Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 18: A three day workshop on “Research Methodology in History’, organized by the Department of History, University of Jammu, was inaugurated today by former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, in the presence of JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Manoj K Dhar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Nirmal Singh recalled the contribution of historians and the responsibility they have towards the making of nation. In this context he spoke about the importance of working on the history of Jammu, specially the ancient part of history. Citing his personal experience of research, he pointed out important areas, particularly of the cultural history of the region which awaits the attention of historian.
Prof. Singh also brought into focus the works of Padamshri Shiv Nirmohi, whose works provide leads to the history and culture of Jammu region. He also desired that the sources in Sanskrit, Persian and Urdu need to be translated and brought into larger framework of historical construction.
In his presidential address, Prof Manoj Dhar said that the research in history is no different from research in natural Sciences. He stressed that for a good quality research output, a relationship of harmony must exist between the data and the researcher on the one hand and also between researcher and the supervisor on the other.
Prof Susmita Basu Majumdar, an eminent Epigraphist from the Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture, University of Calcutta, delivered the key note address. She said it is crucial to keep reading and re-reading the available corpus of historical evidence and also to formulate a new set of questions to be asked to the sources. “History progresses through debate and discussion and not necessarily through consensus and hence historian should not be weary of questioning the established notions of History,” she added.
Earlier, Prof Suman Jamwal delivered formal welcome address and it was followed by introduction of the concept of the workshop by Prof Shyam Narayan Lal, HoD History. Prof Jasbir Singh, Dean Social Sciences, also offered his observation on the workshop. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sharda Sharma. After the inaugural two academic sessions were held.
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