On 5 January 2025, the Gujarati Sahitya Academy hosted the unveiling of Madyākalīn Gujarāti Ismaili Ginān Sāhitya (Medieval Gujarati Ismaili Ginān Literature) by Professor Balvant Jani (Chancelor of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan University) at the Zaverchand Meghani Hall in Gandhidham. Hussain Jasani, Head of the South Asian Studies unit at IIS, who also authored the book’s introduction, gave a few remarks regarding the new publication and the state of the field of ginānA Sanskrit word meaning knowledge. In particular, a poetic composition in an Indian language Moreic studies. In his address, Hussain Jasani lauded Professor Jani’s initiative, emphasising the significance of gināns in the broader context of Gujarati literature. He noted that while such scholarly endeavours relating to gināns are progressing in Western academia and Pakistan, this publication reflects a pioneering effort within India to recognise the significance of gināns and their place in the study of Gujarati literature.
The book has also received the first prize conferred by the Gujarat Sahitya Akademy and the Government of Gujarat, in the Research and Linguistics category, underscoring its scholarly merit and contribution to the field. Professor Jani, who has authored a number of books including three in ginānic studies and has received a lifetime achievement award from the Association for the Study of Ginans, works closely with the South Asian Studies unit at IIS and we look forward to future collaborations in the field.
