Padmabhushan Mr. Jatin Das lamented on damaging the cultural heritage in the name of modern developments. He pointed out the influence of Persian kalamkari on the Dakhini paintings. He was addressing a gathering at Maulana Azad National Urdu University yesterday on “Miniature Paintings of the Dakhan”. The meeting was organized by Prof. Haron Khan Sherwani Center for Deccan Studies. He termed India a unique country from the point of view of an artist where everyone knows at least three languages. He criticized heavily the modern education system and told that experience is the best method of learning.
Prof. Mohamed Miyan, Vice Chancellor of Urdu University presided over the function.
Mr. Jatin Das told that there is a need to change the mindset regarding painting. He told to make the institutions of teaching and learning, spiritual centers. We should inculcate the sense of belongingness. He lamented that without taking into consideration the cultural heritage, states were formed. He declared art as part of life. He advised not to confine art to drawing room. The foundation of painting is natural beauty.
He highlighted the history of Dakshin paintings. Hw advised that the history is silent about the early period of painting.
It is essential for a good artist that he should be able to identify natural beauty. In the view of the Americans, wealth is the only guarantor for art, which is wrong.
The habitations of 150 artists in Hazrath Nizamuddin Area of New Delhi are the proof that wealth is not everything. These artists present an example of communal harmony by exchanging their creative thoughts with each other. He disclosed that the artists of the ancient era used to transmit light in the caves through mirrors so that they could express their art.
Even today, public artists are called artisans, which is not appropriate. If we talk of investments in arts, there are many people who do this, but very few can understand it.
The first lecture delivered by historian William dar dimple on 11th September was released as the first publication of the Center for Deccan Studies. The topic of this lecture was “Civilization of the Deccan”. This monograph along with its Urdu translation has been published by the center. Dr. Faheemuddin Ahmed, Assistant Professor of the Dept. of Translations, has done its translation.
Dr. Salma Faooqui presented a brief account of Dakshisi painting spread in various countries. She also gave a brief historical perspective and introduction of these paintings with the help of power point presentation.
Prof. Mohammed Miyan, in his presidential remarks pointed out that there is a need for us to understand other civilizations also so that communal harmony and tolerance are promoted.
He proposed to establish a gallery of Dakhini Miniature Painting in Urdu University. He told that if scholars from various places visit this university for research purposes, we would feel happy.
Later, Ms. Anuradha Reddy , Heritage activist and Prof. Rekha Pandey invited the attention of Prof. Mohammed Miyan that a large number of Deccani paintings are lying in Salar Jung Museum and other places in a very bad condition. Prof. Mohammed Miyan offered that he would procure them for Urdu University. He said that teaching programmes in Urdu could be started with reference to Dakhini art.
Dr. Faheem Akhtar Nadvi, Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies, started the programme with the recitation of the Quranic verses. Mr. Abid Abdul Wasay conduct the meeting and proposed vote of thanks in the end.
—Siasat News