The Wellcome Collection, one of Britain’s leading museums dedicated to the study of the human experience, on Friday said it had made a “landmark” decision to return what is believed to be the largest collection of Jain manuscripts outside South Asia, PTI reported.
The move involves more than 2,000 manuscripts that have been part of the London collection for more than a century and comes after discussions and collaboration with the Institute of Jainology. The collection includes illustrated manuscripts from the 15th century to unique texts from the 19th century, covering religion, literature, medicine and culture, in Prakrit and Sanskrit, Gujarati, Rajasthani and early Hindi scripts, PTI reported.
Among them is a unique and powerful early example of the ethical principles of the Indian independence movement that Mahatma Gandhi drew from and made famous. The documentary strongly criticizes the foundations of British colonial rule in India.
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Other manuscripts include a “rare and magnificently illustrated” copy of an important Jain scripture called the “Kalpasutra” from the early 16th century; and a thin, fragile and battered paper manuscript of 1688—perhaps the earliest surviving copy of the first medical treatise in early Hindi, Nainsukh’s “Vaidyamanotsav” (“Celebration of Physicians”), 1592.
Under the agreement, the collection will initially be moved to the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham, opening it up to researchers and religious communities best placed to read, interpret and translate the content for a global audience.
“The Wellcome Collection’s bold decision to return these 2,000 sacred manuscripts is both a pioneer and a model for other religious communities,” said Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the Institute of Gynecology.
“We realize that some of these manuscripts may not have survived the post-independence unrest in India and we are grateful to Wellcome for the care and respect shown to these texts,” he said, as reported by PTI.
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The institute said that rather than judging historical events through modern eyes, it was important through collaboration to find ways to “transform Jain scholarship and research and give the community access to its cultural heritage”.
“We look forward to our joint efforts to ensure that these treasures are accessible to future generations,” he added.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Wellcome Trust for Wellcome Collection, the Institute of Jainology and the University of Birmingham was signed this week, with a full legal agreement to be drawn up afterwards.
“We thank the Jain community for working together on this landmark restitution, which has created a strong and lasting bond,” said Daniel Martin, Deputy Director of Collections & Digital at the Wellcome Collection.
“We have set the bar high for a common and compassionate approach to restitution that recognizes the harm caused by the unethical acquisition and preservation of tangible heritage.
“The Wellcome Collection’s vision is a world where everyone’s experience of health matters. We share Jain principles of moral and spiritual health in realizing this vision as we continue to explore the historical origins and ethical health of our collections,” he said.
Here’s what the museum had to say
According to the museum, more than half of the material in the Wellcome collection was acquired during the colonial era for British businessman Sir Henry Wellcome from the only Jain temple in Punjab, which no longer exists.
“They were purchased at a low cost and against the best interests of their original owners. The deal demonstrates the Wellcome Collection’s commitment to promoting a fairer future through the inclusive, collaborative and ethical management of its collections,” the museum said.
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As the first research institution in the UK to be fully funded by the Jain communities in the UK, USA and India, the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies has been chosen as the most appropriate place to maximize access to the community, deepen research opportunities and secure the future of this important collection.
Dr Marie-Helene Gorisse, Head of the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham, said: “By working together, we will ensure that the return of manuscripts from the Wellcome Collection to the Jain community will have maximum impact on students, researchers, community members and the wider public.”
The collection was primarily cataloged in the early 2000s by Dr. By Kanhaiyalal Virji Sheth and Dr. By Kalpana Sheth with the support of the Institute of Gynecology. The museum said the cataloging notes would be made available on its website as part of the deal.
“Research is often the first step in uncovering the history of objects held in museum collections, so we are proud that support from the Headley Fellowship has helped make this important work possible,” said Jenny Waldman, director of the art fund, which supported the initial research and scope of the restitution program.
The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library that explores the past, present and future of health through its historic collections, exhibitions and public events.
