News Digest

Summary

"This digest compiles notable developments in Jain studies, archaeological discoveries, scholarly research, and international recognition of Jainism, as recorded up to 2001: 1. National Convention on Medical Basis of Jainism (Jabalpur, Oct 19–21, 2001) i) Held under the guidance of Ācārya Vidyāsāgarji, this convention was jointly organized by Bombay Hospital and Research Centre, Jain Doctors Group, Varmi Gurukul, Dayodaya Animal Protection (Jabalpur), and Bhagyodaya Tirth Hospital (Sagar). ii) Key topics included: a) Ayurveda and Jainism b) Naturopathy c) Jain dietary laws and vegetarian allopathy d) Disease transmission through meat and fish e) Longevity via meditation and spiritualism 2. French Journal Yoga et Vie Celebrates Mahāvīra’s 2600th Birth Anniversary i) Pierre Amiel published “Le 2600° Anniversaire De La Naissance de Mahavira” in Yoga et Vie, issue no. 108. ii) He is also authoring Jaina Practices in French for francophone audiences. 3. Discovery of Mahāvīra-Themed Half Ana Copper Coin (1839) i) Prof. Jeevandhar K. Hotapeti reports the East India Company minted this rare coin during Lord Auckland’s term (1836–1842). ii) Obverse: Image of Lord Mahāvīra with bhamandal iii) Reverse: “Om” and mantra in Devanagari; symbols representing Jainism, Islam (crescent), Zoroastrianism (sun), and Hinduism (trishul) iv) Owner: Parasmal Jain, Bhadravati 4. Doctoral Research: Jain Rock-Cut Caves of Maharashtra Viraj Manekji Shah submitted her five-chapter thesis with diagrams, sketches, maps, and photographs to Deccan College, Pune. Supervisor: Dr. Gouri Lad. 5. Doctoral Research: Jainism and the Pallavas Jyoti Nambiar’s thesis to the University of Madras explores Jainism’s role during Pallava rule, including its historical chronology and cultural development. 6. Archaeological Finds at Fatehpur Sikri (1999–2000) i) Excavations unearthed 14 Jain sculptures and one inscribed stone fragment, dated between 2nd and 11th CE. ii) One fragment bears Brāhmī script in Sanskrit (2nd CE). iii) A Sarasvatī image names King Vajrama, likely Vajradāmana of the Kachchhapaghāta dynasty (Gwalior).\