Chennai, February 20, 2026: The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research (CPRIIR), Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi, will host a two-day National Seminar on “Jainism in South India – History, Art and Culture” on February 27th and 28th, 2026, at its campus in Alwarpet, Chennai.
This seminar seeks to bring together eminent scholars, historians, archaeologists, and researchers from across the country to examine the historical evolution, artistic traditions, and cultural contributions of Jainism in South India. The event aims to provide a comprehensive academic platform for interdisciplinary discussions on Jain heritage, with a special focus on its enduring impact across regions such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Inaugural Session
The seminar will be inaugurated on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The inauguration will be presided over by Shri Abhaya Kumar Srisrimal Jain, Chairman, Lifecell International Pvt. Ltd., who will deliver the inaugural address. Thiru. Pon Rajendra Prasad Jain, Member, State Minorities Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, will be the Guest of Honour.
The seminar is being coordinated by Dr. G. Balaji, Seminar Coordinator, CPRIIR, under the guidance of Dr. Nanditha Krishna, Director, CPRIIR.
Seminar Themes and Objectives – The seminar will explore a wide range of themes related to Jainism in South India, including:
- Historical spread and regional development of Jainism
- Contributions to art, architecture, and iconography
- Literary traditions and philosophical thought
- Role of Jainism in shaping regional cultures
- Interactions with other religious traditions
- Conservation and restoration of Jain heritage sites
The objective is to reassess Jainism’s role not merely as a religious tradition, but as a significant civilizational force that has shaped South Indian history, culture, and intellectual traditions over centuries.
Distinguished Speakers and Paper Presentations – The seminar will feature a distinguished panel of speakers presenting research papers on diverse aspects of Jain history and culture:
- Prof. Dr. Ajithadoss (Editor, Mukkudai Magazine) will present a study on the restoration of abandoned Tirthankara imagery and Jain heritage sites in Tamil Nadu, examining both successes and challenges.
- Dr. Ajit Kumar (University of Kerala) will discuss the history and artistic traditions of Jainism in Kerala.
- Dr. Chithra Madhavan (Historian, Chennai) will present on Jain art and architecture at Thirupparuthikundram.
- Prof. Choodamani Nandagopal (UNESCO Fellow, Bengaluru) will speak on the contributions of Karnataka to Jaina art and architecture through the ages.
- Dr. Soumya Manjunath Chavan (S-VYASA University, Bengaluru) will bring interdisciplinary perspectives to Jain studies.
- Prof. D. Kiran Kranti Choudary (Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati) will present on Jain art in Andhra Pradesh.
- Shri Megh Kalyanasundaram (Independent Indologist, Chennai) will offer a contemporary reassessment of Mahavira.
- Shri Nitin H P (Founder, Jain Heritage Centres; Director – MarTech & Digital, Wipro Ltd., Bengaluru) will present a paper on the History of Jainism in Karnataka.
- Dr. Priyadarshana Jain (University of Madras) will explore symbolism in Tamil Jain culture from a non-literary perspective.
- Dr. S. Rajavelu (Tamil University, Thanjavur) will examine the chronology of Jainism’s arrival and development in Tamil Nadu.
- Dr. E. Sivanagireddy (Pleach India Foundation, Hyderabad) will discuss aspects of Jain heritage in Telangana, including art, architecture, and archaeology.
- Dr. C.K. Sivaprakasam (University of Madras) will analyse religious conflicts, social interactions, and institutional dynamics in the history of Jaina–Saiva relations in medieval Tamil Nadu.
- Dr. G. Thirumoorthy (University of Madras) will present an overview of Jainism in Tamil Nadu.
Special Feature: Documentary ScreeningAs part of the seminar, a documentary film titled “Anmol Virasat: Jainism in Tamil Nadu” (40 minutes) will be screened on February 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The film is directed by Dr. Harish L. Mehta and Smt. Usha Abhaya Kumar, and highlights the rich Jain heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Significance of the Seminar
The seminar is expected to contribute significantly to the field of Jain studies by:
- Promoting scholarly research and dialogue on Jainism in South India
- Highlighting lesser-known Jain heritage sites and traditions
- Encouraging conservation and documentation efforts
- Strengthening academic collaboration among institutions and researchers
By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, the seminar will offer fresh perspectives on Jainism’s historical and cultural legacy, reaffirming its importance in the broader narrative of Indian civilization.
Venue – C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, 1, Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018
The National Seminar on “Jainism in South India – History, Art and Culture” promises to be a landmark academic event, fostering deeper understanding of Jainism’s enduring contributions to the history, art, and culture of South India.
– Jain Heritage Centres News Service