K. R. Cama Oriental Institute

The Institute is conducting a course on
The Mystical Dimensions Of Religions
Mysticism seeks an alternative ‘path’ to the conventional sensory and rational means of knowing. Within the context of religion, it is often contrary to the ritualistic, scriptural way of knowing the Divine. In a few cases, the purpose of mystical practice is to produce personal transformation.
In this short course comprising eight lectures, the participants will be acquainted with the varieties of mystical experiences in different religious traditions with special emphasis on bhakti (Hinduism) and Sufism (Islam). We will also explore that often while religions marginalise women from their practices, mysticism is one dimension of religion where women have been allowed some space.
Duration : Total eight sessions, commencing 6th February 2016
on Saturdays from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Course Co-ordinator: Mrs Shehernaz R Nalwalla, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, Wilson College, Mumbai
For registration, contact Ms Yasmin Khan Telephone: 22843893
Email: [email protected] Telefax: 22876593

Dr Orit Shamir presenting her very interesting paper on "Exhibiting, the Caesarea Gold Coin Treasure – Druze Holy Shrines, Israeli Museums, and (International) Museums Abroad” on January 11, 2016

The Government Research Fellowship Lectures for 2015-2016 will be delivered in a aweries of three presentations by the renowned scholar, Dr. Curtis Sarkosh Vesta between February 3 and February 5, 2016.
Born in Tehran, Dr. Vesta obtained an M.A. in Near Eastern Archaeology and Ancient Iranian Languages at the University of Göttingen in Germany, and a PhD from University College London on Parthian art.
He was Joint Editor of the Journal IRAN (1983-2003), President of the British Institute of Persian Studies, London (2006-2011), Secretary of the Royal Numismatic Society (2005-2010), and Member of the Academic Committee of the Iran Heritage Foundation (IHF), London since 2006.
He is an Honorary Director of the British Institute of Persian Studies (The British Academy) since 2014.
Curator of Middle Eastern Coins in the Department of Coins and Medals, The British Museum since 2005.

OUR SEMINAR ON "TEXTILES, COLLECTIONS, COMMUNITIES, CULTURE & TRADE" WAS A GRAND SUCCESS.
With over twenty eminent speakers, each a specialist in their chosen subject and an audience of over 200, the seminar covered various facets, ranging from discussions on India's Weaving Traditions, to discussions on Indian Textiles in Colonial Latin America.

Dr Faisal Devji, Reader in Modern South Asian History, Director of the Asian Studies Centre, St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, delivered a very interesting paper on Philosophising Persia: Iqbal on the Meaning of Zoroaster to World History on December 17, 2015.

Dr Houchang Esfandiar Chehabi, Professor of International Relations and History, Boston University, delivered an informative and well-received talk on “The Introduction Of Family Names (1918-1924) In Iran And Its Consequences" on December 18, 2015.

The Institute President, Mr. M N M Cama and Jt. Hon. Secretary, Dr. Nawaz B. Mody with Prof Ishrat Alam at the commencement of the Institute's seminar, 2016