DKPA : Jainism and Philately

jainism and philately

sudhir jain

The first stamp on Jainism was issued in India by Saurashtra State, a part of India before Independence on October 18, 1929. This three pies stamp bears a view of Girnar Hills where 23rd Jain Tirthankar Neminath Bhagwan had attained Nirvana. Girnar is an important Jain pilgrimage centre. Indian Government issued first stamp on Jainism on May 6, 1935 bearing Sheetalnath Jain Temple of Calcutta.

The first stamp on Jainism to be issued from outside India came from East Germany. On 23 August, 1979 the East German Postal Department issued a set of four stamps on Indian miniature paintings. One of these showed the beautiful painting of Lord Mahaveer from the fifteenth or sixteenth century.

On the occasion of the centenary of the Baroda Museum a se-tenant pair (set of two stamps) was issued on 20 December 1994. This se-tenant stamp bears the picture of the ancient bronze statue of Lord Rishabhnath. The idol is exhibited in the Baroda Museum.

This stamp, printed on 27 July 1978 for the Kacch Museum, shows an ancient Airawat elephant from the old Jain Temple in Gujarat.

The Millennium celebrations of the world famous Jain Khajuraho Temples were organised by the Indian government between March 1999 and March 2000. To commemorate the occasion this stamp issued on 6 March 1999 depicts the beautiful lady Apsara removing a thorn from her foot: The original statue is in the Parshwanath Jain Temple of Khajuraho.

On the occasion of World Hindi Convention, oa stamp was issued on January 10, 1975 and on the occasion of World Telgu Conference another stamp was issued on April 12, 1975. Both these stamps depict the photograph of the attractive 12th century image of Goddess Saraswathi. This idol was taken from a Jain Temple in village Palloo, District Bikaner and presently exhibited is National Museum, New Delhi.

The image of the Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan on a one-rupee stamp is one of the 16 prints of the definitive series issued on archaeology.

The one rupee stamp bearing the photo of a sculpture of a lady writing a letter was issued by the Department of Posts, India on July 1, 1966 as part of the 3rd definitive series on archaeology. The sculpture is from the famous Parshwanath Jain Temple of Khajuraho.

World famous space scientist of India Sri Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was Jain. He was honored by the Government of India by issuing a stamp on his memory on 30th December, 1972.

The famous Jain educationalist and social worker, Dr. Karmveer Bhaurao Patil devoted his whole life to educating villagers. The stamp was issued on 9 May 1988 in his honour.

Jain politician and Ex-Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Ex-Governor of various states Mr. Mohan Lal Sukhadia was honored by Indian Government on 2.2.88 by issuing a stamp on him.

The renowned Jain philosopher, Dr. Jagdish Chandra Jain wrote more than 80 books. The stamp in his honour was issued in January 1998

2600th Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankara Mahavir

April 6, 2001, marks the completion of 2600 years of the birth of Bhagvan Mahavir. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee released a stamp on this occasion at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. This year will be a year of celebrations for the Jains throughout the world. The celebrations started with the 2600th Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankara Mahavir.

The colourful brochure of the stamp issued on this occasion is displayed here. You can see the FDC of this stamp here.

Stamp - 2600th Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankara Mahavir

Raja Bhamashah (1542-1598 A.D., approx.),a Jain, was the childhood friend, colleague and adviser of Maharana Pratap, the legendary hero of Mewar (Rajasthan). Bhamashilh's loyal support was pivotal to the career of the Mallarana, right from the time his coronation. Courageous and possessing exemplary military skills, Bhamashah played crucial roles in the numerous military exercises of Mewar against the mighty Mughal army, including the famous battle of Haldi Ghati. Modern historians describe him as the "Uplifter of Mewar".