What Makes Stamps in India So Popular Among Philatelists

From the earliest Indian stamps to the latest ones based on intriguing themes, there is more than one reason to start collecting stamps of India. Let's find out what makes these stamps so fascinating.

Earliest Stamps of India:

The earliest Indian stamps were called as Scinde Dawk and were issued for the Sindh region on 1st July 1852. The word "Dawk" came from the Hindi word "Dak" which translates to "Post". These rare Indian postage stamps are considered to be the first ones to be issued in entire Asia. They bore the denomination one-half anna and consisted of red sealing wax with an embossed design. These circular stamps are have a very high market value as it's believed that less than 100 such stamps exist today. Since these stamps disintegrated quickly, they were replaced by a colourless design embossed on white paper. Towards the end, a blue embossing was applied on white paper.

First Stamps of Independent India:

The very first Indian stamp issued after our country got independence from the British regime on 15th August 1947, featured the Indian flag with the famous slogan "Jai Hind". They bore the denomination three and a half Annas and were meant for use only for foreign correspondence. These republic India stamps were released on 21st November 1947. The second stamp featuring the Ashokan Lions capital bore a denomination of one and a half annas and was issued for domestic use. A fifteen rupees stamp was issued on the second anniversary of India's independence on 15th August 1949 featuring the famous Satrunjaya, Jain temple complex near Palitana.

Rare Indian Stamps:

When it comes to rare stamps of India, the most famous one is the 10 rupees postage stamp featuring Mahatma Gandhi that was issued on 15th August 1948. A set of 100 such stamps were overprinted with the world "SERVICE" and were handed over the Governor General of India for official use only. These Indian rare stamps have been auctioned for thousands of rupees by auction houses all around the world. The inverted Head 4 Annas stamp issued in 1854 is another beauty to look out for. The portrait of Queen Victoria on his stamp is incorrectly printed in an inverted position and the error was discovered only in 1890. Experts believe that only 28 such stamps exist today.

Interesting Themes:

Modern stamps of India are based on numerous interesting themes as our country is known for its rich diversity. From cultures, traditions, languages, art to monuments, climate, natural wonders, wildlife, history and prominent personalities, a lot of subjects have been explored through Indian stamps over the years. Every postage stamp of India sheds light on various aspects about our country's evolution in various fields as science and technology, education, apart from other important milestones. Through the study of these Indian stamps youngsters can learn a lot about our country's identity and vibrant past.

Image Courtesy: mintageworld.com

Tips for Young Collectors:

As parents, you should encourage your kids to start building a collection of old Indian stamps. You can also take them to stamp exhibitions and seminars that keep happening around your city. By networking with like-minded collectors, they will certainly increase their knowledge in the long run. You can also let them join various types of communities and local clubs so that they maintain their interest levels in the hobby. Finally, you should also make them realise the importance of safeguarding their collection from any kind of dust or moisture by storing them in quality stamp albums.

Collecting stamps in India is always a satisfying experience for all collectors as there are so many interesting varieties to explore. So dive deep into the world of philately and start collecting right away!

Read and understand several fascinating aspects about stamps in India and their evolution. From the very first Scinde Dawk issue to the first Indian stamp after independence featuring the national flag to the latest colourful issues based on mesmerising themes, find out what makes Indian stamps so popular among philatelists.

A Rare Treasure: Indian Stamp

Every year on October 1, National Postal Day is celebrated in India. This celebration is an extension of World Post Day.

India has a long and unique postal history and has delivered countless postage stamp of India. These have been created by an assortment of systems including line etching, typography, lithography, photogravure and web-counterbalance. Stamps in India have been created both for postage and for administration or income. Stamps have been delivered both as imperforated sheets, punctured, and smaller than usual sheets.

The history of stamps of India began with the introduction of paper postage in Sindh, India (now in Pakistan) in 1852. Sir Bartel Frere, the commissioner of the Sindh, introduced the stamps, and then known as 'ScindeDawk' in 1852 but the Indian stamps were withdrawn in October 1854, after the introduction of regular Indian postage stamps.

The old Indian stamps have a very big collection of rare Indian postage stamps such as: The Queen Victoria Collection from Gwalior Convention State during British India or the King George V collection from the Indian Expeditionary Force of British India.

Another such Indian rare stamps are the British India-Feudatory State time’s collection of Indore stamps. Indore was earlier known as AhiliyaNagri. The founder of the House of Holkar was MalharRao, born in 1694. In 1761, after the Panipat, MalharRao acquired territories stretching from the Deccan to the Ganges. In 1805, a peace treaty was concluded between the chief and the British.

From 1904-06, definitive type of vertical rectangle Indian stamp were issued. These rare Indian stamp were printed on the following theme; Devanagari and English inscription, Raja,Type 4, Overprinted with S1. These rare stamps of India were issued in the commemoration of Maharaja TukojiRao Holkar III, who ruled Indore from 1903 – 1926.

There were 8 stamps issued under this collection. They were of 1/4 anna (orange color), 1 anna (green color), 2 annas (brown color), 3 annas (violet color), and 4 annas (ultramarine color). The other three were different variants of the 1/2 anna.

All these stamps were printed at Recess Perkins, Bacon & Co. To find out more about the old Indian stamps visit the Mintage World.

Collecting Stamps in India Can Nurture Young Minds

There are many people who wonder what’s the point in accumulating Indian stamps! Well, there are several benefits of indulging in this amazing hobby and most of us are unaware about them. Let’s find out how collecting rare stamps of India can change the attitudes and personalities of young minds and how it can add a dash of fun in their learning process.

Learning Made Fun
Most students get bored when they start reading their textbooks. The education system in India needs to be revamped to make learning a fun experience. Introducing kids to stamps of India can increase their excitement levels to great extent. Old Indian stamps can reveal a lot about our country’s rich history, cultures and traditions. Apart from that, the hobby will greatly increase their general knowledge as they start reading about the imagery depicted on various stamps. Indian stamps follow a wide variety of themes and topics like architecture, famous personalities, wildlife, scientific innovations, art forms and a lot more. Once children start engaging themselves in this wonderful hobby, they wouldn’t make out the difference between learning and having fun!

Personality Development
By collecting Indian rare stamps, children can enhance their personality in different ways. They would become more responsible when they understand the importance of taking good care of their collection. When they start joining different clubs and start attending exhibitions, they will invariably interact with fellow collectors, which in turn, will improve their interpersonal skills and confidence levels. When they dedicatedly look for a particular postage stamp of India or study about it, their concentration power will also improve over a period of time. 

Extra Source of Income
Rare Indian stamps have a very good market value. You can invest in them and sell them later for a much higher value when there is a demand. The hobby not only brings joy in your lives, but also can fetch you some money in the long run. However, it is very crucial to take special care of rare Indian postage stamps and store them in good quality stamp albums so that you maintain their condition for a long period of time. 

So, start collecting stamps in India and encourage young kids to do the same as well!

Colourful History of Old Indian Stamps and Philately

There is a lot to explore when it comes to the history of Indian stamps. Some of these old Indian stamps are extremely rare. Let’s take a quick look at some interesting facts about Indian Philately. 

Old Indian Stamps
Scinde Dawk is not only considered to be the very first stamps of India but also as the earliest stamps of Asia. It was made of red ceiling wax wafers and had an embossed design. These rare Indian postage stamps were circulated within the Sindh region and are highly sought-after by collectors all over the world. They bore the denomination half anna and only 100 such stamps exist today, making them highly desirable.

Indian stamps issued during the British regime featured portraits of kings and queens. The inverted head four annas stamp issued in 1854 is a rare gem which is auctioned for lakhs of rupees. This octagonal shaped postage stamp of India featured an inverted image of Queen Victoria and was printed due to an error. Owning these Indian rare stamps is every collector’s dream.

First Stamps of Independent India
The very first stamps in India issued after independence featured the tricolour flag along with the slogan “Jai Hind”. It bore the denomination three and a half annas and was issued on 21ist November 1947. However, these Indian stamps were used for international correspondence. The second postage stamp of India depicted the Ashokan Lion Capital. It bore the denomination 1 and half annas and was released for domestic mails. 

Commemorative Stamps of India
There are numerous fascinating aspects of our country which are worth exploring as themes for Indian stamp designs. Over the years, India has issued numerous interesting commemorative Indian stamps to celebrate important events, achievements or to honour important personalities. These events, institutions, organisations and personalities belong to different categories.

Through the study of these unique stamps in India, the younger generation can discover many amazing facts about our country. That’s the reason why, it’s very important to promote the hobby of stamp collecting among youngsters. They should be encouraged to collect stamps of India based on various themes such as animals, birds, flowers, monuments, history, science, art, culture etc.  This will increase their general knowledge to a great extent.

Now, that you know something about the history of old Indian stamps, start looking for some interesting varieties and put together an impressive collection.

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!

There’s no Age for Collecting Stamps of India

I have been collecting stamps of India ever since I was 10 years old. From then on, there has been no looking back. There are many people who think that stamp collecting is a hobby for the kids. Those who have that opinion don’t know that there is a huge community of philatelists in the world who specialize in rare stamps of India. Many of these Indian rare stamps have been sold at international auction houses for lakhs of rupees. Apart from that, money is not everything in life. One has to be passionate about something that will keep him or her excited always.

What is the point in living each day just like yesterday. There has to be something unique that you learn every day. Indian stamps are my source to that uniqueness that I keep craving for. My collection of old Indian stamps is a window to some of the most fascinating aspects about our country’s history, traditions, nature, wildlife, flora, geography, landmarks, events, personalities and more.  

As technology is picking up at a very fast rate, writing letters has become a thing of the past. The

chances of finding kids of today’s generation indulging in a hobby like stamp collecting are very feeble. That’s the reason why it is our responsibility to introduce kids to the amazing world of Indian stamps. You can take them to the nearest post office and show them the latest stamps in India.

My kids too were not too keen in taking up this hobby even after I showed them my collection of old Indian stamps. But slowly, as I started narrating the stories behind these rare stamps of India, they became more and more curious to learn. I also lent them a few interesting Indian stamps from my own collection to start theirs. Today they meet their friends and discuss about old Indian stamps whenever they get some time. They also motivate their friends to indulge in stamp collecting.

So, if you really want to do it, you will find a way to do it! Doesn’t matter what the society thinks about you. Keep listening to your heart and continue collecting beautiful Indian stamps as long as you are healthy enough to do so!

Collecting Stamps of India – The Perfect Stress buster

We live in a day and age when stress has become an organic part of our lives. It all boils down to how you manage your stress in the long run. The number of cases related to depression and suicides are on the rise day by day. There is a need to start a conversation or indulge in something that releases your stress in some way or the other. Though physical exercise for at least half an hour can bring down stress levels to a great extent, hobbies are something that can make a bigger impact. Unlike other common hobbies, collecting Stamps of India doesn’t just bring joy into your lives but also increases your general knowledge.

I have been collecting Indian stamps from the last four years now and the journey has been truly exciting so far. The joy of adding rare Indian stamps in your collection cannot be expressed in words. It definitely boosts your morale and confidence levels greatly. The most fascinating aspect about old Indian stamps is its variety. India is such a vibrant country with so many different cultures, traditions and landscapes that stamps in India are a treat to collect for any philatelist. Moreover, you are keeping your mind engaged on most occasions, trying to read about the imagery depicted on rare stamps of India.

Whenever I am stressed out, I take out my collection of Indian rare stamps and keep gazing at them for hours together. A lot of effort goes into putting together an impressive collection of Indian stamps. Sometimes, all you feel like doing is pull them out of your drawers and appreciate the time you spent on making this collection and the hard work you put in for the same. There are very few hobbies like collecting stamps of India which can give you so much pleasure and knowledge at the same time.     

Unique themes to look out in Stamps of India

There are many ways in which you can study about India’s rich culture, history and tradition. The best way would be to collect stamps of India because they reflect different aspects of our past in a colorful way. For collectors who are interested in unique themes, Indian stamps are a dream to collect. Themes like important personalities, events, inventions etc are featured on rare Indian stamps. Over the years, the market for old Indian Stamps has increased due to the kind of unique themes that they follow. One of the themes is horses of India, another one depicts Himalayan flowers. There is a beautiful set of Indian stamps that portrays the evolution of Indian railways through the ages. Locomotive engines are also depicted on another set of lovely stamps in India. Some of the rare Indian stamps featuring Mahatma Gandhi have been sold for an impressive amount. Apart from rarity, the condition of stamps also matters when it comes to auctions. Avoid adding folded or soiled stamps to your collection, since other collectors wouldn’t be too keen on acquiring them.

India post keeps coming up with unique themes and topics. This maintains the excitement levels of those who collect stamps in India. PM Narendra Modi recently released a set of stamps depicting various aspects of Lord Rama and Ramayana, one of the greatest Indian epics. Then there are scented stamps of India which come with the odour of sandalwood, coffee and jasmine. If you are interested in collecting unique and rare Indian stamps, these amazing scented stamps would be a great add on for your collection. Generally, all stamps are either square shaped or rectangular. There are some uniquely shaped stamps in India like the hexagonal stamp featuring turtles. It is really an ocean out there if you are interested in collecting stamps of India. Keep looking out for these wonderful stamps and add value to your collection.

Why are Stamps of India so Popular?

There are many reasons why collectors from around the world love collecting Stamps of India. Being a country which is so diverse in terms of culture, traditions and history, there are a wide range of topics that are covered through Indian stamps. Youngsters can easily upgrade their knowledge about our country by studying old Indian stamps in detail. There are many stamps of India that celebrate your freedom fighters while there are many others which showcase the rich wildlife of our nation. If you are a topical collector then there are varied subjects that can be touched upon. Apart from that, there are some rare Indian stamps which have been sold for impressive rates by auction houses across the world. This shows the genuine interest among collectors for enhancing their collection of rare stamps of India. So, whenever you get a chance, add old Indian stamps to your collection and do what you can to protect them.

If you are a first time stamp collector, the best way to start collecting Indian stamps is by heading straight to the post office. You can take a look at the latest releases and select the ones which you like the most. All you will have to do is pay the postal rates. Once you can added your first set of old Indian stamps to your collection, you can start building your network by connecting with like-minded collectors. There are so many online groups and social media communities out there, that talking to someone from the other end of the world also seems extremely easy. You can then step out and visit those exhibitions which display rare Indian stamps to learn more about them. You could also refer books on philately where you might find some handy tips for collecting stamps in India. The options are limitless really; all you need are good intent, passion, discipline and patience!

Learn about Stamps of India and why it is an interesting hobby

Out of boredom arises hobbies that sometimes develop into a passionate affair, a sort of life calling occurs. During our childhood, we all engaged in hobbies that we daringly pursued, some liked to collect currency notes, some to collect Stamps of India and some to collect antique coins. No matter what the hobby, the hunger to know more should never diminish, that’s the key to a persistent hobby. Give your hobby wings to fly, it shouldn’t matter how weird your hobby is as long as you love it.

Indians wisely make use of their time and engaging in a fruitful hobby, is like finding your true self. Collecting stamps of India is one hobby that not many give their attention to, but once surrendered to it; marvel is what you’ll be. Stamps in India have an amazing history attached to it and when one takes it up as a hobby, one will certainly raise the bar as far as knowledge is concerned. Indian stamps have evolved quite a bit, from the ancient period to the modern times; they have enriched themselves in every era.

Aspiring stamp collectors will definitely be amazed at how old Indian stamps reflect Indian culture and how beautifully they have depicted the history of stamps of India. Collectors willing to gather rare stamps of India should build in themselves the three qualities necessary to become a successful stamp collector. First is an inquisitive mind, second is patience and third is to gain knowledge. Once these things are built, a stamp collector can enhance himself by attending various events where old Indian stamps find their shelter. Gradually, a stamp collector graduates to a mature level and gains a deeper understanding of stamps of India, and its history behind it.

Therefore, fire your hobby and turn it into a passion that is done for the joy of it and it’ll last forever.

Innovative Rare Historical Stamps of India

Stamps of India have been a reflection of our country’s image. Over the years, ever since independence, they have portrayed various subjects that have defined our nation. From culture and traditions to famous personalities, inventions, wildlife and more, through the study of Indian Stamps one can get a complete overview of the diversity of India. Every part of the country is unique on its own, but all these colourful aspects make one beautiful rainbow of Indian culture. The very first Stamps of India depicted the national flag, tricolour. It also featured the patriotic slogan “Jai Hind” and was valued at three and one-half annas. An array of beautiful stamps has been released by India post till date. Interesting issues include the four aromatic or scented Rare Indian Stamps. The latest of the three featured coffee and smells like freshly picked coffee beans. The other two has the scent of sandalwood, roses and Jasmine.

One of the recent initiatives by India post has been that of a My Stamp idea. Through this programme, one can print stamps of their choice, featuring pictures of their choice. Now imagine your own picture on Rare Historical Stamps of India. Wouldn’t that be cool? Recently there were reports that Delhi Zoo collaborated with India Post to come up with an innovative idea. They thought of installing a My Stamp counter at the zoo where people can click a picture with their favourite animal in the zoo and get them printed on customized Indian Rare Stamps. Recent Rare Indian Postage Stamps that have been released on Children’s Day have also been special. A nation-wide drawing competition is held between children and the best paintings are selected for the stamp design.
Introducing the youth and children to Stamps in India can be a fun way for making them understand about the beauty of our country.  

My 8-year Journey of Collecting Rare Stamps of India Continues!

You can lure me by showing all the wealth in the world, but my precious collection of Old Stamps of India is absolutely priceless. Every Rare Stamps of India that I have managed to collect over a period of 8 years, has a story to say. I have lived and grown up on these stories and cannot imagine a life without them. With every passing year, my passion for collecting Stamps of India remained the same; if not, it has only multiplied. That feeling of adding a new Indian Stamp in your collecting is indescribable. Something that not anyone and everyone would understand! There are many who keep asking me what is it that drives me to collect stamps since so many years. I do not have a specific answer to that. It could be because there are many childhood memories associated with this special hobby.

There have been days when I used to wait for the postman for weeks together, simply to add a new Indian stamp in my collection. Initially it was only about the numbers. I used to pick up every Indian stamp I found. Slowly, as I started growing older, I started reading about the imagery that was depicted on Stamps of India. Thanks to that disciplined activity, I can say that my general knowledge increased by leaps and bounds. I was smarter than most other kids of my age. There was no stopping me from there. After a point, I started looking for interesting Stamps of India and was not satisfied with the ordinary ones. I started networking with fellow collectors and exchanging stamps for new ones. Accidentally, a Rare Indian Stamps fell into my collection as the friend whom I exchanged it from, was not aware about its uniqueness or rarity. That is when I realised that if you are someone who is passionately collects stamps then you must always make an effort to increase your knowledge in some way or the other.

Why I Persuade My Kids To Start Collecting Stamps Of India

Like the famous going goes, different folks, different strokes. Each one of us on this earth is wired in a certain way, the moment we are born. As we grow older, we develop personal tastes and interests based on various factors. Most of our interests are influenced by our upbringing, our experiences and outlook towards life. Some have an inclination towards arts and literature while there are many others who are crazy about science and technology. Philately is the name given to the study of postage stamps. People who are engaged in collecting stamps and understanding them are known as philatelists. The beauty of this hobby is that, it can be pursued by anyone and everyone, irrespective of what your tastes are or where your interests lie. I personally love collecting Indian stamps as there are so many different themes to be explored. From history, to famous personalities to flora and fauna, stamps of India give you a complete overview of our magnificent country. 

Experts from this field always believe that this hobby should be introduced to kids at a very early stage in life. When they are trying to find out where their interest really lies, they would be exposed to a variety of topics by collecting stamps of India. As and when they collect new rare Indian stamps, they would be keen about learning each and every detail about them. This way, they are not only becoming sharper but are also increasing their general knowledge. If you ask a kid to open a text book and start studying, they would definitely get bored after a point. But if they were to start collecting stamps and read about them, they would be more excited about the entire process in general. From networking with fellow collectors to exchanging duplicate stamps for a new one, they understand the importance of being responsible in life. That’s the reason why I persuade my own kids to start collecting stamps of India so that they are not always wasting their time on mobile games or social media.