Tackling the challenges in research

Scholars share difficulties in finding sources and accessing material from libraries

PUDUCHERRY, 20/07/2017: Doctoral researchers discuss their research work and the challenges they face with the senior scholars at the two-day workshop 'Research in South Asian Studies: A Platform for Dialogue' at French Institute of Pondicherry on Thursday. Photo: S.S. Kumar

From the role of a poet’s life in Tamil literary history and cultural discourses in the paintings of Pandya temples to studies in Sanskrit literature and history of food, doctoral researchers on Thursday not only presented papers but also shared the challenges they face during their research work in the two-day workshop ‘Research in South Asian Studies: A Platform for Dialogue’ organised by the French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP).

P. Raja from American College in Madurai, while presenting his research work on History of Editions and Publishers in Madurai (1835-1950) highlighted the hurdles in accessing books in libraries and lack of proper cataloguing of books in both private and public libraries. ‘He also pointed to the caste dynamics that play out while on the field.

“My work predominantly involves looking out for different publications in the libraries. While doing this, I find difficulty in convincing the librarians to access the books I need for my research work. Besides, I have to respond to the curious librarians wanting to know my caste identity,” he said.

M. Kannan, Researcher, Indology Department, French Institute of Pondicherry, said Indian students studied in a structure that was hierarchical and protocol-bound.

“This workshop provides an opportunity for them to meet western researchers, who come from a different background, working in a different structure. It is a meeting place for the western and eastern sensibilities. This workshop will allow doctoral researchers to discuss their problems and challenges of doctoral researchers in finding sources, methodology of their research, institutional problems and interaction with other scholars,” he added.

Area studies

French Institute of Pondicherry Director, Frederic Landy said the workshop was an interface for research and training for young researchers. He added that South Asian studies are deeply engaged in cultural, regional and area studies. Though area studies were neglected 20 or 30 years ago, it was now becoming popular.

“Every researcher should highlight the challenges and difficulties, and discuss how they have established the methodology and constructed the hypothesis so everyone can have a common field to discuss,” said Mr.Landy.

T. Ganesan, Head of Department, Indology, and senior epigraphist Y.Subbarayalu were present.