New Digest

This issue provides a news digest highlighting recent academic events, archaeological discoveries, book publications, and institutional recognitions relevant to Jainism: 1. Academic Seminars and Conferences i) Seminar on Ācārya Kundakunda (Delhi, 1998): Focused on Sauraseni Prakrit, with announcements about a dedicated Prakrit faculty at L.B. Shastri University. ii) Lund University (Sweden, 1998): International conference in honour of Prof. Padmanabh Jaini, featuring global scholars exploring Jainism and Buddhism in cultural context. Topics included Jaina image worship, karma, schisms, mysticism, ecology, and social transformation. iii) Harvard University (1998): Conference on Jainism and Ecology, linking Jain values to environmental ethics, with scholars from the U.S., India, and Japan. 2. Doctoral Research i) Doctorates awarded to scholars across India on Jain topics such as: ii) Samyagdarśana, Jain Ramayana comparisons, Jain historiography, and Pārśvanātha Purāṇa. iii) Emphasis on comparative literature and doctrinal studies. 3. Publications and Recognitions A) Books: i) The Jaina Sanctuaries of Gwalior by T.V.G. Sastri – a detailed archaeological study. ii) Jainism: A Pictorial Guide by Kurt Titze – richly illustrated. B) Recognition: Government of India issued a postal stamp in honour of Jagdish Chandra Jain, noted Prakrit and Jain scholar. 4. Archaeological Highlights i) Tirumalai Matha Revival (Tamil Nadu): Reestablishment of a major Jain centre; installation of Ksullaka Dhavalakirti as Bhattaraka. The site has historical links to Bhadrabāhu and includes Cola-period temples. ii) Discovery of Jain Caverns (Karnataka): Near Tirthahalli, natural caverns with 11th-century inscriptions and Tīrthaṅkara carvings, including those of Pārśvanātha, Dharanendra, and Padmāvatī. The carvings demonstrate vibrant Jain presence during the Sāntara dynasty.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.