Stamps of India and their Innumerable Varieties

For a philatelist or stamp collector who is interested in collecting thematic postage stamps, stamps of India present a wide array of exciting options. Let’s take a look at a few of them today.

First Stamp of India
The very first stamp of India was the Scinde Dawk. These old Indian stamps issued by the British are considered to be the oldest ones to be issued in Asia as well. The design was embossed on red sealing wax wafers which were later stuck on paper by people who wanted postal service.  These rare Indian Postage stamps were used within Sindh province. The word “Dawk” comes from a Hindi word “Dak”, meaning “Post” in Hindi. These rare Indian stamps bear a face value of half anna and less than 100 such stamps can be found in the market, making them even more desirable.

First Stamps of Independent India
The first stamp of Independent India featured the Indian tricolour with the slogan Jai Hind and was issued for foreign correspondence. These old stamps of India bore the denomination three and a half annas and were issued on 21st November 1947. Indian stamps dedicated to the father of our nation – Mahatma Gandhi on the 1st Anniversary of India’s independence – 15th August 1948. Temples, sculptures, monuments and fortresses from different parts of the country highlighting Indian heritage were featured on a series of definitive stamps of India that were issued on 15th August 1949. Old Indian stamps commemorating the inauguration of the Republic of India were issued on 26th January 1950. A variety of stamps in India based on the theme Technology and development were issued in 1955.

Modern Indian Stamps
Modern stamps of India feature various aspects about our country like culture, history, important personalities, art, literature, wildlife, architecture, science, innovations etc. India post has also issued four scented stamps of India dedicated to sandalwood, coffee, jasmine and rose. Indian stamps celebrating Children’s Day are designed based on a nationwide drawing competition for kids. A 15 rupees Indian stamp in the shape of a hexagon was released in the year 2008 featuring the Giant Tortoise. Stamps of India released last year highlighting the major events of the Hindu Epic Ramayana are also very artistic and beautiful. Special sets of Indian stamps have been released on trains, Indian dogs, Indian horses, migratory birds and many other interesting themes.

If you like collecting Postage Stamps of India than you must definitely look out for these unique varieties.

Stamps of India - a Reflection to our Vibrant Country

India is known all over the world for its vibrant cultures and rich history. From ancient times, the Indian subcontinent has been eyed by foreign invaders because of its wealth and natural resources. Even after independence, India has gained its respect because of its accommodating nature towards multiple ethnicity and religions.  Same is the case with geography, wildlife, architecture, art etc. When there are so many defining aspects of a country, imagine the variety of Indian stamps that our postal department might have released over the years. Stamps of India that were released before independence generally featured portraits of kings and queens. However, the ones that were released after independence touch upon various interesting topics. Topical collectors around the world are always on the lookout for these interesting and rare stamps of India.

First Day Covers of commemorative Stamps in India are also always on the limelight. Various collectors come up with their own ideas when it comes to First Day Covers. When these covers feature rare Indian stamps, their values in the Philatelic market also increases. You can begin by selecting a topic of your interest and start building a set for the same. For example, you will find several interesting Indian stamps that feature birds on them. If you are a nature lover then you will be keen on collecting these beautiful Old stamps of India Suppose you are into sports, then you can start by collecting some fascinating Indian stamps that celebrate different kinds of sports on them.

Children today are getting addicted by mobile games and videos on internet. By encouraging them to collect Indian Stamps, they will start increasing general knowledge. Once you start developing a liking for the hobby, you would naturally try to research about the imagery that is portrayed on Indian stamps.

There were times when stamp collecting was a popular hobby. But ever since internet communication has opened up in a grand new way, letters have become a thing of the past. There is a need to revive this beautiful and exciting hobby. Collecting and researching about rare stamps of India will not only give you joy but also will increase your knowledge about our motherland!