The "Blossoms and Blades: Jewelry of the Mughal Court, 16th–19th Centuries" exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum has recently drawn large crowds, with its accompanying academic lectures also proving highly popular—all seats were filled for each session. Notably, six of the lectures were delivered by Shenzhen University faculty, five of whom are from the School of Humanities.
This team of experts on Indian studies applied their academic expertise beyond the campus, transforming specialized knowledge into engaging public content, showcasing how university resources can serve and enrich urban cultural life.
Curatorial Involvement: Shaping the Exhibition’s Narrative
Even before the exhibition opened on December 5, 2025, Dr. Gao Xuesi from the School of Humanities contributed as an academic advisor. The exhibition captures the dual themes of exquisite craftsmanship and power dynamics in Mughal court culture, serving as a key cultural exchange program from late 2025 to mid-2026.
Lecture Series: Sharing Knowledge, Engaging the Public
Since late November 2025, five faculty members specializing in Indian literature and culture have delivered well-received lectures at the Shenzhen Museum:
• Professor Wang Chunjing: “Harmony in Difference: 'Karma Yoga' and Chinese Philosophy”
• Associate Professor Yang Xiaoxia: “More Than Song and Dance: The Hidden Functions of Indian Film Music”
• Associate Professor Cai Feng: “Reading History in Miniature: The Cultural Value of Indian Miniature Paintings”
• Associate Professor Zhu Xuan: “Between Sacred and Secular: 'Dharma' and 'Artha' in Indian Culture”
• Assistant Professor Gao Xuesi: “Three Centuries of Rise and Fall: A History of the Mughal Empire”
Additionally, Associate Professor Wang Weijun from the Rao Zongyi Institute of Culture at SZU presented on the tradition of Kavad storytelling in Indian folk art, further enriching the series.
All six lectures were fully attended, with active audience interaction. The faculty delivered profound insights into Indian culture in an accessible and engaging manner, enabling the public to meaningfully engage with academic research.
This initiative reflects the School of Humanities’ commitment to integrating academic expertise with public education, contributing to Shenzhen’s vision as a "City of Museums" and reinforcing the role of the University in serving and shaping cultural discourse.
