Mysuru: The Department of Studies (DoS) in Ancient History and Archaeology, Manasagangothri, Mysuru, in collaboration with the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Maharaja’s College, Mysuru, has organised a three-day National Workshop on the theme “Temple Architecture and Iconography: In Sthapatis’ Perspective” at the Seminar Hall, DoS in Chemistry, Manasagangothri, from Oct. 9 to 11.

The event is financially supported by Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi and Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust, Dharmasthala.

Prof. Dayananda Mane, Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore (UoM), will inaugurate the workshop at 10 am on Oct. 9.

Prof. A. Sundara, retd. Professor, Department of Ancient History and Epigraphy, Karnatak University, Dharwad, will deliver the keynote address. K. Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati, Managing Trustee, Vastu Vedic Research Foundation, Chennai and A.H. Harirama Shetty, Director, SDM Dharmothana Trust, Dharmasthala, will be the guests of honour.

Prof. B. Nagarajamurthy, Principal, Maharaja’s College, will be the special invitee.

Prof. S. Nagaraju, retired Professor, Department of History, Central University, Hyderabad, will preside.

Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati will be the resource person for the following sessions: Oct. 9: Session-1 (2 pm to 3.30 pm): Saantara Temples & Architectural Geometry; Session -2 (4 pm to 5.30 pm): Vastu Purusha Mandala; Oct. 10: Session-3 (10 am to 11.30 am): Inscription, Agama and Architecture of Uttiramerur Temple; Session-4 (12 noon to 1.30 pm): Forms and Characters in Indian Architecture.

K.P. Umapathy Acharya, Hereditary Architect and Sculptor-Director, TVS Silpa Vidya Gurukulam, Maruthanallur, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, and his team will be the resource persons for the following sessions: Oct. 10: Session-5 (2.30 pm- 4 pm): Doctrines of Temple Architecture and Iconography; Session-6 (4.30 pm-6 pm): Shilpa and Agama Texts: An Extensive Study; Oct. 11: Session-7 (10 am to 11.30 am): Nuances in Iconography; Session – 8 (12 noon to 1.30 pm): Art Appreciation and Students’ Demonstration.

Valedictory

Dr. Vasundhara Filliozat, Art Historian, Mysuru, will deliver the valedictory address at 3 pm on Oct. 11. D. Bharati, Registrar, University of Mysore, will preside.

Dr. Rohitha Eswer, Department of Ancient History & Archaeology, Maharaja’s College and Dr. V. Shobha, Chairperson, DoS in Ancient History & Archaeology, Manasagangothri, are the Co-ordinators.

More than hundred participants (MA students, research scholars and faculty members) from across India are expected to participate in this workshop.

Sculptors’ Camp soon

The UoM Departments have plans to host a Sculptors’ Camp shortly. For the “Sculptors’ Camp,” ten senior sculptors from Goa and Karnataka will be invited. They will stay in the University campus for about three weeks, tentatively from 3rd week of October till mid November, and create sculptures in ancient dynastic styles (Gandhara/Gupta/Kadamba/Hoysala/ Chalukya/Chola etc). They will be assisted by four junior sculptors. The camp will run under the supervision of Puttaswamy Gudigar (Director, Shilpa Loka, Goa).

Being a unique and rare event, it would provide an opportunity for students and public to observe the creation of a sculpture from start to finish and appreciate the nuances of sculpting of an image in traditional style. In addition, the camp will result in the creation of as many as ten beautiful sculptures. This event will also be open for school children, college students, art connoisseurs and public.

The main idea behind organising this event is to introduce the younger generation (both students and faculty) to the scientific and aesthetic aspects of sculpting and temple building, both of which represent traditional knowledge system. This programme is also an attempt to preserve and promote the art of sculpting and temple building, by way of involving and honouring Sthapatis from Karnataka, Goa and Tamil Nadu.