Alliance School of Liberal Arts facilitates interdisciplinary academic exposure through cultural field visit

Students and faculty members from the Departments of Fine Arts and Kannada Language at the Alliance School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, undertook a one-day academic field visit to Shravanabelagola, located in Hassan District, Karnataka. The visit was designed to provide experiential learning aligned with the curriculum, offering a shared platform to study the artistic, linguistic, and historical significance of the heritage site.

Exploration of Historical Monuments

The academic visit included a guided tour of Vindhyagiri Hill, home to the 57-feet monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali), one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. The site served as a learning space to engage with Jain iconography, symbolism, and philosophical traditions. Faculty-led discussions explored the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of Jain art, as well as the social contexts that shaped its creation.

The group also visited Chandragiri Hill, which features a series of ancient Jain Basadis and stone inscriptions. The inscriptions include early examples of Halegannada (Old Kannada), offering insight into the evolution of Kannada language and script. The architectural features of the Basadis reflect the temple-building practices of early dynasties and their patronage of Jain traditions.

Interdisciplinary Academic Activities

Fine Arts students participated in on-site sketching exercises, focusing on the sculptural forms, compositional elements, and surface textures of the monuments. The exercise aimed to strengthen observation and documentation skills through direct engagement with historic art forms. Photographic documentation was also conducted as part of visual archiving and future reference.

Faculty from the Kannada Department led interpretative sessions on the historical and literary significance of the Kannada inscriptions. Discussions addressed the contributions of early Kannada poets and the use of language as a medium of political, spiritual, and cultural expression. These sessions demonstrated the role of inscriptions in reconstructing regional histories and understanding socio-religious movements.

Integrated Learning Experience

The field visit encouraged collaboration between departments and provided students with an integrated perspective on Karnataka’s heritage. By combining visual arts with language studies, the visit promoted interdisciplinary learning and cultural appreciation. The academic focus remained on connecting theoretical learning with practical observation in a real-world context.

Institutional Vision and Educational Value

The visit to Shravanabelagola reflects Alliance University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary and experiential pedagogy. Through direct interaction with sites of heritage, students engage in critical inquiry, develop contextual understanding, and enhance their academic learning beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

The Shravanabelagola field visit served as a platform for active learning across disciplines, fostering an appreciation for Karnataka’s artistic, linguistic, and spiritual legacy. Through faculty-led activities and collaborative engagement, the initiative contributed to a deeper understanding of cultural continuity and the importance of heritage conservation.

Alliance University continues to support field-based learning as a vital part of academic exploration and holistic education.