Fr. Henry Heras: The Humanist
- Format:
- Journal Article
- Year:
- 2013
- Journal Title:
- Indica
- Volume:
- 50
- Issue:
- 1–2
- Language:
- Abstract:
The publication of the current volume, which is also the 50th jubilee issue of Indica, is timed to coincide with the hundred and twenty fifth birth anniversary of the distinguished scholar and humanist, Fr. Henry Heras. In a very humble way it represents the sincere endeavours of the Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, to respectfully pay homage to a towering personality who dedicated his life to the study of Indian history, especially in the field of art and archaeology at a time when it needed to be revitalized with fresh thoughts and sound methodology. Indeed, it was Fr. Heras who set the tone, tenor and foundations for the evolution and popularity of history as an important subject at the under graduate, post-graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels at St. Xavier’s College and by extension in the University of Bombay, now Mumbai, since the early twentieth century. Fr. Heras’ association with the city, St. Xavier’s College and historical research date back to 1922. He fulfilled the crying need for a good institute that would foster research through his diligence and timely actions. Soon his efforts were crowned with success. Apart from building up the physical infrastructure for research, Father Heras was also able to attract and inspire a dedicated band of students who were ready to explore new areas of research, as well as interpret the existing studies in the light of new findings. He urged them to look beyond the conventional historiographies and utilize a combination of archaeological and literary resources to draw their own conclusions. Indisputably, it was the vacation-tours that Fr. Heras innovatively organized to historical sites which actually promoted the true spirit of research among his students. Enthused by this novel methodology, Professor Moraes, one of Father Heras’ most outstanding pupils delved into a whole array of material and came up with his masterpiece Kadamba Kula, which is a much used reference book even today. As a mark of our recognition of Father Heras’ rich legacy, this jubilee volume comprising of articles written by scholars from various fields, pays eloquent tribute both to the Gurū and the śiṣyas who together blazed an exciting trail for future generations of historians to follow.
- Who (Jesuits):
- What (Subjects):
- Where (Locations):
- When (Centuries):
- Page Range:
- 11–14
- ISSN:
- 0019-686X