Issued by India

Issued on Mar 14, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to jointly issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on ‘75 Years of India–Luxembourg Friendship’ which will further strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Shri Anuj Zood
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 Paise (2)

Souvenir Sheet Price : 5000 Paise

Souvenir Sheets Printed : 1.16 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The diplomatic relations between India and Luxembourg were established in 1948. The two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations during 2023. India and Luxembourg have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations with cooperation extending to various multilateral and international forums. Amar Nath Sehgal, renowned sculptor, represents the strong bonds of friendship and cultural connect between India and Luxembourg. He is a unique symbol of the friendship between the two countries and has contributed significantly to the people-to-people ties. His birth centenary was commemorated during 2022. In recognition of his body of work which also personifies India-Luxembourg Friendship, the Postal Departments of two countries have come up with a Joint Issue to commemorate the occasion. The sculpture of artist Sehgal named ‘The Friends’ is an impressive & poignant work of art and a beautiful example of artist’s close relationship and friendship with Luxembourg. The sculpture ‘Flute Player’ is another remarkable work of art representing the spirit of Lord Krishna.
• Amar Nath Sehgal, renowned worldwide for his contribution to modern Indian art, was born in pre-partition India, in Campbellpur, on 5^th February 1922. He studied Industrial Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University and worked briefly as an engineer in Lahore. Following India’s Independence in 1947, he migrated to Delhi. His interest in art since childhood encouraged him to pursue art as a career and he moved to USA in 1948 to study art education at the New York University. On his return, he joined the College of Art, Delhi, as faculty.
• Amar Nath Sehgal’s oeuvre of works spanned over six decades of his life. His artistic versatility extends to sculptures, paintings, poetry, graphics and tapestries. In 1955, the artist was appointed by UNESCO to study and survey folk arts in India. He was awarded the Lalit Kala Academy Fellowship in 1993, the highest honour in Fine Arts conferred by the Government of India. He was bestowed Padma Bhushan by Government of India posthumously in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to the field of art.
• In 1979, Sehgal established a studio in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and for next 24 years, he lived between India and Luxembourg. In Luxembourg, Sehgal’s works are exhibited in the public collections of the National Museum of History and Art, the City of Luxembourg, the Central Bank of Luxembourg as well as in numerous private collections.
• In 1986, Sehgal founded “The Creative Fund” in Luxembourg in the presence of Prime Minister Jacques Santer, the objective of which was to help artists from the Grand Duchy and India to discover and be inspired by the rich history and culture of both countries. The Creative Fund became a unique exchange to help young and talented artists pursuing their passion in art.
• Sehgal’s iconic bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi, commissioned by the philanthropist Henry Leir, was inaugurated in the Municipal Park in Luxembourg City in 1978 in the presence of the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gaston Thorn. In 1980, the bronze bust was stolen and the artist offered a copy of the original to the City of Luxembourg which was inaugurated on 2 October 1982, on the 113^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Today, it is a popular public sculpture, in the centre of the city, celebrated by the local community and the Indian diaspora as a reminder of the messenger of peace, Mahatma Gandhi, and his values of tolerance and non-violence.
• On the occasion of the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, on 2^nd October 2019, the Luxembourg Post & Telecommunications in cooperation with the Department of Posts – Philately of the Government of India released special commemorative stamp featuring Sehgal’s statue of the Mahatma.
• The sculpture Friends, in Bronze, is a unique piece of art created by Sehgal in 1988. The two bronze figures placed directly opposite each other signify not just two strong beings, but also resonates a sense of equality, respect and honour. The photograph of the artist with the work leaves a deep impact on every viewer as it relays the history of an Indian artist who moved alone to a distant country in search of inspiration. While India was his biggest inspiration, Luxembourg, with its warm people and welcoming environment, was like a home away from home. Luxembourg served as a catalyst between Sehgal’s creativity and his roots. The image here is a celebration of the bond of two nations with strong cultural values and historic ties brought together by one artist – Amar Nath Sehgal. The sculpture was loaned to the Embassy of The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, New Delhi in 2019.
• The sculpture Flute Player is a form to represent the spirit of Lord Krishna. The deity is worshipped across the Indian subcontinent as a supreme God. The source of Lord Krishna’s mythology comes from the Mahabharata and the very essence of the birth of the Bhagvad Gita. Lord Krishna’s personality is meant to be composite, wise yet youthful, strong yet tender, with an abundance of love. The flute he carried with him is a significant part of his personality. Some would derive it to be representative of the human heart and Lord Krishna the giver of love, filling the hollow flute as he plays it. The echoes of the music transpire as a medium of his showers of blessings. The bronze sculpture made in 1958 is an edition of 5, part of multiple private and public collections like the MOMA in Paris, and MNHA in Luxem-bourg, and was presented to UNICEF on behalf of the Children of India.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 24, 2018

Issued for : According to some historians the rebellion of 1817 was better organized than many such early movements in other areas of India. Paika Rebellion completed its two hundred years on 20 July, 2017. The Paika rebellion is a noteworthy incident in the history of India’s struggle for Independence. In order to commemorate this important event in Indian history, the Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Paika Rebellion.

Credits :
Stamps : Late Sh. Subir Das
FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 606450

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• Paika Rebellion popularly known as “Paika Bidroha” was a well organized struggle against the oppressive rule of British East India Company. Paikas were essentially the peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the king during times of war while taking up cultivation during times of peace. Immediately after the advent of company rule in Odisha, discontent spread rapidly amongst the people of Odisha. The British were fiddling with the revenue system, bringing about land reforms that increased taxes on the land owned by the local peasants and the natives. The money lenders took advantage of this creating huge debts for the common man. In fact, the socio economic fabric of the peasants of Odisha was disturbed completely. This irked the rulers of Khurda, who protested. Khurda, which is twenty-five kilometres from Bhubaneswar, was the centre of the Paika Rebellion.
• The Paika Bidroha was an armed revolt of the traditional Paika militia in the state of Khurda in Odisha in the year 1817. It began in the month of March and sporadically and intermittently continued up to 1836 after the formal suppression of the rebellion. It was led by Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra, who was traditionally a Buxi, military commander, under the king of Khurda. It had nearly swept away the British in Khurda, Pipili, Banapur and Puri for months before being crushed by the forces of East India Company. It was not a purely military revolt of disgruntled or demobilized soldiers but had a component that gave it a character of a civil uprising in which the Khurdapaikas, tribesmen, peasants, the traditional rent collectors and people engaged in native salt manufacturing, an industry tottering due to the monopoly of salt trade by the Company, all had joined. The uprising was against the unjust Company rule and set a strong tradition of defiance.
• The revolt began in March, 1817, when the Kondhs from Ghumsar and the Paikas of Khurda jointly raided Banapur and attacked everything that symbolized the new Company’s establishment there. Even the mahajans and sahukars advancing loan to the peasants with the sole motive of appropriating their land and other valuable materials were not spared. A 400 strong contingent of Kondh tribesmen from Ghumsar crossed into Khurda; the Dalabeheras and Paikas joined them. The rebels attacked the police station and other Government buildings at Banapur. The Salt Agent of the southern division, narrowly escaped from this popular fury. However, his boat on the Chilika Lake was captured and plundered. The rebels then marched on to Khurda. More crowds joined them on the way, because of their success at Banapur. The officials did not dare to offer any resistance. All the official buildings were burnt. The Magistrate of Cuttack moved to Khurda to control the rebellion. By the beginning of April 1817, the number of rebels had swelled to about 3000. They constantly attacked the Government forces thereby forcing the Magistrate to retreat to Cuttack on 4 April, 1817.
• The rebels under the leadership of the Buxi also reached Puri and requested Mukunda Deva II, the former king of Khurda, confined to Puri, to join them and to lead the revolt. The pilgrim city, Puri, came under the control of the rebels. The covert support of the prince in Puri gave strength and popular legitimacy to them. The Magistrate of Cuttack recommended that one the Company re-gained the control over this most important pilgrim city, the prince should be removed to Cuttack, the Company’s headquarter in Odisha. A reward of Rs. 5000 was also announced on the head of the rebel sirdars on 12 April, 1817 and martial law was imposed in the entire Khurda territory.
• On 12 April, 1817 the rebels burnt the Government cutchery and several other public buildings in Puri. In the resultant clash, 15 rebels were killed and many more were wounded. However, very soon more people joined the rebels. The priests of the temple openly proclaimed the fall of British rule and the restoration of the king’s rule in Odisha. This created a mass upsurge forcing the European officials stationed in Puri to leave for Cuttack, where they reached on 18 April, 1817.
• By the second half of April, 1817 martial law had been proclaimed in Puri, Pipili, Lembai, Kotdesh, Khurda and Banapur. All communications between Cuttack and southern part of the province were completely cut off. By the end of April, 1817, the British swung into action in repressive mode. An armed British contingent returned to Puri and took the prince to Cuttack as their captive. There were attempts to rescue the prince on the way. Some 2500 rebels encountered the British forces escorting the prince. The British used modern arms and scared the mass of crowd whereas the rebels had only traditional arms, which were no match to the British arms. On 11 May, 1817 the prince reached Cuttack as a Company prisoner and was placed in close confinement in the Barabati fort till his death on 30 November, 1817. Although by the end of May, 1817, the revolt had been effectively suppressed, the resistance continued to prevail thereafter in pockets.
• Text : Ms. Shaili Dhagat and as per information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 17, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps between India and Iran on the theme “Trade and Commerce Connectivity” featuring “Deendayal Port – Kandla” of India and “Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar” of Iran.

Credits :
Stamps/Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure : Shri Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 501000 each

Miniature Sheet Printed : 1 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India–Iran relations span millennia marked by meaningful interactions. The two countries shared a border till 1947 and share several common features in their languages, cultures and traditions. India and Iran established diplomatic links on March 15, 1950. In addition to the Embassy in Tehran, India has two Consulates in Iran, one in Bandar Abbas and other in Zahedan. The two countries have in place Bilateral Consultative Mechanisms at various levels which meet regularly. Foreign Offices of both countries also hold regular consultations on bilateral and regional issues.
• India–Iran relationship enjoys economic and commercial ties covering many sectors though it has traditionally been dominated by Indian import of Iranian crude oil. The India–Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was USD 12.89 billion. India imported USD 10.5 billion worth of goods, mainly crude oil, and exported commodities worth USD 2.4 billion. Major Indian exports to Iran include rice, tea, iron and steel, organic chemicals, metals, electrical machinery, drugs/pharmaceuticals, etc. Major Indian imports from Iran include petroleum and its products, inorganic/organic chemicals, fertilizers, plastic and articles, edible fruits and nuts, glass and glassware, natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious stones, etc.
• An Indian Cultural Centre is currently functioning within the Embassy premises which was inaugurated in 2013. Iran has Cultural Centres in Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Indian Mission undertakes various cultural activities including Indian Cultural week, celebration of important days and events among others. The 3^rd International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the Kendriya Vidyalaya school premises on June 21, 2017 in which more than 500 Iranians participated. Indian Embassy has been bringing out a bi-monthly magazine named “Aina-e-Hind” (Mirror of India) taking India to the drawing rooms of the general Iranian public.
• The Theme for India – Islamic Republic of Iran Joint Issue represents “trade and commerce connectivity” featuring Deendayal Port – Kandla from Gujarat, India and Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar from Iran. The miniature sheet design has structures of the Ashokan Pillar with a Lion at the top from India and Achaemenid Griffin of Iran which shows the strong bond between architectural history of two great civilizations.
• Deendayal Port – Kandla
  • Deendayal Port’s journey began in 1931 with construction of RCC Jetty by Maharao Khengarji. After partition, Deendayal Port’s success story has continued and it rose to the No. 1 port in India in the year 2007-08 and since then has retained the position for the 9^th consecutive year. On 31.03.2016, Deendayal Port created history by handling 100 MMT cargos in a year – the first major port to achieve the milestone. Kandla, also known as the Deendayal Port Trust is a seaport in Kutch District of Gujarat state in western India, near the city of Gandhidham. Located on the Gulf of Kutch, it is one of major ports on west coast. Kandla was the chief seaport serving western India, after the partition of India, left the port of Karachi in Pakistan. It is located on the Gulf of Kutch on the North Western coast of India some 256 nautical miles southeast of the Port of Karachi and over 430 nautical miles north-northwest of the Port of Mumbai.
• Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar
  • Chabahar Port is strategically located on Iran’s South Eastern Coast in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province. It lies in the Oman sea outside the Persian Gulf. The distance from Kandla to Chabahar is 550 nautical miles (approx. 1018 km) and from Mumbai is 768 Nautical Miles (approx. 1422 km). The importance of Chabahar Port is its potential to give India alternate access to Afghanistan. It has a huge commercial potential by offering access to the CIS countries, Russia and Europe through Iran.
  • India in partnership with Iran is developing Phase I of Shahid Beheshti Port – Chabahar. In 2016, the contract on Chabahar was signed which commits to Indian investment of USD 85 million for equipping the Chabahar port and Credit of USD 150 million for port development. The present capacity of the Port is 2.5 MT per year which comprises of Shahid Beheshti Port and Shahid Kalantari Port. Shahid Beheshti Port, with an area of 240 hectares, have 5 jetties presently, four of which would be dismantled so that ships with 70,000-80,000 Tons can berth. The phase 1 development plan for Shahid Beheshti Port, in which India is participating, covers one container terminal and one multipurpose terminal. Chabahar Port also includes Shahid Kalantari Port with an area of 30 hectares, having 5 jetties presently for small ships and has an overall capacity of handling 70-75,000 TEU per annum.
• Text : Material received from the Ministry of External Affairs and stamp design is based on material received from the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 29, 2017

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dadabhai Naoroji. The stamp also depicts Udvada Atash Behram Fire Temple and Elphinstone College. The Fire temple in Udvada is one of the eight fire temples (holy place of worship) of the Zoroastrian religion in the country and the oldest fire temples in India, dating back to the 8^th century, and represents the historical cultural and religious links with ancient Persia. This temple also symbolizes the contribution of Dadabhai Naoroji in spreading the message of Zoroastrian concepts and promoting social reforms in the Parsi Community. The temple attracts Zoroastrian pilgrims from all parts of India and from around the world.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Brochure : Sh. Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Dadabhai Naoroji

Born on 4 Sep, 1825 at Bombay, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]

Died on 30 Jun, 1917 at Bombay, British India

About : 

• Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India was one of the guiding lights in the late nineteenth century who played a cardinal role in shaping India’s destiny. He had the distinction of becoming a Liberal Party Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom House of Commons between 1892 and 1895, the first Asian to be a British MP. Naoroji is also credited with the founding of the Indian National Congress, along with A. O. Hume and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha. His book “Poverty and Un–British Rule in India” gave a brilliant account of India’s economic exploitation under the colonial rule.
• Dadabhai Naoroji was born on September 4, 1825 in Mumbai in a Parsi family, and was educated at the Elphinstone Institute School. He was patronised by the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III, and started his public life as the Dewan (Minister) to the Maharaja in 1874. As an Athornan (ordained priest), Naoroji founded the Rahnumae Mazdayasne Sabha (Guides on the Mazdayasne Path) on August 01, 1851 to restore the Zoroastrian religion to its original purity and simplicity. In 1854, he also founded a Gujarati fortnightly publication, the Rast Goftar (or The Truth Teller), to clarify Zoroastrian concepts and promote Parsi social reforms. In 1855, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at the Elphinstone College in Bombay becoming the first Indian to hold such an academic position. He travelled to London in 1855 to become a partner in Cama & Co, opening a Liverpool location for the first Indian company to be established in Britain, but within three years, he resigned on ethical grounds. In 1859, he established his own cotton trading company, Dadabhai Naoroji & Co. Later, he became professor of Gujarati at University College London.
• In 1865, Dadabhai Naoroji directed the launch of London Indian Society, the purpose of which was to discuss Indian political, social and literary subjects. In 1861, Naoroji, alongwith Muncherjee Hormusji Cama, founded the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe. In 1867 Naoroji also helped establish the East India Association, one of the predecessor organisations of the Indian National Congress with the aim of putting across the Indian point of view before the British public. The Association was instrumental in countering the divisive propaganda by some opinionated groups. This Association soon won the support of eminent Englishmen and was able to exercise considerable influence in the British Parliament. In 1874, he became Prime Minister of Baroda and was a member of the Legislative Council of Mumbai (1885-88). He was also a member of the Indian National Association founded by Sir Surendranath Banerjee from Calcutta a few years before the founding of the Indian National Congress in Bombay. The two groups later merged into the Indian National Congress, and Naoroji was elected President of the Congress in 1886.
• Naoroji moved to Britain once again and continued his political involvement. Elected for the Liberal Party in Finsbury Central at the 1892 general election, he was the first British Indian MP. In 1901, he published his book, “Poverty and un-British Rule in India”. In 1906, Naoroji was again elected president of the Indian National Congress, during the phase when opinion in the party was split between the moderates and extremists. Naoroji was a mentor to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was married to Gulbai at the age of eleven. He died in Bombay on 30 June 1917, at the age of 91. In 2014, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg inaugurated the Dadabhai Naoroji Awards for services to UK-India relations.
• Dadabhai Naoroji’s work focused on highlighting the drain of wealth from India to England during colonial rule. One of the reasons that the Drain theory is attributed to Naoroji is his decision to estimate the net national profit of India, and by extension, the effect that colonisation has on the country. In Naoroji’s book he estimated a 200-300 million pounds loss of India’s revenue to Britain that is not returned.
• He was regarded as one of the most important Indians during the independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi wrote to Naoroji in a letter of 1894 that “The Indians look up to you as children to the father. Such is really the feeling here.”
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 1, 2017

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of 12 stamps on the occasion of New Year.

Reference : Visuals of Pashmina, Sarota, Thanjavur Painting, Blue Pottery and Zardozi provided by Cottage Emporium, New Delhi. Pictures of Peacock Gate provided by Sh. Arjun Kumar. Other visuals have been taken from internet.

Credits :
Stamp / Sheetlet / Calendar / FDC / Brochure : Sh. Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Sheetlet of 12, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 Paise each

Sheetlets Printed : 1.5 Lakh

Calendars printed : 50000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• New Year celebrations believe to replenish all the joys in life and help to keep the spirits glowing and undaunted. With the New Year comes not only the opportunity to look back at the past year with the warmest of memories and to gain from it, beautiful pearls of wisdom but also the sense of resolution to make the lives of everyone around positively affected.
• Every year Department of Posts has been wishing everybody by bringing out different issues during New Year, either as New Year issue or Season’s Greetings. This year the Department is bringing out the rich heritage of India through 12 beautiful Stamps together in a Mixed Sheetlet, which has the potential to evoke the sense of pride in every Indian. Each Stamp design has been chosen with a perspective to reflect the glory and magnificence of Indian Culture and heritage.
• The first stamp depicts the Ganesh Pol. Ganesh Pol is located in the main palace of the Amber Fort. It is strategically important as entry through this gate was exclusive to the Kings to get into their private cambers. Ganesh Pol is fusion of Mughal and the Rajput architectural styles, famous for its ornamental archways and the fine latticework.
• The second stamp is on Pashmina. Pashmina is the Cashmere wool of the highest grade. It is considered as diamond among fibres. The stamp depicts a hand spun Pashmina shawl woven in Kashmir with exquisite embroidery.
• The third stamp depicts traditional Chhau Mask. Chhau is a major classical Indian dance form and is mainly performed during festivals in the Chaitra Parva, in which the whole community participates. It is believed that Chhau dance drives away the evil forces and let the righteousness prevail among the people. The effectiveness, originality, and beauty of the Chhau dance are dependent on the Chhau masks. Each mask represents a character from the epics, the Puranas, and from mythology.
• The fourth stamp shows Worship of Bodhi Tree. It is a sandstone relief sculpture in the Sanchi Stupa Complex in Madhya Pradesh. Bodhi Tree, or the Tree of Enlightenment, is so called because it represents the ficus tree (peepal) under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodhi Tree motif is used as a symbol of Buddha himself. It is an elaborately carved sandstone relief sculpture in the Sanchi Stupa Complex.
• The fifth stamp depicts Sarota. Sarota is a scissor like cutter made of metal, which is traditionally used to cut Areca nut into small pieces to be chewed along with other ingredients, wrapped in betel leaves. Sarota is found in many shapes and sizes and ornate designs in different parts of the country. Sarota is a beautiful objet d’art, reminiscent of a relaxed household of a by-gone time.
• The sixth stamp has a Peacock gate on it. Peacock Gate is one of the four gates at the inner courtyard which provides access to Chandra Mahal in City palace, Jaipur. It is ornamented with motifs of peacock and represents the Autumn season. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The seventh stamp depicts Chaitya Hall of Karle, Maharashtra. The beautiful columns, dating back to the 1^st century BC are covered in carvings depicting life and work of Buddha. This is among the largest rock cut chaityas in India.
• The eighth stamp shows Thanjavur painting. Thanjavur paintings are panel paintings done on wooden planks. The dense composition, surface richness and vibrant colours makes them incomparable. The embellishments of semi-precious stones, pearls and glass pieces add to their appeal. The relief work gives them a three dimensional effect.
• The ninth stamp depicts Blue Pottery which is widely recognized as traditional craft of Jaipur. Blue Pottery has been named so due to the predominant use of blue glaze painting technique. The decorative patterns are largely florals rendered in Persian style.
• The tenth stamp shows Glass window at Bagore-Ki-Haveli in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The splendid architecture of the mansion has exquisite stained glass work, of 18^th Century.
• The eleventh stamp is on Peitra Dura. It depicts a table top in Peitra Dura on black marble. Peitra Dura, a decorative art form is an inlay technique of using cut and fitted highly polished precious and semi-precious coloured stones to create images.
• The twelfth stamp depicts a Zardozi carpet from Agra. Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery which involves the use of gold and silver threads and also studded pearls and precious stones.
• Text: Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 31, 2016

Issued for : On the occasion of birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on “National Unity Day – Salute to the Unifier of India”.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 1000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 410220

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Born on Oct 31, 1875 at Nadiad, Bombay Presidency, British India [now in Gujarat, India]

Died on Dec 15, 1950 at Bombay, Bombay State, India

About : 

• National Unity day (also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is celebrated on 31^st of October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The spirit behind observing the National Unity day is to foster and reinforce our dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of our nation. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 with aim of paying tribute on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who was instrumental in keeping the nation unified.
• A pledge taking ceremony called “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge” is organised in all government offices, public sectors and public institutions every year on this occasion. The objective of pledge taking ceremony is to bring realization among Indian citizens of the importance of national integrity in defeating the threats to unity and security of the nation.
• As part of the various events proposed to be held during the celebrations, a “Run for Unity” is also being organised in the National Capital and other places of the country, involving people from all sections of the society to spread the message of national unity in every part of the nation and the society. In order to boost the sentiments that our nation will not countenance any force that seeks to threaten the unity, integrity and security of our nation, a ceremonial parade, including a March Past by Police and Para-Military Force personnel is also organised at various places in the country every year. The purpose of organizing such programs is to promote national integration among citizens of India as well as maintain unity and integrity of the country.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the country. He was born at 31^st October, 1875, in a small village in Nadiad, Gujarat. From his childhood itself, he was known for his indomitable courage.
• Inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel joined India’s struggle for Independence. He was one of the important social and political leaders of India who played an important role in India’s struggle for freedom. He was elected as Ahmedabad’s Municipal President in 1922, 1924 and 1927. He was elected as Congress President in 1931. He played key roles in organising peasant’s movements in Kheda, Borsad and Bardoli in Gujarat and promoted the Quit India Movement against the British regime. He organised relief camps for refugees in Punjab and Delhi.
• His strength of character, the sharpness of his mind, his organizing skills, and energy were instrumental in achieving the freedom of India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked hard to make India as Union of India (Ek Bharat). He also requested the people of India to live together by uniting in order to create Shresth Bharat (Foremost India). His dedication towards national integration was completely uncompromising in order to make a newly liberated united country. Because of his dedication towards the unity in country, and his political wisdom and foresight, he was able to integrate more than 500 independent princely states in 1947 to 1949 through the Independence Act 1947. Sardar Patel is also affectionately remembered as the “Patron saint of India’s civil servants” as he established the modern All-India Services system. For his services to the nation Sardar Patel was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1991. He was a man of courage and determination and in the true sense the ‘Iron Man of India’.
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 26, 2016

Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of six stamps on Indian Metal Crafts.

Design : This set of six stamps portrays images of six different metal crafts, namely, Surahi which is made in Iron, Nataraja, made in Bronze, a Pandan made in Copper, an Incense burner made in Brass, Spouted Lota made in Silver and Gajalakshmi Lamp which is made in Gold.

The bronze image of Nataraja is an excellent example of Chola period workmanship done with lost wax technique. The brass incense burner and the gold Gaja Lakshmi, are also examples of the same workmanship. These were cast first and later on, intricate carving and engraving work has been done to enhance the beauty of objects.

The iron Surahi, (water vessel) and silver Spouted Lota are made using both “casting” and “beating” technique. Once the casting, engraving or chasing is done then filling of gold, brass or enamel takes place to ornate the object. These are known as damascening, enamelling, birdi, nillo etc.

The Bidri huqqa base has been casted by using zinc, copper, tin, lead and zinc metals later on once the casting of object is done then silver inlay is done. This piece is unique and very rare example, where story of Padmavat, 16^th century text written by Jayasi, has been written on the object.

The gold Gajalaxmi Lamp, on the miniature sheet is a fine example of Indian Metal Craft. A thin gold sheet is cut as per design and then placed over the same size of piece of glass and silver framing is done.

All these intricately carved, cast and ornate metal artifacts reflect the artistic and creative skill of unknown artisans of India.

Credits :
Stamp / Miniature Sheet / Sheetlet / FDC : Sh. Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500, 500, 1500, 1500, 2500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.2 million each

Miniature Sheet Printed : 0.1 million

Sheetlets Printed : 25,250

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The metal craft of India, which attained the standard of a fine art as early as from Harappan period, has a glorious past. Indian artisans knew the art of metal working since 3000 B.C. The beautiful figurine of the dancing girl belonging to the Indus valley civilization indicates the high level of workmanship attained by earlier craftsmen. The other high points reached by the craftsmen in the field of metalworking are bronze sculptures belonging to the Chola rulers and the iron pillar at Mehrauli, in Delhi, which was made during the time of King Ashoka.
  
• In India craftsmen have used different metals like iron, copper, silver, and alloys like bronze, bell metal, white metal etc. to make a variety of items such as pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, sculptures of deities, mythological figures and animals etc. Items like doorknobs, taps, key chains, boxes etc are also made, using different metals. Sculptures are generally made with the lost wax process. This process begins with creation of a wax model of the sculpture or any item. This model is then covered with clay and holes are made into the clay. Finally, molten metal is poured through the hole at the top, which causes the wax to melt. The cavity created within is automatically replaced by the hot metal. The metal is then allowed to cool and the final product is freed from clay, and polished. Pouring molten metal in moulds of desired shapes also creates metal items. Parts of molded metal are joined together with soldering. Various processes like enameling, etching and damascening are followed to beautify metal objects.
  
• There is a variety of metal work which can be seen in different parts of the country. While craftsmen of Kashmir are known for richly engraved traditional household items like bowls, samovars, plates and trays, besides traditional vessels made out of iron and brass, they are also famous for intricate floral and calligraphic patterns embossed on copper and silver items. These items are then oxidized, which makes the design to stand out from the background. This work is known as ‘naquashi‘.
  
• Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is famous all over the world for its range of brass items which ranges from items like pots, trays, bowls and decorative pieces, decorated with intricate etching to electroplated brass and copper items and items made of white metal. Varanasi, also in Uttar Pradesh, is known for cast sculptures of deities and household utensils made of brass and copper.
  
• Making of bronze sculptures is common in Palitana in Gujarat. In Rajasthan, Jaipur is the main centre for brass engraving and lacquering. Ethnic designs and floral patterns, hunting scenes etc are hammered or embossed on the surface. Lacquered designs either cover the entire body or a part of the item. Jaipur is also known for its bronze sculptures. The art of Koftagari or damascening work, where one metal is encrusted into another in the form of wire, is mainly practiced in Alwar and Jaipur.
  
• Ornate metal boxes of Bundelkhand, lamps of Sarguja, rice measure bowls and animal figurines of Raigarh, sculptures of Bastar are a few examples of the creativity of crafts persons of Madhya Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of metal craft. Sheet metal work using brass is done in Pembarti, on plaques, containers, vases etc. From the village of Budhiti in Srikakulam, come elegant utensils and items made of brass and other alloys. Andhra Pradesh is also famous for its Bidri ware. Pouring molten zinc and copper solution into moulds creates Bidri items. The surface of the object is then engraved in interesting designs to create grooves. These grooves are then inlaid with silver and then polished. Finally the objects are oxidized, which makes the surface black and the silver inlay, thus stands out, creating a stunning contrast. Pots, hookahs, trays, bowls etc. are created using this technique.
  
• The Dokra metal craft is popular in the tribal belts of Andhra, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. The uniqueness of this craft form is that no two pieces are alike. Small figurines of horses, drummers, tribal deities and plaques are made here. These items are mainly made from brass scrap. Unlike any other metal craft the core of the objects is filled with clay. Silver filigree work from Andhra and Orissa is famous for its intricate designs made out thin silver wires. Objects are created with strips of silver, looped and in zigzag patterns. These strips are deftly soldered together. The delicate jali or trellis like design is achieved by using thin twisted silver wires. Animals and birds dominate creative filigree work, which is also carried out to create trays, cigarette cases, key chains and other decorative pieces. Brassware from Tamil Nadu comprises of decorated traditional lamps, used in religious functions, while Kerala is famous for its polished bronze mirrors.
  
• Text : Based on the material received from National Museum, Delhi and information available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 24, 2015

Issued for : The Department of Posts is please to release a commemorative postage stamp on Samrat Ashoka.

Credits :
Stamp : Kamleshwar Singh
FDC/Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 500 Paise

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Ashoka Maurya

Born on 304 BCE at Pataliputra, Magadha, India [now in Patna, Bihar]

Died on 232 BCE at Pataliputra, Magadha, India [now in Patna, Bihar]

About : 

• Ashoka the Great (304 B.C.E. – 232 B.C.E.), also known as Asoka, was the third ruler of the Maurya Empire who ruled from 273 B.C.E. to 232 B.C.E. He was the grandson of Chandra Gupta Maurya and son of Bindusara. After a number of military conquests, Ashoka reigned over most of South Asia and beyond, from present day Afghanistan in the north to Bengal in the east, and as far south as Mysore. An early supporter of Buddhism, Ashoka established monuments marking several significant sites in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, and according to Buddhist tradition was closely involved in the preservation and transmission of Buddhism.
  
• King Ashoka has come to be regarded as one of the most exemplary rulers in world history. The British historian H.G. Wells has written; “Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history ….. the name of Asoka shines, and shines almost alone, a star.” Although there were references in Buddhist literature to Ashoka, definitive historical records of his reign were lacking till the nineteenth century when there came to light a large number of edicts, in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars, proclaim Ashoka’s reforms and policies and promulgate his advice to his subjects. Ashoka was the first ruler who inscribed his messages to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces – natural rocks as well as polished pillars. He used the inscriptions to proclaim what he understood to be dhamma.
  
• In the beginning, Ashoka is believed to have used military strength to expand his empire. During his expansion of the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka led a war against a state named Kalinga (present day Orissa) with the goal of annexing its territory, something that his grandfather had already attempted to do. The conflict took place around 261 BCE and it is considered one of the most brutal and bloodiest wars in history. Even though the people from Kalinga defended themselves courageously, Ashoka’s military strength was far beyond Kalinga’s.
  
• On witnessing the extent of destruction in Kalinga after the war, Ashoka issued an edict expressing his regret for the suffering inflicted in Kalinga. He assured that he would renounce war and embrace the propagation of dhamma.
  
• For Ashoka, dhamma was an ancient tradition which was essentially a code of ethical behaviour and the benefits thereof, which appeared to be his attempt to universalize a code focused on social ethics and on the accommodation of diverse views. His formulations of dhamma were intended to influence the conduct of his people in relation to each other, and included practice of respect for elders, treating slaves and servants kindly and respect for religions and traditions other than one’s own. The empire included a spectrum of societies where different categories were variously organized. The emphasis on harmonious social relations between the different people was repeated on many occasions. Besides, general values such as not injuring humans and animals, being forgiving, treating all creatures with compassion, observing piety and adhering to the truth were also emphasized.
  
• Ashoka was a statesman in the context of inheriting and sustaining an empire in a particular historical period, as well as a person with a strong commitment to changing society through the propagation of social ethics. He advocated tolerance, and non-violence as official policy and this makes him an unusual ruler. He built roads, dug wells and built rest houses. Besides, he also arranged for medical treatment for both human beings and animals.
  
• Ashoka sought the advancement of the essentials of all sects and believed that this was only possible if each treated the other with respect. He believed that in honouring the views of others one is honouring one’s own sect. He instituted a body of dhamma–mahamattas concerned with the general welfare of his subjects. The dhamma-mahamattas went from place to place spreading the message of dhamma. Ashoka also sent messengers to spread these ideas to other lands.
  
• Ashoka’s edicts are to be found scattered in more than thirty places throughout India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Most of these edicts are written in Brahmi script. Ashoka’s edicts, which comprise the earliest decipherable corpus of written documents from India, have survived throughout the centuries because they are written on rocks and stone pillars with animal capitals. These pillars in particular are testimony to the technological and artistic genius of ancient Indian civilization. Averaging between forty and fifty feet in height, and weighing up to fifty tons each, the few capitals that survive are widely recognized as masterpieces of Indian art. Both the pillars and the capitals exhibit a remarkable mirror-like polish that have survived despite centuries of exposure to the elements. Some, like the Lumbini pillar, mark the Buddha’s birthplace, while its inscriptions commemorate Ashoka’s pilgrimage to that place. Others are to be found in or near important population centres so that their edicts could be read by as many people as possible.
  
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 17, 2015

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to release a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of Nabakalebara 2015.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The term Nabakalebara is an ancient ritual associated with Lord Jagannath Temple of Puri when the Idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by a new set of Idols.
  
• It is believed that a year which has two months (Adhikamasa) of Ashadha as per the Hindu Calendar is auspicious for conducting the ceremony. This usually occurs every twelve to nineteen years. The Deities are made from a special type of Neem wood known as Daru Brahma. Preparations for the ceremony start in the month of Chaitra. The last such ceremony took place in the year 1996. 2015 is the year when the ceremony will take place next.
  
• Jirna Bera Parityaga literally means leaving the old deity and consecration of new one. As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.
  
• The above philosophical view is applied to Shri Jagannath. According to different secret protocols followed from time immemorial in the temple, provision exists for changing of the deities. As the deities are made up of Neem tree basically, along with Musk, Sandalwood and many other rare combinations, they undergo change of Vigraha before the adhika ashaadha ends.
  
• No ordinary Neem tree can be used to make the deities. Certain well defined criteria must be satisfied by the tree before it is labelled a Daru Bramha fit for making the deities. Locating the four holy trees requires divine intervention. As per long-standing tradition the Priests of the Jagannath Temple (Puri) worship Maa Mangala at the Kakatpur Mangala Temple. It is said the Goddess appears to them in their dreams revealing the location of the holy trees.
  
• Puri geared up for Nabakalebara 2015 after the sacred trees were located. The trees are cut down after appropriate ritual observance and the logs are then transported by small carts pulled by devotees all the way to the temple at Puri. Starting at an auspicious hour with the fullest of secrecy the logs are carved into deities within the Temple premises. On the midnight of Adhika Ashadha Krishna Chaturdashi the Tattva Padartha is transferred from the old deities to the new deities. Bramha or tattva padartha is a super natural thing. After this, the new deities are worshipped and the old deities buried in the sand, (Koili Baikuntha) inside the temple premises. Apart from the regulation associated with the selection of tree, there are various rituals associated with locating the same and bringing it to the temple premises.
  
• Elaborate rituals, numerous myths and several celestial incidents are attached to this auspicious affair. The exact procedure of the transformation of images have been mentioned in the Sanskrit manuscripts written on palm leaves which are kept in the temple. Only the three head priests of the temple have the sole responsibility of reading and interpreting them.
  
• On the morning of the second day the new deities are seated on the alter, the “Ratna-Singhasana”. On this second day, the daily routine of the temple finally begins again, after a lapse of nearly 58 days. Sweet-smelling flower garlands and new garments are given to the new deities, food is offered, and puja is done. Devotees can again come inside for darshan. And on the third day the new deities emerge from the temple for the biggest Chariot Festival. The Nabakalebara draws millions of people from across the world to Puri, and is one of the biggest festivals in the country.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Mar 22, 2013

Issued for : Department of Posts salutes the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the martyr, Shiv Ram Hari Rajguru by issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.31 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Shivaram Hari Rajguru

Born on Aug 24, 1908 at Rajgurunagar (Khed), Khed taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, India

Died on Mar 23, 1931 at Lahore, Pakistan

About : 

• The history of India’s freedom struggle is replete with legends of valour, sacrifice and devotion to the cause of freedom. Shiv Ram Hari Rajguru, popularly known as Rajguru, was one such martyr whose name reverberates in the annals of our freedom movement.
• Rajguru was born on 24^th August, 1908 in Khed, a small village near Pune, Maharashtra. At a young age, Rajguru was mesmerized with Jagatguru Shankaracharya’s brilliance and eloquence and became his ardent follower. He was also inspired by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who ignited the flame of rebellion against the British in his tender heart. The atrocities of the British rulers impacted the mind of young Rajguru, who decided to devote his life to the freedom struggle. He came in touch with the great revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad who inducted him in the National Movement. When Lala Lajpat Rai succumbed to the injuries inflicted on him during the peaceful protest against the Simon Commission in the year 1928, the anger seething in the hearts of the people led the revolutionaries to make a resolution to avenge the death of Lalaji. Chandra Shekhar Azad, Rajguru and other revolutionaries set out for Lahore with a motive to kill J. A. Scott, Superintendent of Police, Lahore who had ordered lathi charge against the peaceful crowd. Instead of Scott, due to an error in identification of the target by the informers, his Assistant Superintendent, Saunders, was killed by Rajguru on 17^th December, 1928. Lahore was cordoned off but these revolutionaries managed to escape.
• Rajguru was finally arrested in Pune in 1929 and taken to Lahore. The trial for Lahore conspiracy case began to be conducted in the court of special magistrate. Later, the Government set up a Tribunal by promulgation of an Ordinance to try the accused. The revolutionaries declared the Tribunal unlawful. Rajguru was in the forefront of this opposition. The proceedings continued during which the revolutionaries used to sing patriotic songs and raise ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ slogans.
• Finally on 7^th October, 1930 the decision came sealing the fate of Rajguru and fellow revolutionaries. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were awarded death sentence while seven others were given life imprisonment. Rajguru and his accomplices were hanged on 23^rd March, 1931 amidst deafening sounds of patriotic slogans, both inside and outside the jail.
• Text : Based on the material furnished by the proponent.

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