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A. Ekambaranathan

Dr.

Academic & Professional Background • Position: Retired as the Head of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Madras, Chennai. • Expertise: A distinguished epigraphist and historian, focusing on Jain history, inscriptions, iconography, art, and architecture in Tamil Nadu. Publications & Contributions • Authored over 20 books and more than 50 research articles in both Tamil and English. • Notable works include: o Jaina Inscriptions in Tamilnadu: A Topographical List (1987), compiled with Dr. C.K. Sivaprakasam—documenting around 530 Jain inscriptions across Tamil Nadu. o Jaina Iconography in Tamilnadu and Jainism in Tamilnadu: Art and Archaeology. o Tamil publications such as Kazhugumalaiyum Samanamum (1993) and Development of Jainism under the Cholas (2000), both of which won Best Publication awards from the Government of Tamil Nadu. • Edited and contributed to thematic volumes like Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu (2005), highlighting the rich Jain heritage, art, and architecture ﹙including rock-cut sites, sculptures, inscriptions﹚. Legacy & Death • Dr. A. Ekambaranathan was widely regarded as a leading authority on Jain heritage in southern India. As one commentator noted: “Dr. A. Ekambaranathan’s contribution to the study of Jain heritage in Tamil Nadu is remarkable”. His meticulous field surveys, epigraphical compilations, and authoring of foundational reference works have left an enduring impact. • He passed away on 4th September 2020 in Chennai, after a brief illness, at approximately 75 years of age. Name Dr. A. Ekambaranathan Role Professor & Head, Ancient History & Archaeology, University of Madras Specialization Jain history, inscriptions, iconography and art in Tamil Nadu Publications 20+ books, 50+ research articles; major works in Tamil & English Accolades Government of Tamil Nadu awards for significant Tamil works Date of Demise 4th September 2020, Chennai Dr. A. Ekambaranathan was a towering figure in the field of Tamil Jain heritage studies—his works remain foundational to modern scholarship on Jain archaeology, iconography, and epigraphy in Tamil Nadu. His visual legacy may be limited in the public domain, but his scholarly footprint is deeply felt.

9 articles1986–20012 publications
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology · 8Jinamanjari · 1

Articles

Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Mahavira in sculptural art Tamil Nadu

By A. Ekambaranathan

July - 2001
Jinamanjari

Jaina Caves of Madurai

By A. Ekambaranathan

1998
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Mahendravarman and Jainism – A Reappraisal

By A. Ekambaranathan

July - 1996
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Religious Conflicts and Conversion of Jain Temples in Tamilnadu

By A. Ekambaranathan

April - 1994
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Jaina Monuments of Pudukkottai Region

By A. Ekambaranathan

October - 1991
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Holy Abodes of the Śramaṇas

By A. Ekambaranathan, M. Satyabhama

July - 1989
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Recently Discovered Jaina Epigraphs from Tondaimandalam

By A. Ekambaranathan

January - 1989
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

Some Aspects of Jainism in Tamilnadu: An Epigraphic Assessment

By A. Ekambaranathan

Jan - 1988
Jain Journal A Quarterly on Jainology

New Light on the Cola Epigraphs from Chittamur

By A. Ekambaranathan

July - 1986

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