________________
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ON
HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
VENUE FOR 18th DECEMBER 2004, KUNDAKUNDA JNANAPITHA, Indore
Prof. Harishankar - U.S.A. delevering Lecture at Kundakunda Jñanapiṭha on 18.12.04
In 2004 the Kundakunda Jnanapitha, in collaboration with orther organization, organized an International conference on History and Heritage of Mathematical Sciences. that attracted 25 foreign delegates and 116 Indian scholars. While staying at this location I have had the opportunity to interact with some professors (Prof. Abbasi, Prof.P.N.Mishra, Prof. G. Kawadia, and Prof. S.K. Bandi) and discuss both Jainism as well as the state of education in America and India. It appears that in both countries the emphasis of business and commerce generally outweights social sciences. This is why centres such as Kundakunda Jnanapitha are so important, as it allows students the opportunity to study a subject often overlooked in modern eduation systems as well as offers those intersted for comming to the KundaKunda Jäänapitha was for the study of ancient Jaina history. Also, I am an instructor of history at University of HawaiHilo teaching world history so I would like to incorporate a section on Jainism into my course. During my stay I have been researching the history of Jainism in Mathura from the decling of the Maurya Empire and the rise of Kuṣaṇa dynasty. In Mathura there are important archaeological finds and many inscriptions which have helped historians to understand the role of Jainism in ancient India. Besides having and ancient Jaina stupa dated prior to the christrian Era. Mathura was also a hub of artistry and sculpture that produced some of the first statues of tirthankars in India. This demonstrates the ascendancy of Jainism in ancient India and places Mathura as a significant centre of ancient Jaina culture. I have very much benifited from my time at this centre and their collection of books on history and Jaina art and architecture have been very helpful.
Jain Education International
Throughout my week in indore I have a wonderful time both studying Jainism as well as getting to know people associated with the Kundakunda Jäänapitha. I offer my sincere thanks to Dr. Anupam Jain for hosting me and also all the staff members of this 62 Arhat Vacana, 19 (3), 2007
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