History of Philately in India
The rich tapestry of Indian philatelic history unfurls with the advent of paper postage in 1852, superseding the erstwhile employment of copper tokens for postage remittance dating back to 1774. The adoption of paper stamps in India burgeoned from the impetus of Sir Bartel Frere, the Commissioner of Sind, who, inspired by the triumph of Penny Postage in England, introduced the pioneering Scinde Dawk in 1852. These stamps, distinguished by their circular form, manifested in three distinct variations—embossed on uncolored white paper, in blue on white paper, and on vermilion wafers. Although eventually supplanted by conventional India Postage Stamps in October 1854, their usage endured for a considerable period.
The year 1854 marked a pivotal juncture as stamps tailored for British India were deliberated, with a preference for domestic printing to bolster economic prudence. The inaugural design, envisaged by Col. Forbes of Calcutta Mint, portraying the 'Lion and the Palm tree', while conceptually daring, regrettably failed to materialize. Subsequently, in 1854, stamps were crafted by the Surveyor General's Office, presenting lithographed half anna stamps in blue, adorned with a youthful likeness of Queen Victoria.
Initially inscribed as 'India Postage' upon their debut in 1854, the nomenclature underwent a transformation within the same year to 'East India Postage'. This appellation persisted until 1882, when it reverted to 'India Postage', retaining its prominence until November 1962, when a fresh designation, 'भारत' or 'INDIA', supplanted the former inscription. Notably, a vestige of the prior designation lingered with the issuance of three stamps in December 1962/January 1963.
The symbiotic relationship between British Monarchical representation and Indian stamp design, inaugurated with the issuance of Queen Victoria stamps in 1854, culminated with the dawn of Indian independence on August 15, 1947. The inaugural independence stamps, released in 1947, constituted a triumvirate showcasing the Ashoka Pillar (National Emblem of India), the Indian National Flag, and an Aircraft. Since this watershed moment, India has borne witness to the issuance of over 3000 commemorative stamps, each a testament to its cultural and historical legacy.
Growth of Philately
The postage stamp, initially just a humble receipt for postage payment, has evolved into a multifaceted symbol. It now serves as a means of commemorating national heritage and events, celebrating achievements, and promoting a nation's identity. From its inception, postage stamps were instrumental in showcasing a country's progress in science, technology, and socio-economic development, featuring themes like Five Year Plans, industrial landmarks, and infrastructure projects.
Over time, postage stamps have become more than just functional items. They've transformed into cultural ambassadors, embodying a nation's spirit and serving as a statement of sovereignty. Post-independence, their role expanded to spotlighting cultural and natural treasures, depicted through thematic sets on art, architecture, crafts, maritime heritage, and more. Additionally, notable figures, both domestic and international, have been immortalized on commemorative stamps, with Mahatma Gandhi, the preeminent leader of India's independence movement, being a prominent example.
Reflecting their dual nature as both postage tokens and cultural ambassadors, stamps fall into two categories. The first category comprises stamps for everyday postal use, featuring simpler designs to minimize production costs. These stamps are printed in large quantities over extended periods. The second category consists of stamps with intricate designs, crafted with greater aesthetic consideration. Produced in limited quantities, they captivate philatelists and collectors alike, generating significant interest and appreciation.
What makes Philately a special hobby?
Philately is a delightful hobby that sharpens and satisfies one’s aesthetic tastes. While expanding knowledge of and interaction with the world one gets to know interesting details of politics, history, prominent personalities, national and international events, geography, flora and fauna, agriculture, science, monuments, soldiers, warriors, scientists, arms and ammunition, modes of transport etc. This process of learning becomes more delightful through visuals and brief write-ups. In addition, philately cultivates a meticulous and focused attention to detail. It also helps in making friends across boundaries and age-barriers.
What can be collected?
Both mint - stamps (unused stamps) and used stamps can be collected. These can be collected year-wise, nation-wise or theme-wise. To make this easier and more attractive to beginners, philatelists generally advise collecting stamps according to a selection of choice called a Thematic Collection. Themes may be flowers, birds, animals, architecture, railways, monuments, Red Cross etc. Definitive stamps and stationery can also be collected as a theme. The bottom line is that the collection unfolds various aspects of a theme like a story.
Types of Stamps
There are commemorative and definitive stamps. Commemorative stamps are issued, as the name suggests, commemorating important events, prominent personalities in various fields, aspects of nature, beautiful or rare flora and fauna, environmental issues, agricultural activities, national/international issues, games etc. These stamps are only available at Philatelic Bureaux and counters or under the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme. They are printed in limited quantities.
Definitive stamps on the other hand, are used for day - to - day postal mailing purposes and are available in various ascending denominations from 25 paisa onwards at all postal counters.
How to collect used stamps?
Used stamps can be collected from the postal envelopes one receives. These can be detached delicately from the postal articles. Rinse in a shallow dish of water, using a soft brush. Carefully dry them in a dark place as the ultra violet rays of sunlight can damage the colours. It is also valuable to retain stamps along with the envelopes on which they are pasted as this authenticates their use.
From where to get stamps?
Mint stamps are available at Philatelic Bureaux and Counters in the designated post offices, details of which are available at nearest Head Post Office. Besides this local philatelists and pen-friends across the country and abroad may be of great help.
How to get and use albums?
Albums are available at leading Book and Stationery stores and with philatelists. Pasting stamps ruins them. Use paper hinges or "havids" to place them in an album. Plastic strip albums are now available and are ideal to use for beginners. Handle stamps with pincers to avoid smudging or damaging them.
- Mint stamps (unused stamps)
- Commemorative Stamps
- First Day Covers (FDCs, which are issued with every commemorative stamp )
- Brochure (Information sheet accompanying each commemorative stamp )
- Collectors' Packs (Year-wise)
- Miniature/Souvenir sheets which are sometimes issued
What are a Philatelic Bureau, a Philatelic Counter and an Authorized Office?
Philatelic Bureaux function in 68 Head Post Offices at Circle Head Offices or in major district towns. There are 68 Philatelic Bureaux and 1111 Philatelic Counters, which includes all the Head Post Offices or Mukhya Dak Ghars of the country. Philately is gaining ground as a hobby among all age groups.
-They carry out sale of philatelic items to individuals, dependent counters and authorized Post offices.
-Philatelic Deposit Accounts can be opened at these Bureaus.
Philatelic counters supply all philatelic items but are not authorized to issue the Special Cancellation that accompanies each commemorative stamp.
-They provide a standard "First Day of Issue" cancellation on first day cover.
Authorized offices sell only the Commemorative / Special Stamps, Blank First Day Covers and Brochures.
Contacting Philatelists
Many queries are received from beginners particularly, seeking guidance for starting a collection of postage stamps. You may wish to obtain information or consult the Philatelic Congress of India at sahadevas@yahoo.com. The Department of Posts is not, however, responsible for the information etc. supplied by the Philatelic Congress of India as the Department does not handle the secondary market in Philately.
Publications
From time to time, publications of interest to Philatelists are brought out and made available for sale through the Philatelic Bureaux.
Conditions for Reproduction of Stamp Images
Reproduction of stamp images is allowed for illustration purposes in Philatelic Publication or in an article relating wholly on postage stamps which may appear in any magazine, newspaper or publication of a general character. Such reproduction should however, be only in black. If stamps are to be produced in colour for publicity purposes, prior permission of the Director General of Posts must be obtained. To avoid similarity with the postage, such reproduction must be distinctively in smaller or larger sizes than the actual stamp and must be without perforation on the edges. Further, across bar will also be placed on one- corner of the stamp, obliterating the denomination. It must be noted that reproduction of the stamp in colour of the actual size of the stamp with perforation of the edges may be deemed to be taken as production of the actual stamp. Detailed guidelines are available on Guidelines for Use of Images of Postage Stamps.
The philatelic activities of the Department of Posts include:
Maintenance of the National Philatelic Museum
The National Philatelic Museum is being maintained on ground floor of the Dak Bhawan. Besides commemorative postage stamps issued since 1947, thematic stamps and other philatelic products are on display. The museum is equipped with audio-visual facility and a small amphitheater to interact with visitors’ groups such as school children. There is also a souvenir shop inside the museum. The museum is operational during Monday to Friday from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm.
Designing, printing and distribution of special / commemorative / definitive postage stamps
- Designing, printing and distribution of commemorative / definitive postage stamps and items of postal stationery like Envelop, Inland Letter Card, Postcard, Aerogram, Registered cover etc.
- Promotion of Philately and conduct of Philatelic Exhibition as well as monitoring of Exhibitions at State/ Regional and District levels.
My Stamp – Personalized Postage Stamp
It is brand name for personalized sheets of commemorative postage stamps of India Post. The personalization is achieved by printing a thumbnail photograph of customer’s image/logo etc. alongside the selected commemorative postage stamp. The service is available on special occasions across the country.
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