Jainism is one of the oldest religions that originated in India. It teaches the path of non-violence towards all living beings.
Mangalore (Karnataka), April 9, 2012: This month’s Dakshina Kannada Philately and Numismatics Association’s (DKPNA) monthly exhibition displayed the stamps of this 4.2 million followers’ religious minority, which celebrated the Jayanthi of their last Thirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira on April 5.
The exhibition showcased the stamps issued by India and other countries on Jainism. The stamps includes those of personalities from the religion who have made a mark in different fields, major Jain pilgrim centers, temples, pictorial works etc.
The stamps are from the collection of DKPNA President M K Krishnaiah. The exhibition also includes Special covers and Regular Pictorial cancellations issued on Jainism, especially those from different Jainism centres in Karnataka.
The Indian stamps have depicted famous Jain personalities like Vikram Sarabhai, V.Shantaram etc and temples like Sheetal Nath Jain Temple. Apart from the Indian stamps, those issued by East Germany in 1979, Nepal in 2006 and Congo in 2007 were there in the collection.
One of the rare stamps in the exhibition was the first stamp issued by British India on Jainism. The stamp depicting the Jain Temple in Calcutta was issued in May, 1935. First ever stamp on Jainism was issued by Saurashtra in 1929.
A total of 34 stamps issued by India and three from other countries were displayed in the exhibition.
Pictorial cancellations
Pictorial cancellations pertain to certain tourist sites, monuments, flora and fauna of the place and are available at the post offices concerned where it is issued.
The pictorial cancellations on Jainism includes those from Shravanabelgola, Karkala, Dharmasthala, Badami and Pattadakal of Karnataka. A total of 15 such pictorial cancellations are issued so far on Jainism. – News Courtesy: Deccan Herald