Issued by India

Issued on Nov 15, 2024

Issued for : To commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, Department of Posts is proud to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp to honor his profound contributions as a tribal leader and freedom fighter. This initiative recognizes his pivotal role in advocating for the rights of indigenous people and his enduring legacy in India’s struggle against colonial oppression. By highlighting his vision for social justice and empowerment, this stamp aims to inspire future generations to uphold his ideals of resilience and unity among tribal communities.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Brochure / Cancellation Cachet : Shri Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 202800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Birsa Munda

Born on 15 Nov, 1875 at Ulihatu, Khunti district, Jharkhand, India

Died on 9 Jun, 1900 at Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

About : 

• Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), was a prominent tribal leader and a key figure in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. Revered as a folk hero, Birsa Munda’s life and legacy represent the fight for the rights of indigenous people, and his contributions have made him an iconic figure in Indian history. Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the indigenous communities in the Chotanagpur Plateau region. Growing up in a family of traditional agriculturalists, he was steeped in the customs and traditions of his tribe, which instilled in him a deep sense of identity and belonging.
• In his formative years, Birsa experienced the oppressive policies of British colonialism and the exploitation of tribal lands by moneylenders and landlords. The loss of tribal rights and land, along with the forced conversion of tribal people to Christianity by missionaries, fueled his awareness of the injustices faced by his community. Birsa’s spiritual journey began at a young age, marked by an increasing interest in religion and spirituality. He became a follower of the Birsait sect, which emphasized the worship of a single God and sought to reclaim the tribal way of life from external influences. His charismatic personality and oratory skills helped him attract a following among the tribal communities.
• In 1894, Birsa proclaimed himself a prophet and claimed to have a divine mission to liberate his people. He encouraged his followers to abandon the practices imposed by outsiders and return to their traditional beliefs. This spiritual awakening was a critical aspect of his leadership, as it not only unified the tribes but also instilled a sense of hope and resistance against colonial rule.
• Birsa’s most significant contribution was his leadership of the Ulgulan, or the “Great Rebellion” from 1899 to 1900. This movement aimed to establish Munda Raj and expel British officials and zamindars (landlords) from the region. Birsa’s call to arms resonated deeply with the tribal people, who had long suffered under oppressive systems. The Ulgulan was not merely a rebellion; it was a socio-political movement that sought to restore the rights of the Munda tribe over their ancestral lands. Birsa and his followers organized protests, raised awareness about their rights, and mobilized the community to resist exploitation. The movement gained momentum, with thousands joining in the struggle.
• Birsa’s message emphasized self-governance, land rights, and the revival of tribal identity. He sought to reclaim the land that had been taken from the tribals and to establish a government run by and for the tribal people. His vision was clear: a society based on equality and justice. The growing influence of Birsa Munda and the Ulgulan movement alarmed the British authorities, who responded with a violent crackdown. Despite brutal repression, Birsa continued to inspire his followers with his unwavering resolve. He was eventually captured in February 1900 and imprisoned, tragically dying in custody on June 9, 1900, at the young age of 25. His untimely death did not mark the end of his legacy; rather, it cemented his status as a martyr and symbol of resistance.
• Birsa Munda’s life and struggle left an indelible mark on the tribal communities of India. His efforts to empower indigenous people and assert their rights have made him a revered figure not only in Jharkhand but across India. His teachings continue to resonate, emphasizing self-determination and justice. Birsa Munda’s legacy is celebrated through various cultural and educational initiatives. His birth anniversary is observed as “Birsa Munda Jayanti” a public holiday in Jharkhand and other states, honouring his contributions to the tribal movement. Statues and memorials dedicated to him serve as reminders of his struggle and ideals.
• In contemporary India, Birsa Munda’s legacy has gained renewed significance as the rights of tribal populations are increasingly recognized. His vision of a just society continues to inspire movements advocating for the rights of indigenous people and environmental conservation. Many activists and organizations draw upon his teachings to address modern issues of land rights, social justice, and cultural preservation. Birsa Munda remains an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression and exploitation. His life, though short, was marked by a profound commitment to the rights of his people and a vision for a just society. As a tribal leader, he not only challenged colonial rule but also revitalized tribal identity and culture, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
• In a world grappling with issues of inequality and injustice, Birsa Munda’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s rights and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. His contributions to the freedom struggle and the empowerment of indigenous communities are celebrated, ensuring that his legacy as a hero of the tribal people will endure for generations to come.
• Text : Based on information received from Ministry of Culture.

The post 150 Years of Birsa Munda appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Jan 24, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 100^th Birth Anniversary of Karpoori Thakur and salutes his endeavour to fight for the cause of downtrodden in the society.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Karpoori Thakur

Born on 24 Jan, 1924 at Pitaunjhia, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India [now in Samastipur district, Bihar, India]

Died on 17 Feb, 1988 at Patna, Bihar, India

About : 

• Karpoori Thakur was born on January 24, 1924, in Pitaunjhia, a small village in Samastipur, Bihar. Hailing from a modest background, he rose to prominence through his dedication to social justice and political activism. His father was from the ‘Nai’ (barber) community in Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the first Non-Congress CM of Bihar in 1971. He became CM Twice, 1970-1971 and 1977 and became Deputy CM in 1967. He was politically influenced by Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. His life and career were marked by a commitment to empower the marginalized communities, leaving an indelible impact on Bihar’s political scenario.
• Karpoori Thakur’s early life was shaped by the socio-economic conditions prevalent in Bihar during the pre-independence era. Despite facing financial constraints, he pursued his education with diligence. The formative years instilled in him a deep sense of empathy for the underprivileged, motivating him to work hard for positive change.
• His entry into active politics occurred against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence. Thakur, inspired by the spirit of the times, became involved in various social and political movements, and he became a noted figure during the Indian freedom struggle. He was also jailed during Bharat Choro Aandolan (Quit India Movement).
• Thakur’s political journey gained momentum as he aligned himself with causes that championed the rights of the downtrodden. His entry into mainstream politics was marked by his association with socialist ideologies. Thakur’s commitment to egalitarian principles saw him emerge as a prominent leader, and people believed in him and his cause.
• One of the defining moments in Thakur’s political career came with his election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly. His advocacy for the rights of the underprivileged found popularity among with voters, propelling him to leadership roles within the socialist movement.
• Karpoori Thakur’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar marked a transformative phase in the state’s history. His leadership, characterized by a resolute commitment to social justice, resulted in groundbreaking policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. He played a pivotal role in the implementation of reservation quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The introduction of reservation policies under Thakur’s administration aimed to address historical injustices and provide opportunities for those historically marginalized. These policies sought to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
• Thakur’s governance style’s primary character was defined by simplicity and accessibility, earning him the nickname “Jan Nayak” (People’s Leader). His administration prioritized grassroots development, emphasizing education, healthcare, and infrastructural improvements. Thakur’s policies were rooted in the belief that social progress was intrinsically linked to economic and educational empowerment.
• Karpoori Thakur’s untimely demise in 1988 marked the end of an era in Bihar’s political landscape. However, his legacy endures through the enduring impact of the policies he championed and the indomitable spirit of social justice he embodied. Thakur’s life serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding them of the transformative power of principled leadership in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

The post Karpoori Thakur 2024 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rani Abbakka Devi and salutes her valour and bravery, an everlasting inspiration for every Indian.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Vinita Sinha

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303200

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Due to the entry of the Portuguese in the 16^th century, Tulunadu became a hotbed of unrest. When more than fourteen sub dynasties like the Bangas, Ajilas, Chautas, Sawantas, were engaged in conflict amongst themselves. It then inevitable that they had to fight against the Europeans as well. The political centres of the Banga dynasty were Belthangady, Uppinangady, Nanadvara and Mangalore, and the Chautas were Ullala, Puttige and Mudabidre region. These dynasties belonged to the Jain community. The Chautas of Ullal rose to power during the 12^th century.
• The names of elder Rani Abbakka Devi (1554-1588) and younger Rani Abbakka Devi (1594-1640) shine like the brightest stars in Indian history. The elder Rani Abbakka Devi was married to Kamaraya II, and her daughter, the younger Rani Abbakka Devi was married to Lakshmappa Bangarasa, the IV. Both Kamaraya and Lakshmappa belonged to the Banga dynasty. The mother-daughter duo held great expertise in warfare and other state crafts and were popular amongst their subjects. When the Banga dynasty succumbed to the Portuguese rule and was prepared to pay tribute, the elder Rani Abbakka Devi opposed it. Elder Rani Abbakka Devi resisted the Portuguese until her last breath, while the younger Rani Abbakka Devi continued her mother’s revenge and fulfilled her mother’s dreams.
• The difference of opinion between the Lakshamappa Bangarasa and Younger Abbakka on payment of tribute to the Portuguese increased to such an extent that she left the Palace of her husband in Mangalore with her three children and assumed the throne at Ullal, inherited from her mother. She was ready to face Portuguese in war than to offer them tribute.
• The war continued for a long time. In 1617, when the Portuguese looted a merchant ship of Abbakka, enroute to Saudi Arabia, she was gravely enraged. This incident led to the great war against the Portuguese in 1618. Abbakka got the help of Venkatappa Nayaka of Keladi, who also saw the Portuguese and the Bangas as his enemy. The Portuguese Navy, which had an excellent reputation internationally, was destroyed by Rani Abbakka with her meagre military force in her war against the Portuguese in 1618. In this war, Portuguese military leaders Miranda and D’Mello narrowly escaped.
• This news spread like wildfire in Europe. More or less, after this incident, the coastal belt was freed from Portuguese interference.
• As suggested by Shah Abbas, the king of Persia, Italian traveller Pietro Dalla Valle came to Ullal in 1623 to meet Rani Abbakka. He gets inspired by his meeting with the queen in Manel. His description of this exceptional meet can be found in his travelogue. Had Rani Abbakka not defeated the Portuguese with her skilled war tactics, the possibility of the Portuguese ruling India instead of the Britishers had a high chance.
• Rani Abbakka was as well known for her war tactics and state crafts as her love towards her subjects, governance and justice. Such an extraordinarily brave woman who belongs to the Tuluva soil is a matter of great pride to the entire nation. Despite being the queen of a small province like Ullala, she dared to erupt against the European forces and defeat the Portuguese. Hence, it is only apt to say that Braveheart is the first Indian freedom fighter to fight against the European powers.
• The Portuguese had made several attempts to capture Ullal, strategically placed. But Abbakka had repulsed each of their attack with sheer courage and ingenuity. The queen’s story is retold from generation to generation through folk songs and yakshagana, the popular folk theatre, In bootaradhana, (which literally means appeasing the possessed, a local ritual dance) the personal in trance narrates the great deeds of Abbakka Devi. Abbakka, dark and good looking, always dressed in simple clothes like a common village woman. She rode the horse stately and worked deep into the night dispensing justice.
• Rani Abbakka, though a Queen of a little known small princely state, Ullal, was magnetic woman of indomitable courage and patriotism. While Rani Jhansi has become a symbol of courage, Abbakka, nearly 300 years her predecessor, has been largely forgotten by history. Available records and archives speaks of her as a luminous personality of awesome valour and bravery.
• Text : Based on information received from proponent.

The post Rani Abbakka Devi appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 5, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 500^th Birth Anniversary of Rani Durgavati and pay homage to this icon of national pride and sacrifice who continues to inspire the youth and millennials during Amritkaal.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Durgavati

Born on 5 Oct, 1524 at Kalinjar Fort, Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Died on 24 Jun, 1564 at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

About : 

• Rani Durgavati, the descendant of the famous Chandela dynasty of Mahoba, and the queen of the Gond kingdom of Garha–Katanga, took on the might of the Mughal Empire with great courage and leadership.
• Gond tribe is a prominent tribe in central India known for their rich cultural heritage and resilience. Rani Durgavati, like many other women of her times, chose to embrace death rather than falling into the hands of the enemy. It is said that since she was born on the festival of Durgashtami, her parents named her Durgavati, after the fierce Hindu goddess Durga. She proved to be a human embodiment of the deity. She is remembered today for her sacrifices and as a defender of her culture and a symbol of pride and honour.
• Durgavati was born on 5 October 1524 in Kalinjar, one of the most important forts of medieval India, which lies in the Banda district of the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was held by her father Raja Salbahan of Ratha and Mahoba, a scion of the famous Chandelas who had built the Khajuraho temples and had rebuffed the attacks of Mahmud Ghazni in the past. At the age of 18, she was married to Dalpat Shah, son of the Gond King Sangram Shah of Garha–Katanga, strengthening an alliance between the two royal families.
• The small kingdom of Garha–Katanga emerged in central India in the aftermath of Timur’s invasion (1398), when the feeble Sultanate rule over this region was thrown off by King Yadavrai. The name of the kingdom was derived from the principal town called ‘Garha’ and a village called ‘Katanga’ located 4 miles west of the city of Jabalpur.
• Dalpat Shah died in the year 1548, leaving behind a minor son, Bir Narayan, as the heir. Rani Durgavati installed Bir Narayan on the throne and she took on the reins of the government. She was assisted by two able ministers, Adhar Kayastha and Man Brahman. Rani Durgavati administered the kingdom and took it to such high levels of prosperity that people paid taxes in gold coins and elephants. She constructed reservoirs such as the Ranital, Cherital and Adhartal, for the benefit of her people. She was a patron of learning, and allowed Acharya Bitthalnath to establish a seat of the Pushtimarg cult at Garha.
• Rani Durgavati consolidated the boundaries of her kingdom. She personally led her army to quell rebellions. Her kingdom stretched 300 miles from east to west and 160 miles from north to south. According to a contemporary Persian source, the Tarikh–i–Firishta, Durgavati repulsed Baz Bahadur, the ruler of Malwa, who had attacked her kingdom between 1555 and 1560.
• The Mughal Governor of Kara–Manikpur, Asaf Khan, launched a completely unprovoked attack on Rani’s kingdom in 1564. Equipped with a large imperial army, Asaf Khan marched into Garh–Katanga and arrived at Damoh. Durgavati with her small force was able to defeat the Mughals and push back them at least three times. However, the Mughals regrouped with a strong contingent comprising 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery and overwhelmed her forces.
• The Rani continued fighting until two arrows struck her, one in her right temple and the other in her neck. She pulled them out but fell unconscious. On regaining consciousness, she realised that she had lost the day. She asked her mahavat, Adhar Baghela, to kill her with his dagger. Baghela refused but offered to take her to a safe place. The Rani realised that they would not be able to go too far and would soon fall into the hands of the enemy. She now took out her dagger and stabbed herself in her heart. Thus, on the 24 June, 1564, died the brave Rani Durgavati who chose death against dishonor. Her men cremated her in a narrow mountain pass some 12 miles from Jabalpur.
• The Mughal encounter with the Rani was documented by Abul Fazl, Akbar’s chronicler and other Persian writers. Abul Fazl wrote of Durgavati that she was a combination of beauty, grace and manlike courage and bravery. The story of Durgavati was also chronicled many years later by the British Colonel, Sleeman, who spoke about the Rani as being the most revered of all sovereigns who ruled over Garh–Katanga.
• A memorial of Rani Durgavati has been built in Jabalpur at the same place where the Rani had attained martyrdom. A ceremony is held here on 24 June each year, which is celebrated as ‘Balidan Divas’ or Martyr’s Day, in honour of the Rani. In 1983 the name of Jabalpur University was changed to Rani Durgavati University and a museum has been named after her.
• In 1988 a postage stamp was issued in her honour. In 2018, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned the 3^rd Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) called ‘ICGS Rani Durgavati’ at its district headquarters in Vishakapatnam. However, the most enduring memorial of the Rani is the collective memory of the people, where she has found a place of great regard. Her story has become a legend which forms the theme of songs and tales, through which she stays alive in the hearts of the people every day.
• Text : Based on information received from Ministry of Culture.

The post Rani Durgavati appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 13, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 150^th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and salutes his contribution to the spiritual upliftment of millions in India and abroad.

Credits :
Souvenir Sheet/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Suresh Kumar
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 15000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 1.11 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Aurobindo Ghose

Born on Aug 15, 1872 at Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Died on Dec 5, 1950 at Pondicherry, French India [now Puducherry City, Puducherry, India]

About : 

• In India, spirituality and religion are part of people’s everyday life. Since ancient times, the Rishis & Munis of India preferred to attain spiritual pursuits rather than materialistic pursuits of life. Hence, spiritual wisdom gained an upper hand over materialistic prosperity. Since ages, spiritual seekers from India have shown the world, the higher path of living.
• Sri Aurobindo was born in Calcutta on 15^th August 1872. At the age of seven he was sent to England for education. There he studied at St. Paul’s School, London, and at King’s College, Cambridge. After return to India in 1893, he worked for the next thirteen years in the Princely State of Baroda in the service of the Maharaja and as a professor in Baroda College. During this period, he also joined a revolutionary society and took a leading role in secret preparations for an uprising against the British Government in India.
• In 1906, soon after the Partition of Bengal, Sri Aurobindo quit his post in Baroda and went to Calcutta, where he soon became one of the leaders of the Nationalist movement. He was the first political leader in India to openly put forward, in his newspaper Bande Mataram, the idea of complete Independence for the country. Prosecuted twice for sedition and once for conspiracy, he was released each time for lack of evidence.
• Sri Aurobindo had begun the practice of Yoga in 1905 in Baroda. In 1910 he withdrew from politics and went to Pondicherry in order to devote himself entirely to his inner spiritual life and work. During his forty years in Pondicherry he evolved a new method of spiritual practice, which he called the Integral Yoga. According to Sri Aurobindo, spiritual realization not only liberates man’s consciousness but also transforms his nature. In 1926, with the help of his spiritual collaborator, the Mother, he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Among his many writings are The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga and Savitri. Sri Aurobindo left for heavenly abode on 5^th December 1950.
• After the death of Sri Aurobindo, Sri Aurobindo Society was started by the Mother on 19^th September 1960. She was not only the founder and the Executive President but also remains its guiding force. From a very small beginning, over the years, the Society has grown into an international organization working in diverse fields of life, like integral education, Indian culture, emergency response management and sustainable development.
• Sri Aurobindo has been a scholar, a literary critic, a philosopher, a revolutionary, a poet, a yogi and a rishi. He was all these and much more and has touched the souls of millions in India and abroad. Sri Aurobindo has been an inspiration to all those who wants to make this world a better place by making improvements in their inner world.
• India in its 75^th Years of its Independence and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations is commemorating the life of spiritual masters whose work and values resonates with the soul of India. Government of India has decided to commemorate 150^th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo in befitting manner at national and international level during the period from 15 August 2022 to 15 August 2023.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

The post Sri Aurobindo 2022 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 12, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Pa Togan Sangma, the great Garo tribal leader who restored to guerrilla tactics against the British and fought for the pride of his people.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 304000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Togan Nengminja Sangma

Born at Simsanggre (Williamnagar), East Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, India

Died on 12 Dec, 1872 at Chisobibra, Meghalaya, India

About : 

• The Garo Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Garos, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman race. The Garos call themselves as Achiks and the land they inhabit as the Achikland.
• From time immemorial, the Garos had been living as an independent tribe in the present day Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Togan N. Sangma was born at Samanda Village of present East Garo Hills District.
• When Togan was at the prime of his life, the British had already occupied major portion of Garo Hills which were created into a District by passing the Garo Hill District Act 1869. However, there were more than sixty Garo villages of the most interior parts of Garo Hills which were still independent including Togan’s and his co-leader Gilsang Dalbot Sangma’s villages of Samanda and Dalbot–Kalkagre respectively.
• An opportune moment was created by Togan and Gilsang and other independent Nokmas who took revenge on those villages which submitted to the British Authority. Another event that followed was that a Khalasi who accompanied the British Survey Party led by Major Godwin Austen was killed in 1871 by the independent Garos. This was taken by the British as a challenge to their authority. Therefore, in order to bring order, the British Government decided to annex the entire Garo villages. Togan, Gilsang and other Nokmas vowed to offer resistance even at the risk of their lives.
• In the battle of Chisobibra, the independent Garos made a wild charge on the British camp. Despite being ill-equipped, he came up with the idea of using huge shields made of plantain stems that could stop bullets from hitting the Garo warriors. He fell fighting with unmatched heroism and courage in December, 1872.
• Pa Togan Sangma is immortalised at the martyr’s column in Shillong, where his name is enshrined along with U Tirot Singh and U Kiang Nongbah, the gallant heroes of the Khasis and Jaintias.
• To commemorate the valor and courage of this great warrior of Meghalaya, the State Government instituted, Pa Togan Sangma State Awards for the best Social Services. Also every year, 12^th December, Death Anniversary of Pa Togan Sangma is celebrated as State holiday.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

The post Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Aug 20, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Ondiveeran, the unsung hero of India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Gulistaan
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 203700

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sankaran Kovil

Born on — at Nerkattumseval, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Aug 20, 1771 at Manur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• Ondiveeran hails from the integrated district of Thirunelveli, heading Pothigai hills ruled by little Kingdom namely Sirulimuthu Pattavarayan and Thiruneelakanda Pagadai. He was the first heroic rebel and commander-in-chief of the India freedom struggle against the British East India Company.
• The legend was born in Sankaran Kovil as eighth family siblings of present Thenkasi district to the father Chellaiyah Pagadai and mother Karuppaiee who commanded the village Nerkattan Sevayal. His childhood name was Muthuveeran.
• After the fall of Madurai Nayakars, due to the maneuver behaviour of the revenue tax collection officers of Arcot Nawab, the family predecessors of Mr. Ondiveeran lost their major part of the wealth in command and also, they lost the power of palayapattu. This act humiliated Ondiveeran. During the year 1775, heir-right war occurred in the Arcot Nawab family. Due to this conflict, the power of revenue collecting rights was acquired by the British East Indian Company again. Ondiveeran rebelled against this act strongly.
• In March 1775, Ondiveeran defeated the army led by Mahfuzkhan, Yusuf Khan, and Colonel Heron in Nerkattan Sevayal. From 1757 to 1759, Ondiveeran led the army vanquished British East Indian Company supports in Gangai Kondan, Alwarkuruchi, Nerkattan Sevayal, Oothumalai, Surandai, and Vasudevanallur. In 1764, Ondiveeran headed battalion conquered Marudhanayagam alias Yusuf Khan in Nerkattan Sevayal.
• In the battle of Vasudevanallur fort siege in 1767 headed by Captain Campbell was defeated by our Legend Battler Ondiveeran. His battalion victory travel extends up to Kalakadu, Srivilliputhur and Thenmalai also. After the bereavement of Puli thevar their sons namely Sivaganapandian, Sithiraputhirathevar and a daughter Gomathi Muthuthalachi were guarded by Ondiveeran. The legendary warrior never rested his sword and resisted against British East Indian Company until his last breath. On 20^th August 1771, near Manur village of Thirunelveli district Ondiveeran was defeated and died during the battle with British East Indian Company.
• After the death of the great legend warrior, Ondiveeran the defenceless descent followers and arunthathiyar leaders like Panchalangkuruchi Pottipagadai, Sivagangai kuyili, Sangagri Pollan, Madhari played a remarkable role in the army war field of first and second Palayakarar, kattabomman, Velunachiyar, Theeran chinnamalai and Maruthu brothers against British East India Company.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

The post Ondiveeran appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 2, 2021

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Mallappa Dhanshetti, Shrikisan Sarada, Jagannath Shinde and Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 302400

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Mallappa Dhanshetti (1898-1931)
  • Mallappa Dhanshetti was born in 1898. His ability to turn the stick was commendable. Dhanshetti was instrumental in bringing the common people of Solapur to the forefront of the freedom struggle. He was the first to be honoured in the procession of sticks set out during the fair of Shri Siddharmeshwar, it was an inspiration to the Shraddhananda community, Ganeshotsav and processions of Ganpati immersion. Rathyatra taken out by Shubhrai Math on Mahaekadashi saw his active participation in carrying them out peacefully and smoothly.
• Jagannath Shinde (1906-1931)
  • Jagannath Shinde was a person with an indomitable will for independence, perseverance, confidence, fearlessness and zeal for accomplishment. He was born in 1906. He was mainly working in the Railway and Mill Workers Union. He was at the forefront of the labour movement. He worked hard to get more scholarships for the education of poor Maratha children. He had also participated in the Satyashodhak Parishad held in Mumbai.
• Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain (1910-1931)
  • Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain was born into a family of frame makers. Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi were his inspiration. He was committed to the five principles: freedom, swadeshi, equality, socialism and Hindu-Muslim unity. He participated in rallies, marches and processions under the leadership of Dr. K. V. Antrolikars, his zeal for Hindu-Muslim unity was evident in his writings and speeches. Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain was an iconic symbol of how a patriotic Muslim should be.
• Shrikisan Sarada (1893-1931)
  • Shrikisan Sarada was a proud public figure, a person who generously helped in religious activities. He was born in 1893. His grandfather Govindrao Sarada came to Solapur for trade and settled there. On May 4, 1930, the British government arrested Mahatma Gandhi from Surat and he was sent to Yerawada Jail in Pune. As soon as the news of Gandhiji’s arrest was reported in the newspapers on May 5, the people staged a strike, a procession and a public meeting to protest against the government. On May 7, 18,000 mill workers went on strike. The people of Solapur staged a huge protest procession.
• As the procession approached the Bali gate, a crowd in the procession went to the Rupabhavani temple. There they peacefully cut down shindi trees and symbolically protested against the British government. At that time, the British police inhumanely beat eight members of the crowd and threw them into a police vehicle. Collector Knight and D.S.P. Flair got there. Collector Knight pulled out a pistol and go out of the car. As soon as Mallappa Dhanshetti realized this, he rushed there and calmed the crowd for a while and saved their lives. A request to release the eight people who were arrested by the police at that time was raised.
• While the discussion was going on, Shankar Shivdare, an 18 years old boy, approached the Collector with a tricolor flag in his hand. He was shot dead by a sergeant near the Collector. The crowd dispersed. The frightened Collector Knight picked up the names of the eight and released them. However, three more people were killed in the indiscriminate firing by the police and the crowd dispersed and marched on the nearby Peth police station on Tuesday. The police post was set on fire.
• Mallappa Dhanshetti, outraged by the conservative remarks about the citizens, ran over the Collector and grabbed a chair to kill him. So Collector Knight was holding a duke on them. As Shrikisan Sarada, a friend of Mallappa Dhanshetti, was financing the freedom movement, Collector Knight was furious with Sarada. All the youths were behind Jagannath Shinde who was a great organizer. Shinde’s involvement in the freedom movement was very much in the eyes of Collector Knight. Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain was using the labour movement to fight for independence. Hindu-Muslim unity was being brought about through his weekly ‘Gajanfar’. The leases of the British monarchy were being removed. That is why Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain was on the radar of Collector Knight. He planned to teach all four of them a lesson.
• Collector Knight deliberately fabricated evidence against Dhanshetti, Shinde, Sarada and Kurban Hussain in connection with the deaths of two policemen in an unidentified mob attack. Twelve false witnesses stood. During the trial, Judge Wadia did not allow the accused party to cross-examine the witnesses and did not allow any of the accused to cross-examine the witnesses. The lawsuit was just farce.
• It was decided to execute all the four. On June 6, 1930 all four were sentenced to death. The case was settled within a month of the incident. A week before the verdict was announced, Collector Knight had written a letter to his superiors seeking permission to hang the accused in a public place to intimidate the citizens. The four patriots were hanged on January 12, 1931. It was first day of the local fair of Siddharameshwar Temple. The British administration chose the day with a vicious intention of insulting the local people and making them learn a lasting lesson.
• It is a fact that India acquired freedom by virtue of the sacrifices of thousands of those revolutionaries.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

The post Solapur Martyrs appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Jan 23, 2021

Issued for : The Government of India will commemorate the 125^th Birth Anniversary of Netaji on 23 January 2022. Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on 125^th Birth Anniversary Year of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to begin the year long celebrations.

Credits :
Stamps, FDC and Brochure : Sh. Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 504000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Subhas Chandra Bose

Born on Jan 23, 1897 at Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province, British India [now in Cuttack district, Odisha, India]

Died on Aug 18, 1945 at Army Hospital Nanmon Branch, Taihoku, Japanese Taiwan [now Taipei City Hospital Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei, Taiwan]

About : 

• Subhas Chandra Bose, fondly called Netaji who was born on 23 January 1897, was undoubtedly one of the most prominent Indian nationalist whose defiant patriotism made him a hero in India.
• He became President of the Indian National Congress in 1938. However, soon after being re-elected in 1939, he was ousted from Congress leadership positions following differences with the Congress high command. He was subsequently placed under house arrest by the British before bravely escaping from India in 1940.
• Netaji arrived in Germany in April 1941, where the leadership offered unexpected cold sympathy for the cause of India’s independence. However, he did not divert from his goal which was freedom for India. In November 1941, with German funds, a Free India Centre was set up in Berlin and soon a Free India Radio, on which he would make nightly broadcasts. A 3,000-strong Free India Legion, comprising Indians captured by Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, was also formed to aid in a possible future German invasion of India. Later the same year, with German help, he was transferred to a Japanese submarine from which he disembarked in Japanese-held Sumatra in May 1943.
• With Japanese support, Netaji revamped the Indian National Army (INA). Before long the Provisional Government of Free India, presided by Netaji, was formed in the Japanese-occupied Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Netaji had great drive and charisma. The INA under Netaji was a model of unity in diversity comprising a splendid mix of ethnicity, religion, and even gender from all regions of India.
• The Japanese also took possession of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1942 and a year later, the islands were renamed Shaheed (Martyr) and Swaraj (Independence). During Netaji’s only visit to the islands in early 1944, India hoisted its own tri-colour flag for the first time. On the Indian mainland, an Indian Tricolour, modelled after that of the Indian National Congress, was raised for the first time in the town of Moirang, in Manipur, in north-eastern India. On 6 July 1944, in a speech broadcast by the Azad Hind Radio from Singapore. Netaji addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation” and asked for his blessings and good wishes for the war he was fighting. This was the first time that Gandhiji was referred to by this honorific title.
• Netaji believed in the Bhagavad Gita as a great source of inspiration for the struggle against the British. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on universalism, his nationalist thoughts and his emphasis on social service and reform had all inspired Netaji from his very young days. He believed that socialism in India owed its origins to Swami Vivekananda. He had clearly expressed his belief that democracy was the best option for India. The most famous quote of Netaji was “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”. Another famous quote was “Dilli Chalo” (“On to Delhi”). This was the call he used to give the INA armies to motivate them. “Jai Hind” or “Glory to India” was another slogan used by him and later adopted by the Government of India and the Indian Armed Forces. Netaji was considered a patriot even by some of his rivals in the Congress. Gandhi himself wrote that Bose’s “… patriotism is second to none”, and he was moved to proclaim after Netaji’s death that he was a “prince among patriots” – a reference, in particular, to his achievement in integrating women and men from all the regions and religions of India in the Indian National Army. Netaji wanted freedom for India at the earliest opportunity.
• Text : Sh. Pallab Bose.

The post Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose 2021 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Aug 30, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamps to acknowledge the contribution made by these Master Healers of AYUSH of modern era.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Based on inputs received from proponent, developed by Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Sheetlet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 300000

Mix sheets Printed : 60280

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Bhaskar Vishwanath Gokhale

Born on 19 Apr, 1903 at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Died on 12 Jan, 1962

About : 

• AYUSH systems of healthcare form the foundation of India’s Medical Heritage. These systems are not merely sciences of disease and drug, but have their conceptual spheres touching every aspect of life. Path-finding visionaries have appeared in each of the different streams of AYUSH systems at different times in history and made valuable contributions to the growth and development of respective practices.
• Department of Posts is bringing out Commemorative Postage Stamps on 12 such Master Healers from different streams of AYUSH systems.
  • Bhaskar Vishwanath Gokhale was a skilled teacher, far sighted visionary and eminent Ayurveda physician. He emphasized the need for quality Post Graduate education and Research in Ayurveda. He was also one of the early votaries of integrative medical system. His ideas to increase the potency of routinely used drugs are familiar as Ekaushadhi Prayoga. His teachings continue to serve as guiding light for generations of Ayurveda professionals even after so many decades.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

The post Bhaskar Vishwanath Gokhale appeared first on iStampGallery.