11.1999)
Cultural Tourism of Vraja Region (two lectures) by Prof. R.C. Sharma (16-17.11.1999)
A Preface to Shri Aurobindo's Integral Vision of Life by Dr. H.L. Meheshwari, Pondicherry (18.11.1999)
Sharada Script by Dr. Deena Bandhu Pandey (09.12.1999)
Ajanta and Its Glory by Prof. R.C. Sharma (18.01.2000)
Mughal Carpets by Dr. Shyamali Das, Shantiniketan (04.02.2000)
New Light on Mughal Architecture through Fatehpur Sikri Excavation by Shri Muhammed K.K., Patna (06.02.2000)
Pilgrimage to Kailasa Manasarovara - An Experience by Prof. Bettina Baumer (28.02.2000)
Anushthana Aur Sankalpa - Unaka Rahasya (in Hindi) by Dr. Nilkanth Purushottam Joshi (18.03.2000)
Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda (three lectures in Hindi) by Dr. I. Panduranga Rao (27-29.03.2000)
4. IN-DEPTH STUDY COURSES
Jnana-Pravaha has earned much reputation by starting some specialized courses or camps. These courses aim at an in-depth study of a specified subject and are coordinated by the well-known experts in the field. For one reason or the other, the detailed and analytical study is often not possible in the formal educational system in the present day university set up and this vacuum is largely filled up by the course at Jnana-Pravaha. The result is that each course has met with big success and there is demand for organizing more such courses. The lectures are profusely illustrated with slides, transparencies, maps and charts and interaction of course coordinator with the participants through discussion and question-answers remain special characteristics. A useful kit containing relevant material on the subject is provided to the candidates. In the passing out session from August 1999 to July 2000, three camps were organized, viz. (a) Early and Obscure Scripts (b) Early Mughal Miniatures and (c) Mathura Art and Iconography. As a policy, the completion certificates are awarded to those who attend at least half of the lectures.
4.1 Early and Obscure Scripts
The course was an off-shoot of the bi-centenary celebration of James Prinsep, who was deeply devoted to the study of scripts and the credit of deciphering the old Brahmi (Ashokan) also goes to him. Both the ceminar and the course were dedicated to him. The seventeen-day course from 26th November to 12th December 1999 was coordinated by two eminent epigraphists of the country, i.e. Prof. B.N. Mukherjee from Kolkata and Prof. K.K. Thaplyal from Lucknow. Prof. Mukherjee delivered eight lectures on the origin, development and decipherment of Kharoshti, Mixed and Shankha script and Prof. Thaplyal in his twelve lectures covered Indus and Brahmi scripts.
In all, thirty-four participants registered their names and thirty-three continued and passed out. They came from different disciplines although the majority was from Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology and Sanskrit. Two participants were deputed by the Epigraphy Branch, Archaeological Survey of India, Mysore. Three researchers came from Kolkata to attend the lectures on Kharoshti.
In the valedictory speeches, Prof. A.K. Narain, Prof. Purushottam Singh and Prof. Anand Krishna hailed the idea of instituting the special course for generating the interest of young researchers in the revival of the studies of old and obscure scripts, which form the foundation of Oriental studies.
4.2 Early Mughal Miniature
The in-depth study course on the miniature paintings of early Mughal period started on 22nd January and concluded on 7th February 2000. It was a rare occasion when the art of painting evolved and flourished under the patronage of two great Mughal Emperors, Akbar and Jahangir, were analyzed in detail in twenty-six lectures delivered by the two champions of the subject, Prof. Anand Krishna and Dr. Asok Kumar Das.
Prof. Krishna dealt with the Mughal period and its aesthetic conventions, Timuride court art, Akbar's personality and his love and attitude for painting, patronage to painters and important painted manuscripts like Tutinama, Hamzanama, Deval Devi Khizra Khan, Anware Suheli or Iare Danish, Darabnama, Tavarikehe Khandane Taimuria, portraits and exposure to European art conventions.
The Safivid School, grip of Jahangir on miniature art, including his notings and fascination for flora and fauna, adaptation of Persian paintings, Hashias, notable artists and their commendable works, influence on regional and later art traditions were the highlights of Dr. Das's expositions.
The course was further enriched by two special lectures on the Mughal Carpets by Dr. Shyamali Das from Shantiniketan and other on the New Light on Mughal Architecture through Excavations at Fatehpur Sikri by Dr. Muhammed K.K., Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Patna Circle. The course concluded with the valedictory address by Shri Ajai Shankar, Secretary to Government of India, and Director General, A.S.I. He spoke on the Art Conventions of Mughals after giving away the completion certificates. It was a big shock to know that Shri Ajai Shankar met a fatal accident after a week and his demise is deeply mourned.
The twenty-seven participants came from Hyderabad, Patna, Agra and Rampur beside research scholars and teachers from the Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vidyapeeth. Two scholars from the Wisconsin University and one from Chicago University, U.S.A. also attended the course. This was dedicated to the National Museum of India in its Golden Jubilee year.
4.3 Camp on Mathura Art and Iconography
A sixteen-day specialized course on the Art and Iconography of Mathura was organized from 15th to 30th April 2000. This was conducted by two well-known specialists on the subject, viz. Dr. Nilkanth Purushottam Joshi and Prof. R.C. Sharma, who have been the Directors of the famous Mathura Museum and the Camp was dedicated to that Institution in its 125th anniversary.
In all, thirty lectures were delivered and these covered a multiple aspects of Mathura School. Dr. N.P. Joshi presented a comprehensive survey of symbols, aesthetic and iconographic renderings of Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Matrikas, Jaina, folk and other deities like Surya, Kubera Yaksha, Naga and Garuda. Prof. R.C. Sharma dealt with the geographical, religious, cultural, commercial and administrative significance, school of art, its marvellous contribution, artists, origin of the Buddha image, evolution and development of the Buddhist pantheon, inscriptions, Sonkh excavation, interaction with the contemporary art styles like Gandhara, Sarnath and Amaravati.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Vidya Nivas Mishra touched the devotional and spiritual contents of Vraja culture. Prof. K.D. Tripathi presided over the concluding session.
Thirty-three participants to the course were sponsored by different organizations of Varanasi, Mathura and Jhansi. Even during the days of clamping of curfew (from 19th to 24th April 2000), the course continued uninterruptedly.
5. REFRESHER COURSES
It was found necessary that some of the special course and particularly that of Early and Obscure Scripts requires follow-up action and periodical revision. Without practice of decipherment it is but natural that the participants start forgetting the formation of letters in different periods. Small duration refresher courses were therefore arranged and these were coordinated by Dr. T.P. Verma and Prof. R.C. Sharma.
5.1 Decipherment of Brahmi Script - 11th-12th December 1999 by Prof. R.C. Sharma
5.2 Decipherment of Kharoshti Script - 13th-16th January 2000 by Dr. T.P. Verma
5.3 Practice of Brahmi Script - 7th-8th March 2000 by Prof. R.C. Sharma
6. DOCUMENTATION
6.1 Lectures : Generally, the lectures delivered in Jnana-Pravaha are recorded for the purpose of reporting and publication, if resources permit. Consequently, during the last three years a good audio archive has been built.
6.2 Programmes/Events : Besides lectures, important programmes and functions are also recorded, and sometimes video recording is also tried. Photo albums of programmes and functions are prepared for the use of scholars and visitors.
6.3 Slides/Transparencies : This part of documentation has been taken up and implemented at a bigger scale. Slides and transparencies are constantly used for lectures, specialized courses, camps and general introductory deliberations. These are prepared through books, albums, catalogues and festival events. This year the documentation team under the guidance of the Hon. Director visited the Lucknow and Mathura museums for preparation of slides. The authorities of both the museums lent their appreciable cooperation. The ghats, temples, monuments and important institutions of Varanasi have been documented to a desirable extent. Similarly, special campaign was launched to cover the spots associated with James Prinsep and an exhibition of the same was mounted in the last week of November 1999.
About five thousand slides have been prepared so far, covering early scripts and inscriptions, Mughal miniatures, Mathura sculptures, terracottas and some other subjects. The Department of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University deserves our appreciation and thanks for allowing duplication of the collection of their slides. This spirit of mutual cooperation in dissemination of knowledge is expected to be followed by others also. Some video discs of slides have also been prepared. Transparencies to be used for overhead projector are copied and supplied on demand of the speaker.
6.4 Photographs : Photographs of objects from different museums are also being gradually collected for study purpose.
The preparation of slides, tansparencies, photographs, etc. is an ongoing project and it aims at filling the vacuum created by the shifting of archaeological documentation wing of the American Institution of Indian Studies from Ramnagar (Varanasi) to Gurgaon, Haryana.
6.5 Objects : Some art objects were shifted from Kolkata to Varanasi. As per norms these have been registered with the Registering Office, Varanasi. A few objects, specially the paintings have been put on display in the Kala-Mandapa (Art-Pavilion) inaugurated on 1st August 1999 and the rest are kept in reserve. These are being classified for accessioning as per national guidelines. Shri Jagdish Prasad Sharma and Shri Nritya Gopal Sharma examined 208 manuscripts of which some are of great interest and antiquity.
7. PUBLICATION
Publication remains an important objective of the Institution but its proper implementation and promotion depends on various factors like financial resources, distribution system, staff, etc. As such, despite rich material available at hands, only a selected books/booklets, etc. could see the light of the day.
7.1 Jnana-Pravaha Bulletin Vol.2 1998-1999 : The second issue of the Annual Bulletin was released on the opening of the last academic session, i.e. 1st August 1999. It contains the following four sections :
(a) Introductory : Information about the bodies of Jnana-Pravaha, glimpses of the Institution, plans and project and editorial note giving the progress of work.
(b) Lectures : Some important lectures delivered last year on different occasions, as Shri Rama Lila by Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta, Two Incarnations by Prof. V. Venkatachalam, Religion and Environment by Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami, Two Facets of Excellence by Dr. I. Panduranga Rao and the Role of the Painter in Indian Painting by Prof. Pramod Chandra.
(c) Reportings : Homage to Late Prof. Prem Lata Sharma, National Seminar on Dhvani, The Universe that is God and resolutions of Didriksha conference.
(d) Appendix : This section furnished the list of Publication and Library Rules and Regulations.
The Jnana-Pravaha Bulletin is the chief mouthpiece of the Institute.
7.2 Brochure : A new brochure furnishing brief background of foundation of Jnana-Pravaha, its aims, situation, activities, courses, projects, etc. was brought out for wider circulation.
7.3 Academic Roster : The Institute planned its activities well in advance and prepared an Academic Roster for the year 2000. It records all important events, programmes, functions, lectures, seminars and special courses from 1st January to 31st December 2000. Each month has at least two to three significant programmes. This was circulated with the greetings for the New Year. The revised roster for the new year from August 2000 to July 2001 has also been finalized and the same is to be seen in the pages of the present number of the Bulletin.
8. LIBRARY
The Library of the Jnana-Pravaha is devoted to Indian philosophy, religion, culture, literature, visual and performing arts, early architecture, archaeology and other branches of oriental studies. While the nucleus forms from the collection of Late Shri Janki Prasad Poddar, Shri Suresh Neotia and Smt. Bimla Poddar, there are some donors each of whom has gifted more than one hundred books and they are regarded as grand donors. These are Maha Mahopadhyaya Prof. Sita Ram Shastri, Smt. Santosh and Pallavi Sharma.
Dr. Bhanu Shankar Mehta, Member of the Governing Council has gifted fifty-six books and Shri Vijay Kumar Gupta fifty. Some books have been presented by Dr. Savita Sharma, Dr. Sukumar Chattopadhyay, Dr. T. Prasad and Dr. S.D. Trivedi. Besides, 128 books have been added through purchase on different subjects during the last academic year.
9. THE OVERFLOW - Outreach Programmes
The motto of Jnana-Pravaha is 'Jnana Ganga Punatu Vaha'. As Ganga Ma sometimes crosses her banks and overflows, Jnana-Pravaha also occasionally outflows its premises and reaches distant places to be in service of dissemination of knowledge through its outreach activities. These have been accomplished by the Hon. Director/Acharya.
Address to the students of Vasanta College for Women, Rajghat on the Ghats of Varanasi.
Conduction of a National Seminar on Jaina Stupa of Mathura at Ajmer.
Lecture on Museum & Education, Staff College, Banaras Hindu University.
Conduction of a National Seminar and Keynote Address on Gupta Art at the Mathura Museum in its 125th anniversary.
Presentation of paper on Museum & Concept at the Allahabad Museum and chairing a session.
Preparation of a conceptual note on a Varanasi Museum, Trishula.
Participation in Advisory Committee of the American Institute of Indian Studies.
Participation in the Selection Committee of the Central Tibetan Institute as Chairman's Nominee.
Guidance to research scholars.
Evaluation of Ph.D. these from different universities.
Lecture on the Museum Marketing at the ASI camp, Sarnath.
Lecture on Indian Bronzes in the State Museum, Lucknow.
Chairing of Seminar on Art & Culture of the Purvanchal University, Jaunpur.
Participation in UGC Workshop for Museology NET, New Delhi.
Chief Speaker in the Sanskrit University on Relevance of Principles of Mahavira.
Addressed Nikhil Bangiya Sahitya Samaj on the opening of Book Fair as Special Guest.
Lecture on the Association of Lion with Shiva in the National Seminar on 'Shiva in Indian Culture' and chaired a session at the Parshvanatha Institute.
11:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. DAILY
MONDAY CLOSED