Issued by India

Issued on Sep 1, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 2^nd International Tiger Forum and hails the contribution of India and global community to save Tiger and its ecosystem.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301875

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Differing attitudes and beliefs regarding the relationship of humankind to other creatures has been a topic of interest for civilizations. India, the land of eastern religions of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, strongly lays emphasis on non injury to animals. The doctrine of non-violence or non-killing is taken from these eastern philosophies. In Sanatan Dharma, animals are carriers of gods and goddesses and hence considered integral part of human lifestyle. Tiger, is the carrier of Goddess Durga, the source of unlimited power and abundance.
• The Government of India took a pioneering initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the “Project Tiger” in 1973. “Project Tiger”, now ongoing as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, was launched in 09 tiger reserves of different States (Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) over an area of approximately 14,000 km². Since then, the project coverage has expanded considerably to 52 tiger reserves (TR), encompassing an area of around 74,725.07 km² in 18 tiger States with 41,022.9 km² of notified core/ critical tiger habitats and 33,602.12 km² of buffer / peripheral areas in 18 tiger states.
• Due to ongoing conservation efforts under the Project Tiger in designated tiger reserves, India supports almost 70% of wild tigers amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world. Project Tiger has put the endangered tiger on an assured path of recovery, as revealed in the country level assessment of tiger, co- predators, prey and habitat.
• In November, 2010, the Russian Federation had organized an International Forum on issues related to preservation of tiger in St Petersburg. The forum had adopted a declaration of the Heads of Governments on Tiger Conservation and the Global Tiger Recovery Program. One of the important decisions taken in the Forum was doubling of tiger population in the natural habitat of tiger by 2022.
• It is heartening to note that India has achieved the goal of doubling the tigers well ahead of the schedule and India is one of the leading Tiger Range Countries in the world in tiger conservation.
• As per the agreement reached in 2010 in St Petersburg, 2^nd International Tiger Forum is being held. This 2^nd International Forum has the main objectives of reviewing the results of Global Program and determine new priorities for further joint work of interested parties. The 2^nd International Tiger Forum is an important international event in creating awareness in stakeholders and India’s achievement of doubling of tiger numbers.
• To commemorate the 2^nd International Forum, the Russian Federation is issuing a postage stamp dedicated to this event. India being the global leader in tiger conservation is reciprocating the gesture by releasing a Commemorative Postage Stamp to celebrate this important global event.
• The Commemorative Postage Stamp also pays tribute to ‘Collarwali’ the famous tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, which passed away in January, 2022. This Super MOM, tigress had given birth to 29 tiger cubs in her life time and an astonishing 25 cubs had survived into adulthood.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 25, 2017

Issued for : Every generation is required to be conscious of their responsibility towards nature. To bring the awareness in the students, Department of Posts chose Nature: India as a topic for Stamp Design Competition organised across the country for the Republic Day 2017. The participants were to send original entries on the theme “Nature: India”. Based on selected entries Stamps, Miniature Sheet, Maxim Cards, First Day Cover and Brochure are based on the entries submitted by Mr. Krishna Debnath, Mr. S. Keerthivassan, Mrs. Tripti Dutta, Ms. Pooja, Mr. Souvik Datta, Ms. Souramita Bhaumik, Mr. Suyash Goyal, Ms. Debasmita Chakraborty, Mr. Akshat Pamawat, Ms. Mehr Vig, Ms. Yamini K, Mr. Divyansh Sharma, Ms. Aparajita Biswas, Ms. Jetshree Sharma and Ms. V. Aishwaria.

Credits :
Stamp / Miniature Sheet / FDC / Brochure / Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta, based on selected paintings submitted by participants.

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (6)

Stamps Printed : 301590 each

Miniature Sheet Printed : 0.1 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The “Nature” is a storehouse of joy, peace and pleasure. Nature is like a Philosopher’s stone that has the potential to transform its surroundings with its presence itself. Nature can provide a new lease of life to a fatigued mind or a weary body. The kind of comfort and consolation that can be felt in the lap of nature is described by the poets, bands and wandering minstrels. The flowing rivulets, the sounding cataracts, the whispering winds, the joyful flowers and the lofty mountains are only some of the manifestations of that divine beauty.
• The Bliss of being touched by any aspect of the vast Nature can be seen in the world’s greatest poetic and philosophical expressions. There can be no better mediation that being in touch with the Nature. It has a healing touch of its own. The lovers of Nature immerse themselves in listening to the melodious songs of larks, watching the clouds moving majestically across the sky, and manage to witness the joyful dance of peacock on a rainy day. They can spend hours looking at the starry heavens and absorb the beauty of a rainbow in the sky. They do not forget to see the sublime in the ephemeral.
• Where Nature is a source of joy, it is also a great teacher. The fruitful trees teach us to be humble; the mountains teach us to be strong and firm; the flowers teach us to smile and blossom even when we are surrounded by the thorns of life. The wildlife in Nature teach us harmony and balance in life. It reveals the oneness of life.
• Nature is permeated with the same soul that dwells in men. There is a kinship between man and nature. But our relationship with nature is also of imbalance and overuse. Nearly every step in human history has unfortunately been accompanied with a leap in environmental degradation. Apart from achieving stability for ourselves and our kin, we also have an obligation to maintain the environment, as we depend on the resources and services it provides. Our cognitive ability and understanding of nature obliges us to maintain the integrity of the environment. In order for the Earth to retain its balance, it is important that we do not overstep our bounds as a species. This requires a universal effort to revaluate our relationship with nature and make adjustments as needed. It is important to recognise a rippling of consequences that are being faced because of Man’s intervention with the nature.
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 29, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of two stamps on Tadoba Andhari National Park.

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

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 million each

Miniature Sheet printed : 0.1 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Tadoba Andhari National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the finest & largest National Parks in Maharashtra. It is an important Project Tiger Reserves in India. This beautiful natural area is situated close to Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. It was in 1955 when 116.55 sq. km. of the area was declared a National Park. Later, the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created in the adjacent forests in 1986. In 1995, both the park and the sanctuary were merged to establish the present tiger reserve.
• The Tadoba Andhari National Park has an endless treasure trove of large number of species of trees & plants and wildlife like panthers, tigers, hyenas, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, barking deer, bison, sambar, to name a few. Overshadowed by teak & bamboo, and with a magical landscape of rugged cliffs, marshlands, lakes, etc., it has a large variety of flora and fauna, which makes it a popular tourist spot.
• The name ‘Tadoba’ is derived from the name of God “Tadoba” or “Taru”. The Gond kings were known to have once ruled the forests in the vicinity of the Chimur hills. It is believed that Taru was a village chief who was killed in a fierce encounter with a tiger and a shrine was built in his memory. The name “Andhari” is derived from the Andhari river which flows through the Park.
• The Andhari River, Erai Dam, Kolsa Lake, Junoria Lake and the Tadoba Lake form the lifeline of the park. The river and water storage systems provide year long supply of fresh water to this amazing ecosystem. Besides, small water bodies, rivulets and creeks also exist in the confines of the dense forests, in plains, and, in the hills. Man made water holes and small dams in the area add to the life sustaining environment. These factors explain the prolific bio diversity of the region.
• The vegetation of the forest is of Southern tropical dry deciduous type. Teak is the prominent tree species in the Tadoba forest. Besides teak, some other common trees found in the Park are Ain (Crocodile Bark), Bija, Dhaudab, Hald, Salai, Semal, Shisham, Mahua Madhuca (Crepe Myrtle) and Bamboo. In addition, Axlewood Anogeissus Latifolia, a fire-resistant species, is also found here, along with Buteamonosperma, which adds vivacious color to this forest. Arjun trees are also found at Panchadhara.
• A major part of this forest is in the hilly area of the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers Moharali & Kolsa ranges. As a result, there are many hillocks and terrains which provide shelter to wild animals. Besides the species of Bengal Tiger, this park is home to other mammals like Sloth Bear, Leopard, Rusty Spotted Cat, Gaur (Indian Bison), Indian Mouse Deer, Ratel, Sambar, Wild Pig, Spotted Deer, Flying Squirrel, Four Horned Antelope, to name a few. As soon the night falls, the Small Indian Civet, the Palm Civet, the Ratel, and the Flying squirrel make their presence felt.
• Tadoba National Park is a popular tiger reserve that is popularly known as ‘The Land of Tigers‘ as large number of tigers are found here. The total area under the Project Tiger includes the core area and the buffer zone. The core area concept denotes critical tiger habitat, which is subject to intense conservation measures with minimal human intervention.
• Historically, the Bengal Tiger is known to have arrived in the Indian Subcontinent approximately 12,000 years ago. The Bengal tiger’s coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes ranging from dark brown to black; the belly and the interior parts of the limbs are white, and the tail is orange with black rings. The white tiger is a recessive mutant of the Bengal tiger, which is reported in the wild from time to time in Assam, Bengal, Bihar and especially from the former State of Rewa.
• Male Bengal tigers have an average total length of 270 to 310 cm (110 to 120 in) including the tail, while females measure 240 to 265 cm (94 to 104 in) on an average. The tail is typically 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in) long, and on an average, tigers are 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in) in height at the shoulders. The weight of males ranges from 180 to 258 kg (397 to 569 lb), while that of the females ranges from 100 to 160 kg (220 to 350 lb).
• Bengal tigers are territorial, and except for the core unit of mother and cub, they are solitary creatures. Each male tiger needs a large territory in which to hunt and mate. Once a Bengal establishes a home range, it usually sticks to it, and remains aware and respectful of other tiger’s ranges. However, due to rapid industrial development and continuing poaching activities during the last century, a sizable percentage of the tiger population, not only in India, but across the World, has been reducing substantially. At present the Bengal Tiger is listed under “Endangered” category in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red list of threatened species.
• Tigers are a conservation dependent species. The Bengal tiger subspecies is at the top of the food chain in the wild. Tigers are also a vital link in maintaining the rich diversity of nature. When tigers are protected, we have so much more. For example, with just one tiger, we protect around 25,000 acres of forest. These ecosystems supply both nature and people with fresh water, food, and health.
• Text : Based on the material available on the internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 14, 2011

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release a set of postage stamps designed by children.

Design : This year we are presenting the collection of prize winning entries, at the national level on a set of two stamps, Minisheet, First Day Cover. The paintings by ad seriatim are by: 1. Shreeraksha, V Class, Karnataka, 2. A. Priya Dharsini, V Class, Tamil Nadu, 3. Riya Dutta, IV Class, H.P., 4. Ashik Purushotham, Vlll Class, Kerala, 5. Jayashree Sahu, Vlll Class, Orissa, 6. Rangoli Pandey, VII Class, U.P., 7. Shubham Sahu, X Class C.G, 8. Nishi Bordia, IX Class, M.P., 9. Jai Surya P, IX Class, Kerala. Each painting is a message in itself with the plea to all of us that saving the tiger will save our eco system for the generations to come.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC, Miniature sheet & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 & 2000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million Each

Miniature Sheet : 0.1 Million

Printing Process : Wet offset

Printer : I.S.P. Nashik

About : 

• Each year the Department of Posts brings out special postage stamp on Children’s Day to mark the birth anniversary of India‘s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 14^th November.
  
• India Post, to create awareness on the tigers which are one of the most endangered species in the world and also on the verge of extinction, conducted ‘Design a Stamp’ contest with the theme to save “The Tiger” on 12.12.2010 as one of the special events of INDIPEX 2011.
  
• Children through their paintings had highlighted the critical areas that have caused the drastic decline of tiger population in India in a creative way.

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Issued by Nepal

Issued on Sep 14, 2010

Issued by :
Government of Nepal
Ministry of Information and Communication
Postal Services Department
Nepal Philatelic Bureau
Sundhara, Kathmandu, Nepal

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : Rs. 5.00

Colour : Four Colors with Phosphor print

Size : 31.5 x 42.5 mm

Format : Horizontal

Paper : Security Stamps Paper with Fiber

Quantity : 2 Million

Sheet Composition : 50 Stamps each Sheet

Process : Offset Lithography

Printer : Cartor Security Printing La Loupe, France

About : 

• Tiger is the magnificent species of the largest of all the Asian big cats. Being at the top of the food chain, tiger is an indicator species of the healthy ecosystem in which they live and on which people depend. This charismatic species is getting closer to extinction. Since 1998, tigers have lost 40 percent of their habitat and today occupy only seven percent of the historic range. In just one century, the estimated tiger population in the wild has declined from 100,000 to as few as 3200 globally. There are only a little more than 155 wild adult tigers in Nepal. Poaching and illegal trade of their body parts are the largest immediate threats along with habitat loss.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 14, 2009

Issued for : With every child he creates, God brings Hope. We see this Hope shining in every child’s eyes and glowing in its heart. India Post proudly presents this year’s Special postage stamps on Children’s Day: celebrating “The Heart of a Child”.

Design : The set of two stamps carry the tiger and the deer in their natural habitat – sending out an urgent message for prioritising the protection of endangered species. The first day cover is a Montage of paintings. One shows a child resting from labour demanded of him, far beyond his strength and age – placed between two nurturing hands which carry his dreams: the company of other children and an education that empowers him. Below that a glowing night scene depicts a young boy teaching adults to read and write and to learn computer skills.

Another painting shows children’s concern for the elderly and for the physically challenged. It highlights the fact that what senior citizens need is not charity but love and compassion that draw them into the mainstream of life. In yet another picture a child’s observant eye and heart goes out to the environment which we do not hesitate to pollute with our everyday activities.

A herd of spotted deer and an elephant with its young are featured on the brochure bringing the children’s concerns full circle. “This is my world”, each child seems to say, “I belong to it as much as it belongs to me. The life of every creature on it is intertwined with mine – To make this a better place for all of us is my dream”.

The paintings ad seriatim are by (a) Manoj, Class IV, Karnataka; (b) Divya Yadav, Class IV, Haryana; (c) Nikhil Chanadran, Class X, Kerala; (d) Pragyan Dey, Class VI, West Bengal; (e) Sooraj Kakkaraiyil, Class XI, Kerala; (f) Jishnu P. Raj, Class VIII, Kerala; (g) Deepak P. V., Class III, Kerala; and (h) Ashish R. Patil, Class III, Karnataka.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC & Brochure Design & Layout : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Information Brochure

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million each

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• The Children’s Day Special Postage Stamp has become a regular feature of the annual Stamp Issue Programme of India Post. It marks the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on 14^th November, honouring the special place he had in his heart for the young.
• This year India Post celebrates “The Heart of a Child” as we place before you the outburst of creativity that was triggered by the children designing stamps. Their interest in their surroundings, their concern for issues far beyond their immediate neighbourhood and the panoramic vision they seemed to share, made it virtually impossible to limit ourselves to just one painting. Therefore, this year we place a collection of children’s paintings before you.
• Text : Department of Posts.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 18, 2008

Issued for : India Post is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp on Mascot of Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010.

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

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500p (stamp), 1500p (Miniature Sheet)

Stamps Printed : 3.0 Million

Miniature sheet : 0.5 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event. Held every four years, it involves the elite athletes of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games.
• The Firsts such event, then known as the British Empire Games, was held in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The name changed to British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954, to British Commonwealth Games in 1970 and assumed the current name of the Commonwealth Games in 1974.
• As well as many Olympic sports, the Games also include some sports that are played mainly in Commonwealth countries, such as lawn bowls, rugby sevens and netball.
• There are currently 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and 71 teams participate in the Games. The four constituent countries of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – send separate teams to the Commonwealth Games (unlike at the Olympic Games, where the United Kingdom sends a single team), and individual teams are also sent from the British Crown dependencies – Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man – and many of the British overseas territories. The Australian external territory of Norfolk Island also sends its own team, as do the Cook Islands and Niue, two non-sovereign states in free association with New Zealand. Only six teams have attended every Commonwealth Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Australia has been the highest scoring team for ten games, England for seven and Canada for one.
• At the 1930 games, women competed in Swimming and Diving only. In 1934 women competed in some Athletics events also.
• A unique concept of games for youth of 18 years of age or less in the year of the games was mooted and the first Commonwealth Youth Games was held in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000. 596 Athletes from 15 countries competed in 8 sports. The second Commonwealth Youth Games took place in Bendigo, Australia in December 2004. The third Youth Games was held in Pune, India from 12 October 2008 in nine sports disciplines.
• Mascots for the Commonwealth Games were first introduced by the host country in 1978. They are now an integral part of the promotion and commercial success of the Commonwealth Games.
• List of Mascots
  

  Year	City	Mascot
  1978	Edmonton	Keyano, a Swan Hills Grizzly Bear. Keyano is a Cree Indian word which means unity and brotherhood.
  1982	Brisbane	Matilda, the Kangaroo
  1986	Edinburgh	Mac, a black “Scottie” dog
  1990	Auckland	Goldie the Kiwi bird
  1994	Victoria	Klee Wyck, an Orca (Killer) Whale
  1998	Kuala Lumpur	Wira, teh Orang Utan
  2002	Manchester	Kit, a Cat
  2006	Melbourne	Karak, a south-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksil graptogyen)
  2010	Delhi	Shera, the friendly tiger. Tiger is the national animal of India. Shera is the elder brother of “Jigrr” the mascot for Commonwealth Youth Games held at Pune from 12 to 18 October 2008.

• As “Jigrr” the mascot to Commonwealth Youth Games Pune, 2008, hands over the baton of the game to “Shera” his elder brother, the run up for Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 begin with flame of enthusiasm and joy. Shera welcomes you all to Delhi for Commonwealth Games 2010 with open arms and fabled Indian hospitality. We in India believe in “Atithi Devo Bhava“, our guest is like God. Let us meet in Delhi in the true spirit of the Commonwealth games.

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Issued by India

Issued on May 31, 2007

Issued for : In bringing out a set of five commemorative postage stamps on National Parks of India, India Post celebrates the unique beauty of each. While applauding the conservation efforts so far made, there is obviously a need to carry this movement forward with greater resolve. This set of stamps will create greater awareness of the heritage we need to preserve.

India Post is proud to showcase the natural heritage of India by bringing out a set of five stamps featuring famous National Parks around the country.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million each

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• India’s rich biodiversity has fascinated people down the ages. India can boast of more than 500 species of mammals, 2,000 species of birds, 500 species of reptiles, and 30,000 species of insects. India also have an ingrained tradition of conservation stretching back in history. 
• However, the pressures of an increasing population have led to widespread changes in land ways. This has, in effect, led to a gradual encroachment and decimation of forest cover and water bodies, resulting in the destruction of the natural habitat which has sustained wildlife down the centuries. 
• While shooting for sport ‘Shikar’, posed the greatest threat to wildlife in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, it is the destruction of habitat and illegal poaching for commerce that present the major problems to conservation today.
• Realizing the danger, sanctuaries for protecting the wildlife, along with their natural habitat, were set up in India from the first half of the 20^th century itself and today there are more than 450 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 85 National Parks, around the country.
• A comprehensive legislation called the ‘Wildlife Protection Act’ was enacted in 1972 for providing legal protection to wildlife, and to endangered species of fauna in particular, as protecting our natural heritage and preventing the extinction of increasingly rare and endangered species of animals like the one-horned Indian Rhinoceros, the Indian Elephant, the Tiger, and the Musk Deer among other, assumed national importance.
• Under this Act, the State Governments are empowered to declare any area as a Sanctuary or a National Park for the purpose of protecting and conserving wildlife and the environment. All National Parks and Sanctuaries are however not alike. While some have been created to protect certain specific rare and endangered species, some are famous for the richness and variety of their flora as well as fauna.
• Bandipur National Park :
  • The Bandipur National Park is a beautiful forest reserve located in Karnataka. It lies in the shadow of the Western Ghats and spreads across an area of about 875 sq. km. at a height of 780-1455 m above sea level. A moderate climate and diverse geographical features support a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Declared a National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1974, this National Park is best known for its elephant herds and Sandalwood trees. A mix of deciduous and evergreen forests and scrubland supported by the waters of the Moyar River, this forest reserve is home to Indian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Four Horned Antelope, Wild Pig, Black-Naped Hare and the Indian Porcupine. The Park is also rich in avian population with an abundance of birds like the Peafowl, and game birds like the Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, etc.
• Mudumalai National Park :
  • The Mudumalai National Park lies in the state of Tamil Nadu and is contiguous to the Bandipur National Park, separated by the river Moyar that flows between the two. It is located on a 1000 Mtr. high plateau at the base of the Nilgiri hills with a core area of 104 sq. km. and was declared as a National Park in the year 1990. Just 321 sq. km. in area, the hilly terrain provides diverse habitats sustaining a great variety of wildlife including the Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Black Buck, Hyena, Wild Dog, Porcupine, Jackal, Python etc. Rich in bird life, most families of birds found in the Indian sub-continent including some uncommon and rare species like the Grey Jungle Fowl, Red Spur Fowl, Grey Partridge, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Magpie Robin, Spotted Babbler, Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Harriers, Falcons and King Vulture, etc. may be sighted in the Park area, comprising a mixture of rain forest, evergreen, and deciduous forest and scrubland, with lofty as well as stunted trees, grass covered hills and marshy swamps. Bamboos, natural teak, sandalwood trees, slender Indian laburnum, flame of the forest are some of the better known flora which abound.
• Bandhavgarh National Park :
  • The Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is primarily known for its tiger population. The former hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa, Bandhavgarh was declared as a National Park in 1968. Covering an area of 542.40 sq. km. the forest area comprising of teak forest, grasslands and scrubland has about 22 mammal species and about 250 bird species. This is the place where the famous white tigers were discovered. Apart from the tiger, the other animals inhabiting this hilly Parkland include the Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Black Buck and Wild Boar, as well as two primate species, the Rhesus Macaque and the Hanuman Langur.
• Periyar National Park :
  • The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve was established in the verdant stretches of Kerala in 1895 and declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 777 sq. km. of which 360 sq. km. is under dense and evergreen forest cover. Deriving its name from the vast and stunningly beautiful Periyar Lake, the habitat diversity is reflected in the variety of fauna. There are 35 species of mammals in the Park including its major attraction, the Indian Elephant, the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque which is confined to the evergreens in the interior as well as the Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, and Barking Deer. Periyar is also the only habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, which is not seen easily. This National Park is also rich in birds with 285 species including the Hornbill, Stork, Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Raptor, Cormorant and the Darter.
• Kaziranga National Park : 
  • Kaziranga National Park is one of the last refuges of the endangered one horned Indian Rhinoceros. Located in Assam on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga was declared a reserve forest in 1908, primarily to protect this indigenous endangered species and a ban imposed on poaching of the Indian Rhino. Declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940 the Park was given the status of a National Park in 1974, and has also been declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. Conservation effort in this Park have paid off and the figure of 12 Rhinos in the early 90s has now grown to around 1000 Rhinos. Other animals that inhabit the Park are the Elephant, Tiger, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Python, Monitor Lizard, Bison, Leopard, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hoolock Gibbon, etc. Kaziranga is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. Apart from the resident bird species like the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. A large number of migratory birds inhabit the Park’s lakes and marshy areas during the winters including the Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard, and Northern Shoveller.
• Text : Based on material provided by Postal Circles, Tourism Departments of the respective States and the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 19, 2001

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a postage stamp commemorating the August Kranti of Ballia.

Design : The stamp carries a picture of the monument at Shaheed Park, Ballia. The first day cover carries an illustration of Chittu Pandey who led the ‘National Government’ in Ballia and became famous as the ‘Tiger of Ballia‘.

Credits :
Stamp : Sankha Samanta
FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 400 Paise

Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.

Printing Size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 0.4 million

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• The August Kranti (August Revolution) which took place in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh is one among the most inspiring chapters of the Quit India Movement of 1942.
• The Indian National Congress at its Bombay session (August 1942) passed the famous Quit India resolution, calling for a mass struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. “Do or Die” was the mantra which Gandhiji gave the people of India. However, even before the Congress could start the movement, the British administrative machinery came down swiftly and heavily. All the major leaders were arrested and the Congress itself was declared illegal. A dismayed India reacted spontaneously against this repressive act. Popular revolts broke out across the length and breadth of the country, with the battle cry of “British Quit India“.
• A prominent feature of the Quit India Revolt was the chain of ‘National Governments‘, which came to be established in many parts of the country, though most of them could survive only for a few weeks.
• In Ballia District of U.P. the revolt started with protest demonstrations of the students. The arrest of a few girls and at-random firing by the police in the market sent a wave of indignation into the hearts of the people. The resultant anger and excitement led to spontaneous acts of protest like removal of rails, cutting of telegraph wires and burning of railway and police stations in the rural areas. In less than a week the local people raided the police stations, treasuries and other government offices of the District and occupied them. The authorities surrendered immediately and the national flag was hoisted over these buildings.
• Having occupied the whole District and disrupted the colonial administrative machinery, the onus of setting up a parallel ‘government’ fell upon the leaders of the revolt. They undertook the task in a most responsible and efficient manner and a National Government was set up in Ballia on the 19^th of August. Chittu Pandey, a charismatic leader described as the “Tiger of Ballia” by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, headed the Government. The entire population of Ballia supported the National Government and donated thousands of rupees to enable the Government to carry on its administration.
• Unfortunately, the new Government could not last for more than a few days, in the face of the severe repression unleashed by the British rulers. Though the movement was finally suppressed, it did succeed in demonstrating the depth and fervour of the nationalist feelings. It proved beyond any doubt that the days of colonialism were numbered in India.
• Text : Based on India’s Struggle for Independence published by the NCERT as well as Ballia – 1942 Smarika published by the Information and Public Relations Department, Uttar Pradesh.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 29, 1987

Issued for : “Kshamaya dharitri“, exhorts a line from a Sanskrit Shloka, demanding the Man learn the patience and the forgiveness of the Earth. The forbearance of the earth is nowhere better seen than in the support she gives to wild life threatened by man’s irreverent disregard for the gifts of nature. His wanton and thoughtless destruction of wild life habitat is endangering many spices. The Department of Posts feels privileged to draw the attention of the masses to the urgent need for conservation. By 1987 the Department issued a set of two stamps on one rare and one endangered member of the cat family both of whom are predators at the apex of their respective ecological chains.

Description of Designs : The two stamps in the set on wild life depicting the White Tiger are designed by India Security Press, Nashik Road. The first day cover shows the white tiger, photographed by Thakur Dalip Singh. The cancellation is designed by Smt. Alka Sharma.

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 100, 500 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 adh. Gr. Coated stamp paper

Number Printed : 15,00,000

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printed : India Security Press

About : 

• The SNOW LEOPARD, related to the common panther (Felis Pardus) is the predator supreme of the high mountains. Endowed with an exceptionally rich for coat to withstand the extreme cold of the uplands it inhabits, it has a remarkably bushy tail to prevent heat-loss and large pads to help it traverse snow. Its colour varies from cream to greyish white with large rosettes giving it a mottled appearance that assists its camouflage.
• Though it is found throughout the Himalayan range above tree-line where sufficient prey is available, its main population in India is in the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti where bharal or blue sheep and ibex are found. It also preys upon Himalayan tahr, musk deer, marmots and hares and occasionally upon livestock.
• The snow leopard is at the apex of the food chain in the mountains and to safeguard it, protection has to be accorded to its prey species and the habitat of both the prey and the predator. With this objective in view, Government of India has initiated a Snow Leopard Conservation Scheme under which suitable habitats of the snow leopard and its prey are to be protected and restored.
• Though the tiger (Felis Tigris) had a distribution from the Ussuri forests of the USSR to Indonesia and from Caucasus to the Chinese coast, there has been little evidence of the existence of WHITE TIGERS reported outside India. Even in this country, it has been a rarity. Its main area of occurrence has been in the sal forests of north eastern Madhya Pradesh and Southern Bihar.
• The White Tiger has a pure white or an off-white coat with little brown stripes, often fewer than in a normal coloured tiger. The nose and the pads are light coloured and the eyes are light blue.
• The present history of the white tiger in captivity starts with the capture of a white cub by the Maharaja of Rewa in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, in 1951. Named Mohan after the forests where he lived, the cub was maintained at Govindgarh Fort near Rewa. With selective breeding he became the progenitor of all the captive white tigers for the next three decades in India and abroad. In 1981, five white tigers were born to a pair of normal coloured tigers at the Nandankanan Biological Park in Bhubaneswar (Orissa), to introduce a second strain of white tigers in captivity. There were 36 white tigers in 7 Zoological parks in the country.

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