Issued by India

Issued on Feb 12, 2011

Issued for : India Post celebrates 100 years of Airmail Service by issuing this set of four commemorative postage stamps.

Issued for : Now through the set of four stamps, First Day Cover and Minisheet on 100 Years of Airmail Service, the Department attempts to recreate the history of the first flight over the river Yamuna sharing the flight path along with the plane and the pilot. In the background is Allahabad Fort. On the First Day Cover, a collage of some stamps issued in the past has been shown.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC : Sankha Samanta(Based on material provided by Shri Pradip Jain)
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paisa each

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• India Post had brought series of postage stamps to mark INDIPEX 2011 World Philatelic Exhibition to be held from 12^th February to 18^th February, 2011 at New Delhi. In this series the first set of six stamps was on Postal Heritage Buildings. The second set of four stamps was on the stamps issued by princely States and the third and final set is commemorating completion of 100 years of Airmail Service.
• History was created on February 18, 1911 when Henri Piquet took off in a Humber Biplane from the right bank of the Yamuna at Allahabad crossing over to the left bank and dropped a mail bag containing 6500 letters and Post Cards at the Naini Railway Station. India thus became the first country in the world to fly air mails.
• After this pioneer effort, India was also the first country to introduce air mail Post Card in 1931.
• The first Regular airmail service which was started in 1920, operated between Mumbai (Bombay) & Karachi.
• After independence, on January 30, 1949, Shri Rafi Ahmed Kidwai then Minister of Communications, introduced the “All-up Mail Scheme” under which all the First Class domestic mail was airlifted without any surcharge.
• India Post has been commemorating these historic events by issuing sets of postage stamps from time to time. Some of the important stamps issued in past are:
  1. First Airmail Post Golden Jubilee (set of 3 stamps) – 1961
  2. Air Mail (set of 4 stamps) – 1979
  3. 75^th Anniversary of 1^st Aerial Post (set of 2 stamps) – 1986
  4. 150 years of India Post – 2004
  5. India Post Freighter – 2009.
• Text : Based on the material available in the Archives.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 6, 2010

Issued for : India Post is happy to issue a set of commemorative postage stamps on the stamps issued by the Princely States of India.

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

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.3 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About :

• India prior to 1947 consisted of – India under the British Rule and Princely States or Native India. A Princely State was generally a nominally sovereign entity under British rule in India that was not directly administered by the British, but rather by an Indian ruler under a form of indirect rule such as suzerainty or paramountcy.
• There were as many as 568 states in India before Independence. These native states ceased to exist after Independence as per the provisions of the India Independence Act, 1947.
• However, some of these Princely States left a legacy which is valuable in philatelic circles. The set of four commemorative postage stamps on Princely States depict the stamps issued by the Princely States – Sirmaur, Indore, Bamra and Cochin.
• The postage stamps issued by the states carried the portraits of the kings and princes, regal insignia or symbols. Printed using a variety of methods and colours, the stamps were sometimes overprinted too. The history of each state was inextricably linked with its postage stamps and stationery.
• Sirmaur :
  • The princely State of Sirmaur was founded in 1616. It was located in the region which is now the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The state was also known as Nahan after its main city. It was ruled by Rajput chiefs who used the title Raja. The state was founded by Soba Rawal who assumed the name Raja Sobans Prakash. The new capital was founded in 1621 by Raja Karam Prakash who renamed the state Sirmaur.
  • The stamps of Sirmaur are sometimes considered the most attractive amongst the feudatory state stamps. Generally in denominations of pies and annas, they were issued from 1879 onwards.
• Indore :
  • Indore was an important princely state in Central India. Founded by the ancestors of present day land owners in the region, it spread from the banks of Narmada to the borders of Rajputana with headquarters at a village named Kampel. Their rulers were conferred different titles like Chaudhari during Mughal rule, Mandloi during the Peshwa rule and Raja Rao by the Holkars.
  • Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, the founder of Indore, was the Chief Zamindar (landlord). While visiting the temple of Indreshwar near the banks of river Saraswati, Rao Nandlal found the area to be safe and strategically located, so he constructed the fort of Shree Sansthan Bada Rawala there. The city was named lndrapur (after Lord Indreshwar), and eventually came to be known as Indore. 
  • Malhar Rao Holkar, in later years appointed as the Subedar of Indore, was succeeded by his daughter Ahilyabai Holkar who ruled from Maheshwar. After defeat at the hands of the British the capital of the Holkars shifted to Indore. Today, Indore is a part of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Stamps were issued from 1885 to 1906, when the state postal service was taken over by the British India Post Office. The stamps carried the denomination in annas.
• Bamra :
  • Bamra, one of the princely States, covered an area of 5149 square km. The state is one of the five Oriya feudatories, which were transferred from the Central Provinces to Bengal, on the reconstitution of that province in October 1905 with Deogarh as its capital.
  • According to a legend, the Raja of Bamra belonged to the Ganga Vanshi dynasty of Utkal, and was made the ruler of the state of Bamra around 1602. The last ruler of Bamra state was Raja Bamra Bhanuganga Tribhuban Deb, 1920-1947.
  • Stamps were issued by the state from 1888 to 1894 when its postal system was replaced by the British India Post Office. The state stamps were in denomination of annas.
• Cochin :
  • The Kingdom of Cochin included much of modern day Thrissur district, Chittoor taluk, Kochi taluk, parts of Kanayannur taluk, Aluva taluk and Paravur taluk which are today a part of Kerala.
  • Over the Centuries, the princely state of Cochin came under numerous empires. The original local rulers from time to time were controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and even the Zamorin of Kozhikode (Calicut), Around 1530 AD, under the Portuguese, Cochin grew into a prosperous town. The first European fort, Fort Emmanuel, was built by them.
  • The Dutch emerged victorious over the Portuguese in 1663 and built Fort Williams here. They were defeated by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. In 1814, Kochi too became a part of the British empire. Later Cochin was the first Indian state to willingly join the Indian Union in 1947. In November, 1956 it was merged with the Malabar district of Madras state to form the present day Kerala state.
  • The Stamps were, issued from 1892 to 1949 in denominations of pies and puttans.
• Text : Based on materials provided by several Philatelists.

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Issued by India

Issued on May 13, 2010

Issued for : India Post is happy to issue this set on postal heritage buildings as a precursor to INDIPEX-2011.

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

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.4 Million

Sheetlet :  0.4 Million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• India Post is bringing out a series of postage stamps to herald INDIPEX 2011 – World Philatelic Exhibition to be held in New Delhi from 12^th to 18^th Feb. 2011. The 1^st set of six stamps is on postal heritage buildings.

• DELHI GPO is among the very few buildings of India Post which has been given the status of “Heritage Building” by the Archaeological Survey of India and is in close proximity to the historical Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Opened in 1855, the Post office was given permanent status in 1865 and it started functioning in the present building in 1885. The land for Delhi GPO was purchased in 1870. It has a floor area of 45,457 sq. ft. It is considered a representative structure of the British period.

• SHIMLA GPO on the Mall, established in 1883 on the site of a house known and as “Conny Lodge“, is one of the oldest Post Office buildings in the country. During the British Raj, Shimla was the summer capital and the GPO acquired pre-eminence due to .its crucial role in ensuring effective receipt and despatch of Government mail or “Walayati Dak“.
  
• The GPO building is mainly a timbered structure with a tin-roof. It is a three storey building and an interesting element of its design is six large hollow pillars of stone and brick that “traversed its height“. Till 1920, firewood was used to warm the building in winter and enable the postal staff to perform their duties. The building is an excellent example of English hill architecture.
  
• On 21^st September 1972, a fire on the first floor of the beautiful building burnt most of the old record. The building was soon renovated and its centenary was celebrated on 31/7/1983. In 1992 this building was declared one of the Heritage Post Office buildings in the country.

• UDAGAMANDALAM HPO The first Post Office at Udagamandalam was opened in 1826 with an establishment of a writer and two delivery peons. There are no records as to where the office originally was. In the earliest plan of Ootacamund (1829) the building which afterwards became the Post Office is shown and marked as Government Bungalow. Records show that in November 1833, the Post Office was at Rays house.
  
• A travellers’ Bungalow, later assigned to the post office, was a wretched hovel consisting of three small rooms. It was long used for postal purposes. In 1866 the whole building passed into the hands of the Postal Department, which continued to occupy it until 1878, when it was decided to pull down a considerable portion of the old structure and build a combined post and telegraph office on the same site. The post office was moved to its present quarters in December 1883 and this, along with the Telegraph Office & Law Courts, forms a cluster of ornamental buildings on Mount Road.

• COOCH BEHAR HPO In 1875 the Post & Telegraph Office of Cooch Behar State is learnt to have been introduced under the administrative control of Rangpur Postal Division. The Cooch Behar Post Office was initially functioning in the building situated in the Purana Post Office Para. Today it covers 8893 sq. ft. Maharaja Nriprendra Narayan built the present Head Post Office building and, during his regime, there were one telegraph office and five Post Offices in Cooch Behar State. On bifurcation of Rangpur Division, Jalpaiguri Division was created and later, the Cooch Behar Division was created on bifurcation of Jalpaiguri Division on 16^th April,1979.

• NAGPUR GPO considered the mother institution in the Postal Circle of the Central Province, is housed in a majestic Victorian building, once the seat of erstwhile Postmaster General of CP & Berar. Built on a sprawling 9.5 acres located in the Civil Lines area of the city, the double storey building was built during 1916-17 to 1920-21 with a plinth area of 26622 sq. ft. in a complex that also has the Postmaster’s quarter and a huge garden.
  
• The structure is made of load bearing brick walls, steel columns, beams and ribs encased in lime concrete and plastered in lime internally with pitched roof in country tiles and battens. The exteriors make use of exposed bricks painted red and buff coloured sand stone. The main structure is flanked by wide verandas and is provided with Tuscan columns, a Roman arch in the Central Tower topped by a pavilion of 12 columns supporting a Clock Tower and a Flag mast. The alternating bands of brick and sand stone used at corners give the building its Neo Georgian touch but is interspersed with large semicircular stone screens (Jalis) reflecting the Eastern stone-craft of India. The clock, which still works, some antique post boxes and fire fighting equipment and the mixed styles of architecture make this building unique.

• LUCKNOW GPO is an example of relatively more contemporary engineering and architecture. Constructed with red bricks and lime stone, iron was not used in its construction. Its length is 86.5 meter and width 36 meter. The building has a beautiful 30 meter high tower with clocks on all four sides, giving a majestic look to the building. The ground floor has pillars and arches in sequence. The pillars on the ground floor have magnificent carvings which enhance its beauty. The First floor of the building has 25 rooms. A stone embedded on the main gate of the GPO dates the building as 1929-1932.
  
• Text : Department of Post.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 22, 2001

Issued for : The Department of Posts is bringing out a set of four stamps on temple architecture. Four temples noted for their antiquity and architectural features have been included in this set. These are also popular pilgrimage centres and form part of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, considered to be the abodes of Lord Shiva.

Design : The first stamp depicts the temple at Kedarnath, set against the majestic Kedarnath range of mountains of Uttaranchal. It is a handsome building with a neat facade, incorporating architectural features typical of the Himalayan region. The Tryambakeshwar temple, featured on the next stamp, is situated in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra. It is built in black stone and follows the Nagara style of architecture. The third stamp is on Aundha Nagnath temple, located near Nanded in Maharashtra. The temple is famous for its exquisite carvings. Spread over an area of 60,000 sq. ft., it follows the style of architecture called Hemadpanthi. Figuring on the fourth stamp, the temple of Rameshwaram is famous of its majestic pillars and well fashioned corridors. Built around the twelfth century A.D., with its beautifully embellished Gopurams and towers, it is a classic example of Dravidian architecture.

The First Day Cover carries an illustration of the Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi, noted for its antiquity and architectural features.

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

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 400, 400, 400 & 1500 Paise

Overall size : 2.90 X 3.91 cms.

Printing size : 2.90 X 3.91 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported Unwatermarked stamp paper

Stamps Printed : 3 million each

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Madras Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• Religion has been a formative influence on every form of human activity in India, particularly art and architecture. Thus, the evolution of the temple over two thousand years offers a fascinating subject to students of architecture. The different styles of Indian temple architecture also offers insight into the economic, cultural, social and climatic factors that were predominant in different historical periods.
• Models derived from religious considerations have been central to temple architecture in India. Thus, various elements and decorative details which originated on account of the structural requirements of the earlier timber buildings were carried over into the era of stone construction also, because of religious beliefs. The horseshoe shaped window, post and beam and corbelled vaulting are examples of such elements. However, there was enough scope for architectural elements and sculptural forms that are so characteristic of Indian temple architecture and which have few parallels in the entire world.
• The different architectural styles of the temples of India have been traditionally classified into three, viz. The Nagara of ‘northern’ style, the Dravida or ‘southern’ style, and the Vasara or hybrid style which is seen in the Deccan between the other two. There are also distinct and localised styles in areas like Bengal, Kerala and the valleys of the Himalayas.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 7, 2000

Issued for : India’s tradition in jewellery is more than 5000 years old. The Department of Posts issues a set of 6 stamps on Indian gems and jewellery under the series of stamps issued to launch Indepex Asiana – 2000, XIV Asian International Exhibition, the Department’s tribute to 50 years of the Republic of India, and the New Millennium.

Credits :
Stamp Design : Based on jewellery displayed in National Museum and concept design by Alka Sharma.
FDC & Mini Sheet : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Six Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise each

Overall size : 4.82 x 4.06 cms.

Printing Size : 4.82 x 4.0 cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 3 million each

Number per issue sheet : 40

Mixed and Minisheet : 50000 each

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• By 3000 BC India was the principal production centre for jewellery making. Lapislazuli, turquoise, coral, camelian, jasper and a variety of semiprecious stones were imported into the Indus valley cities of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Kalibangan where they were cut, shaped and re-exported to destinations beyond India’s maritime boundaries (the first stamp in the series portrays a bead necklace from Indus Valley (c. 2500 BC)). Texts on gemmology (Ratnashastra) such as “Ashtadhyayi“ of Panini (c. 500 BC), Kautilya‘s “Arthashastra” (4^th century BC), Bharata‘s “Natyashastra” (c. 500 BC) give systematic description of jewellery traditions. The Natyashastra classifies ornaments into four types : avedhya – that which is worn by piercing a part of the body, including ear-ornaments (kundala); bandhaniya – that which is tied up like girdles (sronisutra) and armbands (angada); praksepya – that which is worn like anklets (nupura); and aropya – that which is put around, for example, chains (hema-sutra) and necklaces (hara). The sacred and secular terracotta images of the period of Shunga Dynasty (c. 187-73 BC) excavated from sites such as Harinarayanpur, Chandraketugarh in West Bengal reveal fine ornamentation of early jewellery forms bearing evidence of the techniques of goldsmithing, the use of dies, the skill of working in sheet gold, repousse, granulation and filigree, gems enclosed in bezel settings. The second stamp in the series portrays a necklace with such intricate craftsmanship in gold from Taxila (c. 1^st century A.D.). Though gold was the principle raw material employed, by the 1^st century AD India was the principle supplier of diamonds and precious gems to the world. The mural paintings of Ajanta depict profuse use of pearls and lace like quality of jewellery forms.
• In the Mughal period ‘meenakari’ or enamelling, a unique combination of gems, enamel pigments and precious metals became increasingly popular. Some of the fine examples of Mughal aesthetic detailing are seen in the items of jewellery made for the nobles, such as sarpech (a turban ornament figuring in the series), thumbring, jewelled katar, kalgi, tikka etc. Ratnashastra, imbued gems and jewellery with mystic symbolism. Precious stones and gems, were imbued with medical powers and healing properties. The “navaratna” concept with nine gems in uncut form studded in amulets, was believed to symbolise the relationship between man, the planets and their reigning deities, and hence functioned as mediums between human and Divine. Navaratna jewels were commonly made in the form of rings, pendants, bangles and necklaces, and incorporated ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, topaz, diamond, sapphire, zircon and cat’s eye (navaratna necklace from c. 18^th century AD has been depicted in the series). Jewellery has always been associated with rituals for women in India. The 5^th stamp in the series depicts a ‘tali’ (19^th century AD), a marriage necklace from South India. There is a ritual of tying of ‘Mangalsutra‘ on the wedding day. There are ornaments for the hair, for the forehead, the nose ornament (nath), jhumka, koppu, thantatti and various other names for ear ornaments for women. Worship and propitiation of the elements was absorbed into jewellery design and ornaments in ancient times are seen to function as a canvas for myths and legends. The last stamp in the series depicts a ‘kanthla’ necklace (18^th century AD) from Rajasthan, forming part of “temple jewellery”.
• Text : National Museum and publications on Indian Jewellery.

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Issued by India

Issued on Mar 31, 2000

Issued for : The Department of Posts issues this set of 4 stamp on the Natural Heritage of Manipur and Tripura in the North East. This is the first set of stamps carrying the Logo of INDEPEX ASIANA 2000, 14^th Asian International Philatelic Exhibition being held from 7^th to 12^th December, 2000, at Netaji Indoor Stadium Calcutta.

Credits :
Stamps : Ramesh Sukumar
Miniature Sheet & FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Five Colour

Denomination : 300, 300, 300 & 1500 Paise

Overall size : 2.9 x 3.9 cms.

Printing size : 2.55 x 3.6 cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 1 Million each

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• Indepex-Asiana 2000 is the 14^th Asian International Stamp Exhibition being organised by the Department of Posts, Government of India in co-operation with the Philatelic Congress of India and under the patronage of Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) and the recognition of Federation of International de Philatelie (FIP). It will be hosted at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Calcutta from 7^th to 12^th December, 2000. Indepex Asiana 2000 is the second Asian International Philatelic Exhibition, hosted by India. It holds a special place in international philately, as it commemorates 50 years of the Republic of India, and also the new millennium. It is being planned in a spectacular way with all the conveniences and facilities that go with such exhibitions. It will give an opportunity to the Asia and Pacific philatelic community to display their collections to a discerning international audience.
• Calcutta, the host city of the exhibition, is one among the four major metropolitan centres of India and the capital city of the state of West Bengal. It is a fascinating city, vibrating with life and having a population of over 10 million. The venue of the exhibition will be the Netaji Indoor Stadium. Calcutta, an air-conditioned indoor stadium-cum-amphitheatre which is a proud landmark of the city. The logo of Indepex-Asiana 2000, designed by Shri Sankha Samanta encaptures the first sunrise at the dawn of the millennium, as witnessed at Katchal, an island in the Nicobar group of islands, India. The sun is seen as rising from the ocean waves. The nine rays emanating from the sun symbolises the ‘navaras‘ or the nine moods described by Bharata, an ancient Indian aesthetician, in his writings of Natyashastra (200BC-200AD). The drawing of the waves is in the form of an ‘alpana‘ which is a decorative and ceremonial form of traditional folk art in West Bengal. The logo design may also be seen as a blossoming of flower, symbolising the joy of a new beginning, the exploration of the magical world of stamps.
• On the occasion the Department of Posts is issuing a set of 4 stamps on the flora and fauna of Manipur and Tripura with the objective of focussing public attention on the rich bio-diversity of North-East India.
• Siroi Lily
  Siroi Lily (Lilium macklinae), an Iris species, is a beautiful lily found only in the upper reaches of Sirohi hill ranges of Manipur. The plant grows in the Sirohi Kasom area of the hills on the windward side and eastern flank. It starts flowering with the advent of spring and continues to flower for about two months.
• Sangai Deer
  Sangai Deer (Cervus eldi eldi) or brow antlered deer is a sub-species of the deer available only in Manipur. The deer is distinctive for its peculiar bow shaped antler, unique body structure and its elegant movement, which is often described as dancing. At one time it was considered to have become extinct. Systematic efforts to conserve the species started from 1950 onwards and has succeeded in arresting the declining trend in the population of Sangais. Today the Keibul Lamjao National Park abounds with more than 150 Sangais, an appreciable progress from the 14 heads counted in 1974.
  
• Wild Guava
  Wild Guava (Psidium guineense) is a rare plant of India found only in Tripura. The fruit of wild guava is edible but it is smaller in size than the guava and sour in taste. The plant is of smaller bushy type but if protected attains the size of a small tree. Constant depletion due the firewood collection is endangering this plant, and special protection is now under consideration.
  
• Slow Loris
  Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang) is a round-headed, round-eyed lemur found in Tripura and adjoining parts of North-East India. Three geographical races are known, in India. Very distinctive is a brown stripe, marking the middle line of its back and terminating on the crown; distinctive also are the brown circles round its lustrous, owl-like eyes. The Slow Loris is believed to spend the day in sleep waking at dusk to hunt for food.
  
• A miniature sheet featuring the four stamps is also being brought out, which in addition to Indepex Asiana 2000, will also commemorate the ‘Explore India in the Millennium Year‘ programme of the Ministry of Tourism. The First Day Cover portrays the venue, Netaji Indoor Stadium Calcutta and the logo of Indepex-Asiana 2000.
  
• Text : Based on material supplied by sponsors.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 29, 2000

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to release these stamps on the occasion of Millipex 2000, the National Philatelic Exhibition being organised at Bhubaneswar.

Credits :
Stamp : Ramesh Sukumar
FDC : Millepex Secretariat, Bhubaneswar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 300 & 300 Paise

Overall size : 7.82 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 7.45 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated stamp paper in sheet size 50.8 x 53.5

Stamps Printed : 1 Million

Number per issue sheet : 14 Setenant

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• Reptiles were the first vertebrates to occupy the dry land successfully. They are believed to have originated during the Upper Carboniferous period (3000 to 260 million years ago), and descended from amphibians. Dry, scaly skin is one of their most important characteristics, though all scaly animals are not reptiles. The name ‘reptile‘ comes from the Latin word, reptilis, meaning ‘crawling’. Although most reptiles live on land, there are some adapted to aquatic life, like the turtles, which too breed on land. There are four major group of reptiles: the turtles, the crocodiles, the lizards and the snakes. Exploitation of reptile skin has made many of these rare and endangered.
• Turtles belong to the reptilian order “chelonea”, which included the marine and fresh-water turtles, fresh water tortoises or terrapins and the land tortoises. The Department of Posts is now issuing a set of stamps on two endangered species of turtles, viz. the Olive Ridley and the Batagur Baska to highlight the danger of extinction faced by reptiles in general and turtles in particular.
• Olive Ridley turtle is one of the common sea turtles in the Indian subcontinent found in the Gulf of Kutch, coastal waters of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Orissa and Andaman islands. It is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as coastal pollution and development projects on sea coasts have had an adverse effect on the species. Olive Ridleys are the smallest of all sea turtles. These nest along the entire length of Orissa coastline wherever there exists a suitable sandy sea beach, but the largest aggregation occurs at three sites viz. Ekakulanasi rookery of Gahirmatha coast and rookeries at Devi and Rushikulya river mouths. The adult is olive brown above and yellowish below. The species is distinguished by the presence of five or more coastal shields on carapace. Olive Ridleys are omnivorous or predominantly carnivorous feeding on fish, crabs, crustaceans, molluscs, jelly fishes, etc. The species is capable of foraging at great depths (up 150 metres or more) in tropical neritic waters and undertake long journeys in search of suitable feeding and breeding grounds. Since 1990 nesting season, mass nesting has become restricted to Orissa coast, particularly the Ekakulanasi rookery. Mass nesting usually occurs when weather conditions are right and the beach is in a particular condition to support mass nesting.
• The Batagur is a moderately large web footed, aquatic species of terrapin. The species is found in fresh, brackish or even salt waters. However, its most favourite habitat is the shallow, muddy, tidal regions at the wide river mouths lined with mangrove or other vegetation. It prefers to nest in a colony on large sand banks with slopes and also on riverine islands. Adequate protection measures are necessary for conservation of the species. Batagur was formerly abundant at the mouth of Hooghly where they were captured in large numbers. For several years there were no reports of its presence and nesting in India. However, it has recently been rediscovered in Sundarbans during March 1998 when some eggs were located. The species was again successfully bred, and in view of the protection being accorded to the habitat by Project Tiger authorities of Sundarbans, it is hoped that the terrapin will establish itself in its erstwhile habitat – the Hooghly–Hatla estuaries.
• Text : Based on material from “Endangered animals of India and their conservation“: S.H. Nair, and “Bhitarkanika: Myth and Reality“, co-authored by Dr. C.S. Kar.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 1997

Issued for : The Department of Posts organised Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebration of India’s Independence. The exhibition was held from 15-22 December 1997 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. To commemorate this event, a series of stamps have been brought out. The first was on the logo of Indepex ’97 followed by Centres of Culture, Beaches of India and Rural Women. The final series of stamps of Indepex ’97 depict the post office theme which include a Mail Ship, the Indian River Mail, the Cancellation with a portrait of Jal Cooper and Post Office Heritage Building.

Credits : Indepex ’97 and Commissioner General Indepex ’97.
Cancellation : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multi Colour

Overall size : 3.91 X 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 X 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printing : 0.7 Million each

Number per issue sheet : 9

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About :

• S. S. Hindostan 

  The S. S. Hindostan, a wooden paddle steamer of 2017 tons and 240 feet in length made in a Liverpool dockyard, commenced its majestic journey from Southampton on the 24^th September 1842 to start steam ship communication between India and England. It carried mail and passenger and its passage round the Cape of Good Hope to Calcutta was completed faster than the overland mail to Bombay via the meditaranean and the Suez.

• The Indian River Mail : 

  An experimental River Mail was commenced in 1828 by Governor-General William Bentinck for carrying mail by river from Calcutta to Allahabad. By 1834 the Prinsep enterprise was well established with long boats of six sails and with steam power in front and rudder at the rear. These shallow crafts, could easily negotiate the river with hardly 2½ ft of water at most places even at the height of monsoon. Though initially they were used only for carriage of parcels (bhangi), later their carriage was extended to goods and mail as well.

• Cancellation : 

  The stamp on Cancellation depicts 5 very rare cancellations used on postal mails in the nineteenth century and onwards and an inset of Mr. Jal Cooper who is internationally held as an authority on Indian stamps. The Bombay foreign mail cancellation and the Bombay urban offices cancellation (the later had numbers from “1” to “13”; number “1” being allotted to the Head office) were seen with dates 1865 to 1873. A unique single obliterator cancellation framing a thick “1” among 5 heavy bars was seen on foreign mails from Calcutta dating to 1872 & 1873. The stamp also shows Madras City local cancellations with dates of 1864 and 1865. The fifth cancellation was used from 1871 & 1872 in Aden Cantonment which was annexed to British India in 1839 and had come under the authority and management of Governor General of India since 1932.

• Shri Jal Cooper : 

  Born in 1905 he started stamp collection at a very early age and he was to make his presence fell throughout the philatelic world. From years of study and the intimate knowledge gained by varied and wide correspondence and discussions with fellow philatelists and renowned authorities the world over he established his position as an authority on Indian Stamps. His very intimate knowledge of Indian postal markings both in India and abroad was practically unrivalled.

• Pune H.O. Heritage Building : 

  Pune Head Post Office, popularly known as “Pune GPO” was built in 1913, on drawing inspiration from 16^th Century Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, on a two acre sprawling campus in the centre of the City. The architecture is in the Palladian style, with characteristic features: Tuscan columns in the Varandha, arched windows, balusters for railings and parapets and high ceiling halls.

  In the garden, there are two “Hatti Dagad”, used to tie up the elephants which carried the mail at one time.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 15, 1997

Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of four stamps depicting Rural Indian Women.

Design : While the choice has been difficult, the rural women depicted in these stamps are drawn from the north, south, east and west of India. The golden thread of Indian unity of culture and tradition is discernible in the rich diversity of dress, jewellery and ethnic purity of rural India, as depicted in

• The traditional headgear of the rural women of Ladakh studded with semiprecious stones is unique in its typical craftsmanship. The women are hardy, generally engaged in household work & rearing of cattle.
• Rural Women of Kerala boasting a high degree of literacy are tradition bound and they are engaged in the household work, agricultural operations, cottage industries and handicrafts. The stamp depicts a Kerala rural woman working in the paddy fields.
• Rural Women of Arunachal Pradesh depict the rich ethnic culture of the North East. The rich and varied dress and jewellery are symbolic of the cultural traditions of that area.
• The western region is represented by Gujarat. The colourful attire and jewellery are traditionally typical.

Credits : Department of Posts.

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 200, 600, 1000 & 1100 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million Each

Number per issue sheet : 9 Quadruplicate

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• The Department of Posts is organising Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition coinciding with the Golden Jubilee celebration of India’s Independence. The exhibition is to be held from 15-22 December 1997 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• To commemorate this event, a series of stamps are being brought out. The first such special postage stamp on the logo of Indepex ’97, depicting the caparisoned elephant, the symbol of traditional welcome in India was released on 5^th of October 1996. The second set of 4 stamps (centres of culture and tourism) depicting the Ruins of Nalanda University, the Stupa of Vaishali and Kushinagar and the giant Bodhi Trees of Bodh Gaya was released on 6th June, 1997. The four stamps on the Beaches of India depicting Gopalpur-on-Sea, Kovalam, Bogmalo and Anjuna Beaches were released on the 11^th of August 1997.
• India lives in her villages and the essence of India is embodied in its rural women. In the search to discover India in her varied endeavours the Department of Posts has brought out a series of stamps depicting the cross-cultural currents of Indian life and tradition.It is only appropriate that, this issue of stamps showing the Indian rural woman in all her simplicity, beauty and traditional grace, occupies the pride of place, among the Indepex stamps.
• Varied as they are in their attire, Jewellery and vocations, the Indian Rural Women depict the cross-cultural traditions and values and they symbolised the exalted place women have continued to occupy in the traditional societies of India. The unity in diversity that the Indian Society boasts of can be seen vividly in the depiction of Indian Rural Women.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 11, 1997

Issued for : The Department of Posts, India, is releasing a series of stamps to herald Indepex ’97. The first issued in this series depicting the logo of Indepex ’97 was released on 5^th October 1996. The second, a set of four stamps depicting centre of culture and tourism was released on 6^th June 1997.

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 200, 600, 1000 & 1100 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in Sheets 53.5 x 50.8 cms.

Number of Stamps Printed : 0.5 million Each

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printers : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• Indepex ’97, World Philatelic Exhibition, was organised in New Delhi from 15-22 December 1997 brought together philatelic collections from far and near, and it was a gala event to promote philately as a hobby. The Exhibition assumed special significance as it was held during the 50^th anniversary of India’s Independence. This was indeed an occasion to portray before the world the natural beauty of this land.
• This set of four stamps, third in the series, took up yet another aspect of the diversity of this beautiful country – the serene beauty of the Beaches of India.
• (i) Gopalpur–on–Sea : 

  Gopalpur-on-Sea, an ancient seaport, is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches around this subcontinent. It is a quiet place of rare beauty. Clusters of coconut and palm along lovely sand dunes over grown with Casurina separate the blue Bay of Bengal from the tiny town of Gopalpur, 16 km from Berhampur, the major city in southern Orissa. The backwater with the creeks and lagoons covered with canopies of high green foliage, is the special attraction of the Blue Beach at Gopalpur-on-Sea. Standing mute witness to a glorious past, is the Lighthouse which still beams its powerful beacon across the sea. The nearest railhead is Berhampur.

• (ii) Kovalam : 

  This internationally renowned beach resort, 15 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, is a sheltered natural bay. The azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise. Kovalam consists of three successive crescent beaches, the southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, attracts tourists from all over the world. The airport is Thiruvananthapuram.

• (iii) Anjuna : 

  A former Portuguese enclave, in Goa, this stretch of beach deserves every bit of the sobriquet ‘Pearl of the East’, the pristine beauty of the seascape, the rhythmic pounding of the sea and its swaying palms – all make it a fairy tale land for the traveller. It is claimed that the sight of the beach awash with the early morning sun is an experience of a lifetime. The airport is Panaji.

• (iv) Bogmalo : 

  Another of Goa’s irresistible beaches, it is a secluded crescent-shaped cove of rare beauty. A number of water sports, like parasailing, water skiing, speed boating and deep sea diving add to the visual delight. The airport is Panaji.

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