Around the world every year on 9thOctober World Post Day is celebrated. On this day in 1874, Universal Postal Union was established in Bern, Switzerland. In India the day is celebrated on October 10th as National Postal Day and it is marked as an extension of World Post Day.
Postal stamps of India are produced with a variety of techniques such as line engraving, typography, lithography, photogravure, and web offset.
India Postage Stamps History
- On 1 July 1852, the very first postal stamp of India was introduced in the Scinde district. When in 1854 the uniform postage rates came, it led to the development of India postage stamps that were valid throughout India.
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- In Britain, the introduction of uniform postage led to increased use of the postal system. It got doubled between 1854 and 1866 and later again got increased in 1866 and 1871.
- These stamps came in different colors too that featured Queen Victoria. They were introduced with 4 values i.e. half anna, one anna, two annas, and four annas.
- These stamps were designed and printed in Kolkata and were issued without gum.
- After the independence of India, the responsibility of the postal services was transferred to the new Indian Government. Although the involvement of Britain was still present in postal services to India. In a similar manner as they managed other international postal services.
Importance of India postage stamps
A piece of paper issued by a postal administration or post office is known as Postage Stamps. They are used to affix as a stamp on the address side of any product of the mail or an envelope.
- These stamps depict the specific value and can be prepayment for postal service equivalent to its face value.
- Postal stamps of India provide us a glance of important things of an important era. The pictorial depiction of postal stamps is used by the government to convey messages to the general public.
- It also shows the important role in celebrating and promoting national heritage.
- When it comes to the postal stamps of India, it plays an essential role in celebrating and promoting national heritage.
- In India, there is a variety of stamps that have been used over time with different themes.
Types of postal stamps of India
There are six types of Indian postage stamps that are in circulation in India.
1. Commemorative Stamps
On a significant date, a commemorative stamp is used such as to honor or commemorate an event, place, object, or anniversary. The subject is spelled out in print on commemorative stamps. To honor personalities like freedom fighters, politicians many commemorative stamps are utilized. The stamps are used to celebrate events that are related to science, technology, space, defense, sports, etc.
2. Definitive stamps
They are designed for everyday postal needs. Definitive stamps are used in part of regular issues. They are available for using postage services for an extended period of time. There have been different uses of definitive stamps like in illustrations, history, art, science, nature, technology, institutions, vehicles, and much more. The range of denominations is enough to cover the ongoing postal rates.
3. Military stamps
When peace-keeping operations are on during the time of war, some special stamps get used known as Military stamps. Previously, the military stamps were used in World War II by the soldiers. The soldiers used to send letters to their loved ones with these stamps on them. In India, many military stamps have been released for many military operations. In it, the army made many selfless contributions. Military stamps depict different monuments, cultures, arts, crafts, personalities and so many more. To use in regular definitive stamps by peace-keeping Armed Force, the stamps are overprinted.
4. Miniature sheets
It consists of a small group of stamps that are attached to the sheet on which they get printed. Miniature sheets could be unique designs and illustrations on the sheets. India issuing miniature sheets portrays a variety of elements of the nation’s identity. It can be of famous personalities, events, culture, history, etc.
5. Se-tenant stamps
Different stamps are adjoined to one another and are printed on the same plate. Although they are adjoined with each other on the same sheet, their design, color, denomination, or overprint differ. Se-tenant stamps feature the figurative designs that appear on the set of stamps. Many collectors love collecting these beautiful se-tenants from India as a hobby.
6. My stamps
It is a brand name for personalized sheets of postage stamps of India Post. By printing a thumbnail image of the individual photographs and logos of artwork, beautiful places, wildlife, etc. through which the personalization is achieved.
Additional Information
- In May 1854, the half anna blue-colored stamp of Queen Victoria was declared as the world’s first bicolored stamp.
- Postal stamps of India were printed on paper watermarked with an elephant’s head from 1865.
- The first postage stamp of India was valued at three annas has an inscription engraved as “Jai Hind” which means ‘Long Live India’.
- During World Philatelic Exhibition, 2011 in India, My Stamp was the first presented.
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