**Policy Summary: Preservation and Promotion of Jain Heritage**
The Ministry of Culture is undertaking several initiatives to preserve and promote Jain heritage in India. As of July 31, 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the care and maintenance of 3685 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance, including Jain sites.
Key initiatives include the sanctioning of two major projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK):
1. **Centre for Jain Manuscriptology at Gujarat University:** This center will focus on the conservation and digitization of ancient Jain manuscripts.
2. **Centre for Jain Studies at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore:** This center will offer academic programs, conduct research, and promote interdisciplinary studies rooted in Jain literature, encompassing fields like philosophy, science, art, and environment.
The government is also organizing a year-long centenary celebration of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, featuring cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programs nationwide. The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to digitize one crore manuscripts, including those related to Jain heritage.
The ASI conducts periodic inspections of protected monuments and areas to assess conservation needs, with conservation efforts implemented according to the National Conservation Policy, ensuring authenticity and integrity.
This information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. For further information, contact Sunil Kumar Tiwari at pibcultureatgmaildotcom, Release ID: 2150692.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry responsible for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Jain Heritage: Refers to the cultural, religious, and historical heritage associated with Jainism.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The Indian government agency responsible for the maintenance of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK): A Government of India initiative undertaking significant initiatives for the preservation of Jain heritage and scholarly research.
Gujarat University: A university in Gujarat State, India, hosting the Centre for Jain Manuscriptology.
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, Madhya Pradesh: A university in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, hosting the Centre for Jain Studies.
Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj: A revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer whose centenary celebration is being organized.
Gyan Bharatam Mission: A mission that aims to digitization of one Crore Manuscripts including the Jain heritage.
Ministry of Culture
Preservation and Promotion of Jain Heritage
Posted On: 31 JUL 2025 4:04PM by PIB Delhi
There are 3685 monuments and archaeological sites and remains including Jain sites declared as of national
importance under the care and maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Government under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)has taken significant initiatives for the
preservation of Jain heritage and scholarly research. Two major projects have been sanctioned:
1. Centre for Jain Manuscriptology at Gujarat University.
2. Centre for Jain Studies at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore.
These projects aim to serve as national-level institutions for conservation, academic research, and promotion
of Jainism as a rich religious, cultural, and philosophical tradition.
In addition, the Government is organizing a centenary celebration of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, a
revered Jain spiritual leader and social reformer. The year-long celebration will feature cultural, literary,
educational, and spiritual programmes across the country, aimed at honouring his life, legacy, and message of
spiritual wisdom and social reform.
The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to digitization of one Crore Manuscripts including the Jain heritage.
Further, The Centre for Jain Manuscriptology at Gujarat University focuses on digitising ancient Jain
manuscripts, while the Centre at DAVV, Indore will offer academic programs, host research, and promote
interdisciplinary studies across fields such as philosophy, science, art, and environment rooted in Jain
literature.
ASI conducts periodic inspections of the protected monuments and areas to assess the conservation status and
requirements. Conservation of the monuments are done as per the need and also considering the availability of
resources, following the National Conservation Policy in order to ensure authenticity and integrity of the
monuments.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a
written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2150692)