About the Department

About the Centre The Centre for Jain Studies was founded in 1974 on the occasion of 2500 th year of the Nirvan Mahotsava (enlightenment)) of Lord Mahaveer. The Centre was established by renowned philosopher Prof Daya Krishna and historian Prof G.C. Pandey with the aim to study and promote the philosophy and practice of Jainism. Jainism is known globally for its Mahavratas (code of conduct) and Tri- ratnas (three jewels) that guide the people for developing a balanced world- view. The five Mahavratas, namely Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Aparigraha (non-accumulation), Asteya (non- stealing) and Bramhacharya (chastity) and the three Tri-ratnas, namely samayak darshan (right vision), samayak gyan (right knowledge) and samayak charitra (right character) together constitute the essence of Jainism. The Centre is dedicated to understanding these ideals, sharing and applying them for peaceful co- existence in the present times.

Vision

Through the Jain ideals of Mahavratas, Tri-ratna and Syadvada, to understand and comprehend the multidimensionality of truth.

Mission

1. To encourage a multidisciplinary approach in the study of Jain philosophy and practices across all fields of knowledge.
2. To explore, understand and share its universal value of a harmonious living with people and nature.

Goals :

1. To discover the individual, social, professional and virtual dimensions of life through Jain teachings.
2. To promote character- building based on the principles of Jainism : non- violence, self- restraint, and right action.
3. To educate people on vegetarianism for an ecological balance between animals, plants, people and the planet.
4. To nurture wellness through the Jain ethic.
5. To examine and to analyze the role of Jain ideals to overcome contemporary social challenges.

Best practices

The Centre promotes interaction of Jain ideals with other components of society like economics, psychology, politics and administration. Towards the fulfilment of this objective, the Centre encourages research that promotes various aspects of Jain religion in diverse manifestations through the lenses of various humanities, social science and science disciplines. Highlights and Achievements The Centre has organized 5 international conferences, 32 national and 10 regional seminars along with several extension lecture series on diverse themes ranging from Anekantavada, Jain ideology and environment and relevance of Jainism in a changing world. Research work conducted in the department includes 250 M.Phil., Ph.D. and D.Litt. degrees.

Infrastructural facilities

The Centre has a rich library of more than 5000 books, manuscripts and other documents. There is adequate computer facility with internet for research scholars.
Director : Prof. Bela Kothari

Programmes offered

Ph.D. : Jain Studies
P.G. Diploma in Jain studies and Archaeology (One year) Seats: 15
Certificate course in Jain Darshan and Sanskriti (One year) Seats: 15