Issued by India

Issued on Oct 19, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of eight Commemorative Postage Stamps on Historical Gates of Indian Forts and Monuments.

Credits :
Stamps/Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (6) and 1000 Paise (2)

Stamps Printed : 5.0 Lakh each

Miniature Sheet Printed : 1.1 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The magnificent forts and monuments built during the Mughal times either by the Mughal rulers or the Indian Princely Royals, had mammoth entry or exit gates to their main city area. These gates not only served as controlled movement points for the common people but also the military troops during times of war. Most of these gates were later reconstructed and reinforced by the British. Standing in most cases as dividers between the old and the new city, these gates are a reminder of India’s glorious past.
• BULAND DARWAZA, FATEHPUR SIKRI
  • Buland Darwaza or the “Gate of victory”, was built in 1601 A.D. by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, which is 43 km from Agra. It is a typical example of Mughal architecture, made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble and is higher than the courtyard of the mosque. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. The total height of the structure is about 54 metres from the ground level. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar’s religious tolerance and broad mindedness. The Buland Darwaza is semi-octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris, echoing early Mughal design with simple ornamentation, carved verses from the Koran and towering arches.
• KOTE GATE, BIKANER
  • During the medieval period, Bikaner city was also covered by a protecting wall, like other king ruled cities of Rajasthan. Kote gate is the heritage entrance gate to the old Bikaner city. Credit to its solid architecture, that even after 500 years and heavy modern day traffic everyday, Kote gate stands tall with the same royal pride. Built during the reign of King Ganga Singh, the word Kote gate is taken from word ‘Parkota’ meaning wall of city for its protection. Now it is a busy junction with the main shopping area of the city of Bikaner all around it. Kote Gate is a famous tourist attraction in the city. It overlooks the famous shopping markets. It is the entry point between the old city of Bikaner and the new city overlooking the attractive havelis, which are huge mansions with intricate architecture.
• JORAWAR SINGH GATE, JAIPUR
  • Jaipur was founded in the 16^th Century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He did everything to make it a spectacle for the entire world and to keep it safe from intruders. A prominent part of city’s history are the ‘Gates of Jaipur’, the original entrance into the walled city. Commonly known as the Zorawar Singh Gate, Dhruv Pol is the northernmost gate of the walled city. It is named after the Pole Star or the Dhruv Tara, a star that marks the North direction. It is also the widest of all the gates. Jorawar Singh Gate in Jaipur leads to Amber fort. Named after a general, this gate is the entryway to the northern area of the city and acts as a beautiful introduction to a walk around this part of town.
• SARDAR MARKET GATE, JODHPUR
  • Sardar Market of Jodhpur is one of the popular landmarks along with Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower. There is a big gate with name of the market called Sardar Market gate. It is a symbol of typical Rajasthani architecture fused with Mughal architecture, with balconettes, arches and floral designs. The façade of each unit is characterised by jharokhas and openings on all sides of the gate. Made of red sandstone and white marble, this gate divides the new city from the old.
• KASHMERE GATE, DELHI
  • Kashmere Gate is the famous northern gate to the historic walled city of Delhi. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it leads to the Lal Quila, the Red Fort of Delhi. The gate faces towards Kashmir, so it was named Kashmere Gate under the British Raj. During the First War of Independence of 1857, the British had used the gate to prevent the rebels from entering the city. The left leaf of the Gate was destroyed using gunpowder, starting the final assault on the rebels towards the end of Siege of Delhi. After 1857, the British moved to Civil Lines and Kashmere Gate became the fashionable and commercial centre of Delhi, a status it lost only after the creation of New Delhi in 1931. In 1965, a section of the Kashmere Gate was demolished to allow faster movement of vehicular traffic. Since then, it has become a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• RUMI DARWAZA, LUCKNOW
  • The Rumi Darwaza sometimes known as the Turkish Gate, is an imposing gateway which was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf–Ud–daula in 1784. It is an example of Awadhi architecture. The Rumi Darwaza, which stands 60 feet tall, was modelled after the Sublime Porte (Bab-i Hümayuo) in Istanbul. It is adjacent to the Asafi Imambara in Lucknow and has become a logo for the city of Lucknow. It used to mark the entrance to Old Lucknow City, but as the City of Nawabs grew and expanded, it was later used as an entrance to a palace which was later demolished.
• MAGAZINE GATE, AJMER
  • Magazine Gate is the main gate leading to the magazine building also known as Akbar’s Palace that was built by Akbar in A.D. 1570. Akbar used to stay here during his visit to Dargah of Khwaza Saheb. Later on, it was taken over by the British from Marathas in A.D. 1818 and was used as arsenal ground. Thereafter, this building was known as Magazine Building. This palatial building was also used as embassy building of Sir Thomas Roe, who presented his credentials to Jahangir on tenth January, A.D. 1616. In the year A.D. 1908, it was converted into Rajputana Museum. This gate is made of sandstone and is symbolic of the grand Mughal architecture.
• DELHI GATE, DELHI
  • Delhi Gate is the southern gate of the historic walled city of Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad. The gate links the New Delhi city with the old walled city of Delhi. The Gate was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638. The emperor used this gate to go to the Jama Masjid for prayer. The gate is similar in design and architecture to the northern gate of the walled city, the Kashmere Gate. It was built in sandstone and is an impressive and large structure. Near the gate entry, two stone carvings of elephants were erected. The road from this gate passes through Daryaganj leading to the Kashmere Gate. A part of the fort wall to the east has been demolished to build the Old Delhi Railway Station while the wall to the west exists.
• Text : Shri Pallab Bose

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 29, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of six commemorative postage stamps on the theme UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India : Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Credits :
Stamps/Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 1200 Paise (3) & 500 Paise (3)

Stamps Printed : 5.0 Lakh each

Miniature Sheets Printed : 1.1 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world, considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. There are many UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites in India. One of them is Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Six Hill Forts of Rajasthan, examples of Rajput military hill architecture, namely Amer Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Gagron Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranthambore Fort were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list during the 37^th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh during June 2013. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.
• Amer Fort is a fort located near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. The town of Amer was originally built by Meenas, and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh–I (21^st December, 1550 – 6^th July, 1614). With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake, which is the main source of water for the Amer Palace. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) or Jai Mandir and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace.
• Kumbhalgarh Fort (“Kumbhal fort”) is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand district near Udaipur of Rajasthan. It was built during the course of the 15^th century by Rana Kumbha. Built on a hilltop 1,100 m (3,600 ft) above sea level on the Aravalli range, the fort of Kumbhalgarh has perimeter walls that extend 36 km, making it one of the longest walls in the world. Kumbhalgarh has seven fortified gateways. There are over 360 temples within the fort. The sand dunes of the Thar Desert can be seen from the fort walls.
• Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is believed to be one of the very few (perhaps the only) “living forts” in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city’s population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 800-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer. The first settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the 17^th century. Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal (ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill.
• Gagron Fort is situated in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan. It is an example of a hill and water fort. The fort is surrounded by water bodies from three sides which makes it unique. It has remarkable construction as it takes support from the hill of Burj from one side. The famous fort was built by Raja Bijili Dev in 12^th century and it was ruled around 300 years by Khinchi dynasty. The fort stands at the juncture of Kalisindh and Ahu rivers and is surrounded by greenery.
• Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Chittorgarh (garh means fort) was originally called Chitrakut. The fort was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day town of Chittor. Set atop a 180 meters high hill this majestic fort features in tales of courage, pride and romance that the bards of Rajasthan have been singing for centuries. The fort, when viewed from above, looks roughly like a fish. Spread across an area of 700 acres, the circumference of the fort alone covers an area of 13 kilometers. There are seven massive gates, safeguarding all the entrances. The main gate is called as Ram Gate. The fort has 65 structures including temples, palaces, memorials and water bodies. There are two prominent towers within the premises of the fort namely Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) and Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame).
• Ranthambore Fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur. It was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10^th century. Due to its strategic location, it was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. Constructed in 944 AD, Ranthambore Fort has witnessed many sieges and battles. An architectural marvel, the fort includes many attractions such include Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri and Sametonki Haveli within its premises.
• Text : Information collected from online sources.

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Issued by India

Issued on Apr 28, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of four Commemorative Postage Stamps on Prithviraj Chauhan.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 (2) & 1500 (2) Paise

Sheetlets Printed : 500000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Prithviraj III (reign 1178-1192 CE), popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan or Rai Pithora was an Indian king from the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty. He ruled Sapadalaksha, the traditional Chahamana territory, in present-day north-western India. He controlled much of the present-day Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. His capital was located at Ajayameru (modern Ajmer), although the medieval folk legends describe him as the king of India’s political centre Delhi.
• Prithviraj was born to the Chahamana king Someshvara and queen Karpuradevi. King Someshvara died in 1177 CE when Prithviraj was around 11 years old. Prithviraj, who was a minor at that time, ascended the throne with his mother as the regent. During his early years as the king, Prithviraj’s mother managed the administration, assisted by a regency council. In 1175 CE, Muhammad of Ghori crossed the Indus River and captured Multan. In 1178 CE, he invaded Gujarat, which was ruled by the Chalukyas (Solankis). Over the next few years, Muhammad of Ghori consolidated his power in the territory to the west of the Chahamanas, conquering Peshawar, Sindh, and Punjab. He shifted his base from Ghazni to Punjab and made attempts to expand his empire eastwards, which brought him into conflict with Prithviraj Chauhan.
• During 1190-1191 CE, Muhammad of Ghori invaded the Chahamana territory and captured Tabarhindah (identified with either Bhatinda or Sirhind). When Prithviraj learnt about this, he marched towards Tabarhindah with his feudatories, including Govindaraja of Delhi. Ghori’s original plan was to return to his base after conquering Tabarhindah, but when he heard about Prithviraj’s march, he decided to put up a fight. He set out with an army and encountered Prithviraj’s forces at Tarain. In the ensuing battle, Prithviraj’s army decisively defeated Muhammad of Ghori. Muhammad of Ghori was injured and forced to retreat. After defeating the army of Muhammad of Ghori, Prithviraj Chauhan was asked to attack the retreating army but in the true Rajput tradition, Prithviraj refused to do so as it did not conform to the fair war rules.
• Ghori returned to Ghazni and made preparations to avenge his defeat. He gathered a well-equipped army of 120,000 select Afghan, Tajik and Turkic horsemen over the next few months. He then marched towards the Chahamana kingdom via Multan and Lahore, aided by Vijayaraja of Jammu. Ghori formed four divisions, with 10,000 archers each. He kept the rest of his army in reserve. He ordered the four divisions to launch a surprise attack on the Chahamana camp, and then pretend a retreat. At dawn, the four divisions of the Ghori’s army attacked the Chahamana camp, while Prithviraj was still asleep. After a brief fight, the attackers pretended to retreat in accordance with Ghori’s strategy. Prithviraj was thus lured into chasing them, and by the afternoon, the Chahamana army was exhausted as a result of this pursuit. At this point, Muhammad led his reserve force and attacked the Chahamanas, decisively defeating them. Prithviraj Chauhan fought bravely in the battle but caught near the Sarasvati fort (modern Sirsa). Prithviraj Chauhan died in 1192, with his death a period of bravery, courage, patriotism, and principles came to an end.
• Text : Based on the information available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Mar 9, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a se-tenant Commemorative Postage Stamps on Central Industrial Security Force.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Se–tenant set of 2 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (2)

Stamps Printed : 600825, 500000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• In the security matrix of the country today, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is firmly and significantly entrenched. The elemental qualities of valour, strength and dedication have sculpted the force since its inception and further chiseling over the years have honed it into a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional armed force capable of effortlessly adapting itself to a fluid security scenario. By fully dedicating itself towards guarding and protecting industrial units and critical assets, CISF has contributed in a large measure to the rapid and stable growth of the country.
• From a modest beginning of around 3000 personnel in 1969, the CISF has grown to 1,49,088 personnel, with the Government further raising its ceiling to 1,80,000 in 2017. The pan-India deployment of the Force across 336 units has within its ambit diversified areas like Atomic Energy and Space Installations, Sea-Ports, Steel Plants, Coal Fields, Hydro-Electric and Thermal Power Plants, Defence production units, Fertilizer and Chemical Industries, Note printing Press/Mints, Heritage Monuments/Museums (Taj Mahal & Red Fort etc.). Beside this, CISF presence in 59 International and major airports of the country, Delhi Metro Rail and important Government buildings is a critical security commitment. The Force also provides VIP Security through its elite and specialized Special Security Group (SSG) commandos. The change in the charter of duties and responsibilities in 2009 has also brought private sector establishments under the security cover of CISF.
• The geographical spread of the Force includes sensitive areas, affected by terrorism and left wing extremism, in Jammu & Kashmir, the North East and the States falling within the Red Corridor. Operational preparedness of a high degree has enabled CISF to effectively thwart attacks by inimical forces.
• Cutting edge technology is synonymous with CISF, and the Force continuously adapts itself in myriad ways to take on a rapidly changing security scenario with concomitant challenges. Innovativeness and out-of-box thinking run parallel to dedication and commitment in the Force. Therefore, modernization, in terms of equipment and security gadgets is never lost sight of and a highly specialized R & D cell monitors this 24×7.
• CISF lays great emphasis on training of its officers and men and in line with this commitment, 2017 has been declared as the ‘Year of Training’. In the pursuit of excellence, training methods, ideas and concepts are relentlessly reviewed, de-freezed and set into optimal and benefit-accruing systems and processes. This equips the force with critical security vision as it moves from strength to strength, and enters deeply divergent and challenging areas of responsibility.
• The ”Lost and Found” system has been of immense help to the rightful owners in reclaiming their lost articles at airports and Delhi Metro. During the year, unclaimed property worth Rs. 38.44 crore at airports was recovered. Out of this property worth Rs. 10.26 Crore was handed over to the rightful owners and remaining Rs. 28.18 Crore has been deposited with the airport operators. Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in collaboration with United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), awarded National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) for “Excellence in Training” for exceptional work in the category of “Trainer/Faculty Development”. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) awarded CISF with “FICCI SMART POLICING AWARD” in the category of other Policing Initiatives for launching “Lost and Found Web Application” on the CISF official website for items and valuables left behind by the commuters at the 59 airports. The National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) adjudged CISF “M-Power App” as the Best IT project amongst CAPFs in the category of empowering police with information technology. And for the fifth time, CISF won the “Best Marching Contingent” award in the Republic Day parade, 2017.
• CISF stands tall, strong and proud, protecting the nation and keeping its critical assets secure. The commitment and dedication of the Force remain steadfast. The confidence and trust that the Government has reposed on the Force, always acts as a motivator to achieve great heights of success. CISF will be celebrating its 50^th year i.e. Golden Jubilee from 10^th March, 2018.
• Text : Based on the information received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 28, 2009

Issued for : India Post is privileged to issue a set of four commemorative postage stamp on Mangyu Monastery, Saint Annie‘s Church Goa, Jaisalmer Fort and Qila Mubarak.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Bharati Mirchandani
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet with above four setenant stamps with thematic border, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 500 paise each [2000 paise for Miniature]

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• India‘s glorious history of more than 5000 years enumerates several civilizations that have been a constant reminder of the country’s rich multicultural extravaganza and world-renowned heritage which includes India‘s art, handicrafts, dance forms, musical styles and architectural monuments. To preserve our heritage is our duty to our future generations architectural preservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of mankind’s built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has shouldered this responsibility to protect and conserve India‘s vast natural and cultural heritage. India Post issues a set of four commemorative postage stamps on Mangyu Monastery, Saint Annie’s Church Goa, Jaisalmer Fort and Qila Mubarak commemorating their efforts in preserving India’s architectural heritage.
• Mangyu Monastery
  • Mangyu, a small village in Leh derives its name from Mangyu river. It has Buddhist monasteries and Nag-IDan Chortern (stupa) more than 1000 years and these are believed to be built by Lhotsava Rhin-Chen-bZang-PO (956-1042 AD), a legendary figure associated with the proliferation and advancement of Buddhism in Ladakh and the rest of the Western Himalayas as well as construction of Buddhist monasteries. The Monastery comprises of four temples. These are Nangbarngzad, Chenrezig, Lhakhang, Chamba Lhakhang (Maitreya) and Chamba Lhakhang (Jambeyang). The monastery has a simple exterior supplemented with rich interior. All these rooms have a rich repository of wall paintings and stucco images. It is believed that Lhotsava, who built the monastery, had 32 Kashmiri craftsmen along with him, who had worked on the interior embellishments. Hence, the art forms of the monastery bear a distinct Kashmiri as well as Western Tibetan influences. Characteristics art forms include 2 giant stucco images of Chamba (nearly 4.5 metres high), mandalas within Nangbarnangzad and Chenrezig Lhakhang and 1000 miniature Buddhas drawn neatly in rows and columns.
• Saint Annie’s Church Goa
  • The massive Church was built in 1681-95 in the village of Talaulim located approximately 10-12 kms. from Panaji. This village once formed part of the larger metropolitan region of the Old City of Goa. The origins of the church date back to 1577 when the property was originally bought and a chapel constructed by priests attached to St. Paul’s College of Old Goa of the Jesuit order. The church to its present form was taken up for reconstruction in 1681 under Msgr. Francisco de Rego and completed in 1695 by his successor Fr. Antonio Francisco Da Cunha. The date is found engraved on the front main door.. With the decline and abandonment of Old Goa in the 18^th century and the shifting of the City to Panaji, these parts also declined considerably.
• Jaisalmer Fort
  • In the midst of the Thar desert, the medieval fortress town of Jaisalmer rises like a city at the very end of the world. In this remote land palaces, havelis, temples and bazaars create a magical, almost surreal city. It is desert city dominated by the golden sandstone fortification, its ninety-nine bastions silhouetted against the sky. Jaisalmer Fort, built entirely of stone in the 12^th century, is an awe-inspiring architectural feat. It is perhaps the world’s only living fort where the traditional patterns of life have continued over the centuries.
    
• Qila Mubarak
  • Patiala is one of the youngest cities of Punjab. It was founded by Baba Ala in the middle of the eighteenth century as a military stronghold. In the heart of the city of Patiala lies the 10 acre Qila Mubarak Complex. Qila Mubarak is said to be the only Sikh fort of its kind in this side of Punjab. Almost all other forts which exist in the state are either of Mughal or pre-Mughal origin. It is a planned, symmetrical building built in a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani styles. And the roof of the complex, suggests a colonial afterthought in its architecture. Though the Androon is a single interconnected building, it was spoken of as a series of palaces. Each set of rooms clustered around a country-yard had a name; the Sheesh Mahal, the Rang Mahal, the Toshkhana, the Jail Khana and the Chand Mahal.
    
• These heritage structures have been erected by INTACH.
  
• Text : Based on material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 10, 2006

Issued for : This spontaneous uprising of the Indian soldiers in Vellore Fort on 10^th July 1806 was among the early manifestations of resistance to British rule in India. India Post is proud to commemorate the bicentennial of this moment in history by issue of a stamp.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Seeking to expand their sphere of influence and control in India, the British maintained an army that, right up to 1857, was composed largely of Indians, or natives as they were called. Yet the British were strangely insensitive to the cultural and religious sensibilities of the Hindu and Muslim soldiers serving under them.
• This was evident as early as in 1806 when the British introduced a new dress code for its army. Many of the new dress regulations ran counter to the religious beliefs and customs of the Indian soldiers, yet the British sought to enforce these most stringently, riding roughshod over any resistance, and dealing out severe punishments to the protestors.
• In the meantime, following the defeat and death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, his family had been held captive at Vellore Fort, the strongest fort in the area. The British forces deployed there at the time comprised of some 1500 Indian and some 370 European soldiers.
• Resentment against the British highhandedness in the matter of enforcing the army uniform regulations and the brutal reprisals against voicing of any protest found expression in an attempt by the Indian soldiers to prop up the Mysore royal family, which had fought the British so valiantly. Thus it was that on the morning of 10^th July, 1806, the Indian soldiers at Vellore rose in revolt against the British, killing some army officers and taking control of the arms and ammunition. They hoisted the royal tiger flag of Tipu Sultan over Vellore Fort, pulling down the Union Jack of the British, and declared Tipu Sultan‘s second son, Fateh Hyder, as king.
• However, reinforcements from Ranipet, led by Colonel Gillespie, arrived within a few hours and the mutiny was suppressed by the British. It is said that over 800 soldiers were killed inside the fort and 17 Indian officers hanged outside it, by the British, while many more men were kept imprisoned in Vellore and Tiruchirapalli prisons following the revolt.
• Text : Based on material furnished by District Collector, Vellore.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 27, 2004

Issued for : The Department of Posts honours the memory of King Bhaskara Sethupathy through the issue of the commemorative postage stamp.

Credits :
Stamp : India Security Press, Nasik
FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Print Quantity : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Hiranyagarbhayaji Ravikula Muthuvijaya Raghunatha Bhaskara

Born on Nov 3, 1868

Died on Dec 27, 1903

About : 

• The title ‘Sethupathy‘, carried by the rulers of Ramanathapuram, means protectors and caretakers of the passage across the sea from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka, built as per the legend, by Lord Rama, and of the Ramlinga Idol. They considered themselves not only the rulers of the State of Ramanathapuram, but also the caretakers of the holy temple in Rameshwaram.
• It was in this illustrious dynasty that Bhaskara Sethupathy was born on 3^rd November 1868, as the first son of the King Muthu Ramalinga Sethupathy II and Muthathal Naachiyar. He was educated in Madras through both Indian and English systems of education.
• On the 3^rd of April, 1889, he took over as the Head of the Ramanathapuram State. Bhaskara Sethupathy implemented welfare schemes for the common people and also patronized fine arts. He facilitated the entry of Harijans into the temples and stopped the custom of animal sacrifice in the Rajarajeshwari Temple with the help of Jagatguru Sringeri Sankaracharya Swamigal. He donated more than 40 lakhs of rupees for religious, educational and public welfare schemes between 1890 to 1893.
• King Bhaskara Sethupathy was instrumental in Swami Vivekananda attending the World Religion Conference held in Chicago (USA) in 1893 and made necessary arrangements for his visit and stay in the United States of America (USA). On 23^rd January 1897, he arranged for a rousing reception for Swami Vivekananda upon his return from the World Religion Conference, and later, also constructed a monument in the place where swamiji landed and inscribed the holy words ‘Satyameva Jayate‘ on it in the year 1897. In appreciation of the services rendered by King Bhaskara Sethupathy, Swami Vivekananda conferred the title ‘Raaja Rishi‘ (Ascetic King) on him. As an erudite Tamil scholar, he wrote some books in Tamil and also helped his cousin Pandithurai Thevar towards organizing the ‘Fourth Tamil Sangam‘.
• The demise of Swami Vivekananda affected him deeply and he went to lead an ascetic life in the ‘Mutt‘ on the banks of Tamirbarani in Kallidaikuruchi, where he spent his time in meditation.
• Bhaskara Sethupathy breathed his last on the 27^th of December, 1903. Though he lived in this world only for 35 years, he made a lasting impact in the socio-cultural canvas during his short life span.
• Text : Based on material received from proponent.
  

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 28, 2004

Issued for : The Department of Posts commemorates the Ninth Aga Khan Award for Architecture with a set of two stamps on Agra Fort.

Credits :
Stamp, Miniature Sheet & FDC : By Vinod Jain, based on photographs by Michael Peuchert
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 1500 Paisa each

Stamps : 0.8 Million Each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : Indian Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established in 1977 by the Aga Khan, the forty-ninth hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture as expressed through architecture. Its method is to seek out and recognize examples of architectural excellence, encompassing concerns as varied as contemporary design, social housing, community improvement and development, restoration, reuse, and area conservation, as well as landscaping and environmental issues. Through its efforts, the Award seeks to identify and encourage building concepts as a conscious endeavour to sustain the inheritance of cultural pluralism.
• The Award has completed eight cycles of activity since 1977, and the Ninth Award Cycle covers the period from 2002 to 2004. Prizes totalling up to US$ 500,000 – constituting the largest and most prestigious architectural award in the world – are presented every three years for projects selected by an independent Master Jury. The 2004 award ceremonies were slated for 27^th and 28^th November, 2004.
• Situated in the heart of the city of Agra, on the west bank of the Yamuna River beside the gardens of the Taj Mahal, the majestic red sandstone Agra Fort is an important Mughal monument of the 16^th & 17^th centuries, and was added to UNESCO‘s World Heritage List in 1983. It is one of sixteen World Cultural Heritage sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Akbar, the third Mughal emperor began the construction of Agra Fort in 1565. The Fort was ready by 1571, though additions continued to be made until the rule of Akbar‘s grandson Shah Jahan. During the time of Akbar, the fort mainly served a military purpose, while during the time of Shah Jahan it served as a palace and court. The Agra Fort is considered as the precursor of the Red Fort at Delhi.
• An irregular semicircle, constructed on the foundations of an earlier fortified structure built in brick by the Lodhi Sultans, the Fort’s colossal double walls rise to a height of 20 metres and measures 2.5 km, in circumference. The Fort was built in a crescent shape following the curve of the river, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. The walls were pierced by slits for musketeers. The Fort contains elaborate palaces both in red sandstone and white marble and is surrounded by two moats. The architecture mixes Transoxanian features from Central Asia while drawing on the broader architectural traditions of Gujarat, Malwa and Rajasthan.
• To commemorate the 2004 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, two postage stamps featuring Agra Fort are being issued. The set of stamps depict Khas Mahal, or Private Palace, built entirely of marble by Shah Jahan in 1637. It overlooks the Angoori Bagh. The enclosure has three riverside pavilions overlooking the Yamuna River, with a fountain opposite the central pavilion. The central pavilion, an airy edifice used by the emperor as a sleeping chamber, has three arches on each side, with five arches on the front facade, and two turrets rising from the roof. It is flanked by two pavilions, Bangla-i-Darshan to the north, where Shah Jahan held public audiences for his subjects, and to the south, Bangla-i Jahanara, the pavilion of his daughter Jahanara.
• The facade along the eastern wall includes Mussaman Burj or Octagonal Tower, a two-storied pavilion made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches from where the ladies of the court could gaze outside without being seen. From here the Taj Mahal, erected by Shah Jahan for his deceased wife could be viewed and this is where Shah Jahan is said to have spent his last few years as the captive of his son Aurangzib. On the southern side of the fort is Amar Singh Gate, one of the two great entrances. This impressive outer gate was added by Shah Jahan and named after the Rajput Maharaja, Amar Singh Rathore.
• Text : The Aga Khan Foundation.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 2002

Issued for : A set of four stamps titled ‘Forts of India’ was issued on 3.8.1984. The Department of Posts now issues a set of two stamps on ‘Forts of Andhra Pradesh’, covering the forts at Golconda and Chandragiri.

Design : The two stamps depict a view of the Golconda fort and a picture of the palace at the Chandragiri fort, respectively.

Credits :
Stamps & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Overall size : 5.25 x 2.62 cms.

Printing size : 4.90 x 2.27 cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 3 million each

Number per issue sheet : 27

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• Imposing forts and magnificent palaces can be seen across the length and breadth of India, reminding us of a bygone era of valiant kings and great empires. These forts and palaces are integral parts of the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Most of the forts were built as a defence mechanism to keep the enemy at bay. They also evidence a deep knowledge of town planning and an advanced civic sense, as they were mostly small townships in themselves.
• Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. Hyderabad itself owes its birth to Golconda, the capital of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The fort is believed to have been built originally by the Yadava rulers of the region and later passed through the domination of different dynasties like the Kakatiyas and Bahmani Sultans. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, who set up a new dynasty at Golconda, built the present fortified structure in 1525, and his successors reinforced the fortress over a period of 62 years. Some additions were made by later rulers even after that. The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. The ventilation system reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, providing respite from the heat of summer. The tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings, built with Islamic architecture lie about 1 km north of the outer wall of Golconda. These graceful structures are surrounded by landscaped gardens, and a number of them have beautifully carved stonework.
• Chandragiri was the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Located at a distance of 12 km from Tirupati in Chittoor district, the fort is said to have been built around AD 1000 by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya. The Vijayanagar Kings made additions at a later time. The well-secured fortification is a marvellous feat of construction, with cyclopean walls buttressed with the typical bastions at regular intervals and pierced with gateways and zig-zag entrances. The Vijayanagar Empire lasted for about 230 years. After its fall the last of the Vijayanagar kings shifted to Chandragiri. The palace at Chandragiri comprising the ‘Raja Mahal’ and ‘Rani Mahal’ was built in the early seventeenth century. The Raja Mahal consists of a Durbar Hall and a double-storeyed colonnade. Built in the Vijayanagar style of architecture, it has a number of ‘gopurams’, the largest one being over the Durbar Hall. A number of temples dot the fort that covers an area of about 25 acres. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.
• Text : Based on material furnished by the sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 16, 1999

Issued for : 1999 marks the 200^th death anniversary of this great martyr and the Department of Posts pays tribute to his memory through issue of this commemorative stamp.

Design : The First Day Cover depicts the re-erected Fort of Panchalankuruchi.

Credits :
Stamp : ISP Nashik
FDC : Based on materials supplied by Tamilnadu Veerapandia Kattabomman Cultural Association, Madurai.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : First Day Cover

Colour : Single Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 Cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported unwatermarked Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Veerapandya Katta Brahmana

Born on Jan 3, 1760 at Panchalankurichi, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Oct 16, 1799 at Kayatharu, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• Veerapandia Kattabomman (1760-1799) was a great patriot of Tamil Nadu and one among the earliest martyrs of the freedom struggle.
• Kattabomman was thirty years of age when he ascended the throne as the ruler of Panchalankuruchi in 1790. During his time a large part of South India was under the control of the Nawab of Arcot. The Nawab had entered into an agreement with the East India Company in 1792 by which he transferred the rights to collect the taxes to the Company. The East India Company ignored the customs and conventions of the land and was tyrannical in its attempt to extract more and more from the princes. Many of the local princes simply submitted themselves to the dictates of the Company and were servile to it. But Kattabomman refused to fall in line and denounced the revenue settlement introduced by the Company.
• All the attempts of the Company to capture the fort of Panchalankuruchi ended in dismal failure. The efforts of W.C. Jackson, the Company’s Collector of Tirunelveli District to arrest Kattabomman at Ramanathapuram by dubious means ended in fiasco. However, the position of Kattabomman became difficult when most of the Poligars (local chieftains) deserted him and became loyal to the company. When the fourth Mysore war broke out, Kattabomman utilized the opportunity for organizing resistance. He formed a league of rebels which included the Poligars of Nagalapuram, Kulathur, Kadalkudi, Kollarpatti, Melmanthai and Ezhayirampannai, as well as the rebel rulers of Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virupatchi and the local inhabitants. In 1799, Kattabomman not only refused to pay the tribute but also made incursions into the Company’s territories. The rebellious chiefs who associated with him also withheld the payment of Kists to the Company.
• Determined to quell the rebellion in its bud, Lord Wellesly, the Governor General of Madras Presidency sent a large force to suppress the poligars. Major John Bannerman assumed the command of the British forces in 1799 and commenced the military operations against Kattabomman. His ultimatum to Kattabomman to meet him at Palayamkottai bore no fruit. Hence the British forces turned their guns against the fort of Panchalankuruchi on 5^th September, 1799. There were heavy losses on both sides but it was not possible to capture the fort as quickly as Bannerman planned. After days of heroic resistance, the rebels evacuated the fort. This signalled the surrender of Panchalankuruchi to the British forces.
• Kattabomman and his companions were captured from the jungles at Kalapore near Pudukottai and handed over to the British by Tondaiman of Pudukottai. On 16^th October 1799, Bannerman brought the rebel chief to an assembly of poligars at Kayattar and sentenced him to capital punishment after a mock trial. Kattabomman exhibited unflinching courage even at the moment of death. He did not want to be hanged by the agents of imperialism. He took a rope that was hanging on a nearby tamarind tree and hanged himself to death. Thus, Veerapandia Kattabomman became one of the first martyrs of the land in the freedom struggle.
• Text : Based on materials supplied by Tamilnadu Veerapandia Kattabomman Cultural Association, Madurai.

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