The Wellcome Collection, a prominent museum in the UK focused on human experiences, has declared a significant decision to return over 2,000 Jain manuscripts that have been in its London collection for more than a century. This collection is believed to be the largest of its kind outside South Asia and its return follows extensive discussions with the Institute of Jainology.

The manuscripts date from the 15th century to the 19th century, encompassing a variety of subjects including religion, literature, medicine, and culture. These texts are written in several languages including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and early Hindi. Notably, one of the manuscripts serves as an essential early reference for the ethical principles of the Indian independence movement, principles that were famously advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Details of the Historical Collection

The manuscripts include a particularly significant early 16th-century edition of the ‘Kalpasutra’, a major Jain scripture that is both rare and elaborately illustrated. Additionally, the collection features a delicate and aged manuscript, dated 1688, which may be the earliest surviving version of ‘Vaidyamanotsav’ (‘A Celebration of Physicians’), a medical treatise in early Hindi that was originally composed in 1592.

As part of the restitution agreement, the manuscripts will be temporarily relocated to the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham. This network aims to provide researchers and faith communities access to the manuscripts, enabling them to analyse, interpret, and translate the texts for a broader audience.

Mehool Sanghrajka, the Managing Trustee of the Institute of Jainology, has acknowledged the significance of this return, highlighting that it sets a precedent for other cultural organisations. Sanghrajka emphasised the importance of approaching historical events with a spirit of collaboration, rather than judgement, in order to foster meaningful research and access to cultural heritage.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

This week, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was finalised between the Wellcome Trust, the Institute of Jainology, and the University of Birmingham. A more comprehensive legal agreement is expected to follow. Daniel Martin, the Associate Director of Collections & Digital at Wellcome Collection, expressed gratitude towards the Jain community for their collaboration throughout this significant restitution process.

Martin stated that the initiative sets a high standard for the careful and ethical management of cultural heritage while acknowledging the harmful impact of unethical acquisitions in the past. Wellcome Collection aims to create an inclusive future in managing its collections, recognising the importance of moral and spiritual health in its vision.

According to Wellcome Collection, a substantial portion of its collection was acquired during the colonial era from a Jain temple in Punjab, which no longer exists. The acquisition was conducted under circumstances that compromised the best interests of the original owners. The museum’s recent agreement reflects its commitment towards rectifying these historical injustices.

Expert Support and Future Prospects

The Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies, the first research institution in the UK funded entirely by Jain communities from the UK, US, and India, has been selected to ensure the collection is accessible and preserved for future generations. Dr Marie-Helene Gorisse, the Lead at the Network, expressed the intention to create a meaningful impact from the return of the manuscripts for students, researchers, and the general public.

The manuscripts were primarily catalogued in the early 2000s thanks to the efforts of Dr Kanhaiyalal Virji Sheth and Dr Kalpana Sheth, with assistance from the Institute of Jainology. The Wellcome Collection intends to make these catalogues available on its website as part of the restitution agreement. This project underscores the role of research in uncovering the histories behind the artefacts preserved in museum collections.

Jenny Waldman, Director of the Art Fund, which supported the preliminary research for the restitution programme, underscored the importance of that research in facilitating the return of such significant cultural heritage.

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