Basawon Sinha 

Basawon Sinha (1909-1989) came under the influence of revolutionary organizations like the Hindusthan Socialist Republican Army and went underground after the Lahore Conspiracy case. He organized trade union work and was behind bars for 16 years, on various occasions, during the freedom struggle. In 1967 he became the Minister for Labour, Planning and Industry. He passed away on April 7, 1989. 

Date of issue      =    23rd March
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1912

Natural Heritage of Manipur and Tripura, INDEPEX ASIANA - 2000

INDEPEX ASIANA -2000, the 14 Asian International Philatelic Exhibition will be held at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Calcutta from December 7-12, 2000. This will be organized by the Department of Posts of India in co-operation with Philatelic Congress of India under the patronage of Federation of Inter Asian Philately (FIAP) and the recognition of FIP. This occasion also commemorates the 50 years of Republic of India and the New Millennium. Department of Posts has brought out 4 stamps to focus public attention on the rich bio-diversity of North East India. A miniature sheet is also being brought out featuring these stamps.

Siroi Lily (Lilium Macklinae), an Iris species, is a beautiful lily found only in the upper reaches on Siroi hill ranges of Manipur. It starts flowering with the advent of spring and the blooms last for about 2 months. 

Sangai Deer (Cervus eldi eldi) is a sub species of deer found only in Manipur. It has a distinctive bow shaped antlers, unique body structure and movements described as dancing. Today the Keibul Lamjao National park has 150 Sangai as compared to the 14 numbers in 1974. 

Wild Guava (Psidium guineense) is a rare plant of India found only in Tripura. the fruits are edible. Constant depletion for firewood has endangered this plant and special protection is now being considered.

Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang) is a round headed lemur found in Tripura and the neighbouring regions. Slow Loris are nocturnal and sleep during the day. 

Date of issue      =    31st March
Face value           =    300x3, 1500, Rs. 24
SG#                      =    1913-16, 1917

Arya Samaj 1875-2000

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi founded the Arya Samaj on April 7, 1875 to revive and propagate the Vedic way of life. The goal of Arya Samaj is "make this world noble". The essence of his teachings is contained a monumental treatise "Satyartha Prakash", which forms the essence of Arya Samaj philosophy.

Date of issue      =    25th April
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1918

Indigenous Breeds of Cattle

Gir is medium sized and found in the Gir forests of Gujrat. The breed is characterized by the curved horns and pendulous ears. This is the most popular dairy breed in India.

Kangayam is medium sized and is found in the arid tract of Tamilnadu. The prominent hump is a noticeable characteristics of this breed.

Kankrej is a powerful draught breed with powerful lyre shaped horns. Its is a good milker and found in Northern Gujrat.

Hallikar is the breed of cattle found in Karnataka. This is a draught breed and has narrow bulging forehead and a pair of sweeping concave horns.

Date of issue      =    25th April
Face value           =    300 x 3 , 1500
SG#                      =    1919-22

Hundred Years of Railways in Doon Valley

The Doon valley measuring about 75 km in length and 25 km in breadth is famous as a tourist destination. The Doon Valley Railway line was in operations on March 1, 1900. This 51.26 Km long railway line passes through dense forests, now a national park, 15 curves, 2 tunnels and 236 bridges.

Date of issue      =    6th May
Face value           =    1500
SG#                      =    1933

Migratory Birds: Rosy Pastor

Rosy Pastor (Sturnus roseus) is rose pink starling, or myna, with a glistening black head, neck, upper breast, wings and tail. It is a winter visitor to India and moves from the north west eastward to Bihar, straggling into West Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh. 

Garganey Teal (Anas querquedula) is one of our commonest and most widespread migratory ducks. It is one of the earliest to arrive and last to leave. It is well distributed throughout India.

The Forest Wagtail (Motacilla indica) is slightly bigger than sparrow and has olive brown upper side and blackish brown wings. It is a winter visitor and is seen in north-east India, Eastern and Western Ghats and Andaman Islands.

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a long legged, long necked bird bigger than a Vulture in size. It arrives in India in the months of September/October and leaves March/April. It is mostly seen in the North-western regions of India.

Date of issue      =    24th May
Face value           =    300x4, 1200
SG#                      =    1934-37, 1938

N.T. Rama Rao

NTR, "Anna", "Viswa Vikhyata Nata Sarvabhowma" or Late Dr Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao remains in the heart of young and old Andhrites. NTR was born on May 28, 1923 in Krishna District. After graduating in Arts he took up government service and resigned to join the tinsel world. He has acted in more than 320 films. In March 1982 he founded the Telugu Desam party and was sworn in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1983. He passed away on January 18, 1996.

Date of issue      =    28th May
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1939

Swami Sahajanand Saraswati

Swami Sahajanand Saraswati (1889-1950) was a sanyasi as well as a revolutionary, who dedicated his life to the cause of political and economic independence of the Indian people. He was born in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh and renounced his home to become an ascetic. From 1924 to 1928 he propagated Gandhiji's constructive programme of Khadi  and prohibition. On April 19, 1940 the whole of Bihar observed Sahajanand Day in protest against his arrest. He was a powerful writer and ran the Hindi weekly Hunkar from patna and wrote many books on peasant problems and struggle.

Date of issue      =    26th June
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1940

The Christian Medical College and Hospital - Vellore (1900-2000)

The Christian Medical College and Hospital was founded by Dr. Ida Scudder in January 1900 at Vellore. Young Ida Scudder on a visit to India to see her parents, saw the sad lack of medical facility for the Indian women in childbirth. Her father was a missionary doctor and Ida also decided to follow her father's footsteps. She got a degree in medicine and established a clinic in Vellore in 1900. This clinic has today grown to a multidisciplinary healthcare, teaching and research facility of international repute. At present the institution runs graduate and post graduate courses in Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Medical record science and nursing. The concept of "roadside" clinics where a team of medical staff went to surrounding rural communities in bullock carts loaded with medical supplies to provide health care has matured to a Community Health and Development Programme which has been commended by the WHO.

Date of issue      =    12th Aug
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1941

Great Leaders : Social and Political

Radha Gobinda Baruah (1900-1975) - Radha Gobinda Baruah initiated the "Assam Tribune" in 1939 and made it into a Daily. He started the Assam Bani (193) and Dainik Assam (1965). His contributions to creating public awareness regarding the political and social issues are matched by his contributions in the cultural and social spheres. Guwhati Indoor Stadium, Assam Sangit Sanmelani and Assam Flying Club are through his efforts and foresight.

Jaglal Choudhary (1895-1975) - A torch bearer of Gandhian values Jaglal Choudhary emerged as leader of the National Movement in Bihar. He left the medical studies and plunged into the non-cooperation movement in 1921. He was involved in the Bihar Provincial Congress and was jailed several times. After attainment of freedom he took up causes like equality of women, religious harmony, education and land reforms.

Vijay Lakshmi Pandit (1900-1990) - She was the first women to be elected the President of the UN General Assembly (153-54). She joined the National Movement and was imprisoned in 1932 and 1940. She served as Ambassador of India to USSR, USA, Mexico, Ireland, Spain and as India's High Commissioner to the UK. She was elected to the Lok Sabha and served as Governor of Maharashtra in 1962-64.

Diwan Bahadur R Srinivasan (1859-1945) - He is known as a great leader of the depressed classes and worked towards removing untouchablity. in 1891 he organized the "Adi-Dravida Mahajana Sabha" for safeguarding the claims of the so called untouchables. he started the paper Paraiyan. In the task of abolishing untouchablity the services of R Srinivasan have been substantial.

 Date of issue      =    15th Aug
Face value           =     4 x 300
SG#                      =    1942-44

Kodaikanal International School Centenary

The Kodaikanal International School (KIS) began as a school for missionaries in Kodaikanal in 1901. Today it is an international school offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB). KIS is coeducational with a student body of 500 from pre-school to Grade 12 from 40 countries. The unique academic programme of KIS is accredited by the the Association of Indian Universities, IB Geneva and Middle States Association of USA. The stamp design depicts the environment of Kodaikanal against a open book symbolizing the journey to be taken and much else besides.

Date of issue      =    26th Aug
Face value           =    1500
SG#                      =    1946

India in Space - 2025 

An on-the-spot stamp designing competition for school children was organised by the Department of Posts with the theme of "India in Space, 2025 AD". Winning entries were given cash awards of Rs 1,500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 for children from 12 to 18 and for children up to 12 (junior level), Rs 1,000, Rs 500 and Rs 250. 

The stamp in a setenant format depicts the winning entry in the senior category. The painting by S Praveen shows the young minds fascination for space exploration and the quest for the knowledge about the unknown. 

Date of issue      =    29th Sept
Face value           =    2 x 300
SG#                      =    1951-52

OCEANSAT-1

Launched by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT) is the first satellite primarily built for Ocean applications. The 1050 kg satellite will be placed in a Polar sun synchronous orbit of 720 km height. IRS-P4 will carry on board an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Multifrequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR). OCM is a solid state camera used to collect data on chlorophyll concentration, detect and monitor phytoplankton blooms and obtain data on atmospheric aerosols and suspended sediments in the water. MSMR is used to collect data on sea surface temperature, wind speed, cloud water content and water vapour content in the atmosphere above the ocean. 

Date of issue      =    29th Sept
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1953

INSAT - 3B 

INSAT-3B the first of the five satellites was successfully launched under the INSAT-3 series. INSAT-3B carried 12 extended C-band transponders, three Ku-band transponders and S-band mobile satellite service payloads. The satellite is primarily intended for business communication, developmental communication and mobile  communication.  

Date of issue      =    29th Sept
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1954

MADHUBANI - MITHILA Paintings

The district of Madhubani in Bihar forms part of the broader geographical and cultural area called Mithila. Vibrant traditions of ritual paintings have been practiced by women in the region since centuries. This style of painting is known as Madhubani - Mithila paintings.

The women of the region traditionally drew geometrical diagrams called Aripan on mud and cow dung plastered floor. The decorated the nuptial chambers, kitchen walls and walls around the shrine in the house with paintings depicting scenes from mythology. With the introduction of paper in 1960s the Madhubani has emerged as one of the best known forms of folk painting in India.

The pigment for the painting is derived from natural substances like vermilion powder mixed with mustard for bright red, turmeric powder for yellow ochre, a mixture of cow dung, goat's milk and lamp black for greenish black and rice paste is used for white.

The "Flower Girls" has been painted by Smt Nirmala Devi, "Bali Sugriva" by Smt Sanjula Devi, "Krishna and Gopies" is by Smt Anmana Devi. The fourth stamp shows details of mural painted by late Smt Ganga Devi on the wall of a "Khobar Ghar".

Date of issue      =    29th Sept
Face value           =    3 x 300, 500, 1000
SG#                      =    1955-59

Raj Kumar Shukla 

In the story of India's Freedom Struggle "Champaran Satyagraha" marks a very important stage. Mahatma Gandhi was asked to come to Champaran by Raj Kumar Shukla in a letter which read "... the time has come for you to fulfil your promise. 19 lakhs of suffering people of Champaran are waiting to see you.."  On his arrival at Motihari the district headquarters accompanied by RK Shukla, he was ordered to leave and later arrested on his refusal. The peasants of Champaran were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20 part of their holding and sell it to the planters at a price fixed by them. The government appointed Mahatma Gandhi to enquire into the system. The system was abolished. the contribution of Raj Kumar Shukla have been mentioned in the writings of Dr Rajendra Prasad, Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Kriplani. this year marks the 125th birth anniversary of Raj Kumar Shukla and the Department of Posts pay its tribute to the freedom fighter.

Date of issue      =    16th Oct
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1960

Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma (1918-1999)

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, former President of India was one of the most distinguished and beloved sons of the country. Born in 1918 at Bhopal, he completed his studies in Law, History and Politics at Cambridge and Harvard Law School. The University of Cambridge honoured him with the degree of Doctor of Law. He was member of the 5th and 7th Lok Sabha and was elected the President of Indian Republic in July 1992. This veteran freedom fighter, distinguished parliamentarian and able administrator devoted his life to the service of the nation. 

Date of issue      =    29th Oct
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1961

Children's Day

Universal Children's Day is an occasion to renew our commitment to the cause of children and re-dedicate ourselves to fulfilling their basic needs and rights. Children's day was first celebrated worldwide in October, 1953, under the sponsorship of International Union for Child Welfare, Geneva. The idea of Universal Children's Day was mooted by late Shri V.K. Krishna Menon and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954. Ever since, 14 November is observed as Universal Children's Day. The Day also coincides with the birthday of India's first Prime Minister, late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The year's stamp, based on a painting by Phuhar Uppal which won the top honour in the Junior Category, depicts a child hugging a friendly elephant and carries the title "My Best Friend".

Date of issue      =    14th Nov
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1965

Maharaja Bijli Pasi

The Gupta empire (fourth to sixth century A.D.) as well as the empire of Harsha (seventh century) had brought the entire northern India under strong, centralised rule for a long period. However, the region saw a bitter struggle for domination between three powers, the Rashtrakutas, the Pratiharas and the Palas in the subsequent centuries. Maharaja Bijli Pasi who is credited with the founding of Bijnor, now a small town near Lucknow, was an enlightened ruler who appears to have consolidated his position and established his reign over a large tract of land in this region. He was a contemporary of Prithviraj Chauhan. He was an able leader of the "Pasis" , a fiercely independent people indigenous to the locality. He constructed 12 forts which is an indication of the prosperity of his kingdom as well as the power he wielded. Through this issue celebrating Maharaja Bijli Pasi, the Department of Posts invites attention to the reign of this legendary monarch, and tales of bravery, deified through folklore traditions.

Date of issue      =    16th Nov
Face value           =    300<br>SG#                      =    1966

JEWELLERY : INDEPEX ASIANA-2000

India's tradition in jewellery is more than 5000 years old. The Department of Posts issues a set of 6 stamps on Indian gems and jewellery under the series of stamps issued to launch Indepex Asiana -2000, XIV Asian International Exhibition, the Department's tribute to 50 years of the Republic of India, and the New Millennium.

By 3000 BC India was the principal production centre for jewellery making. Lapislazuli, turquoise, coral, camelian, jasper and a variety of semiprecious stones were imported into the Indus valley cities of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Kalibangan where they were cut, shaped and re-exported to destinations beyond India's maritime boundaries. The first stamp in the series portrays a bead necklace from Indus Valley of Ancient India.

The Natyashastra classifies ornaments into four types: avedhya - that which is worn by piercing a part of the body, including ear-ornaments (kundala); bandhaniya -that which is tied up like girdles (sronisutra) and armbands (angada); praksepya -that which is worn like anklets (nupura); and aropya - that which is put around, for example, chains (hema-sutra) and necklaces (hara). The second stamp in the series portrays a necklace with such intricate craftsmanship in gold from Taxila.

In the Mughalperiod 'meenakari' or enameling, a unique combination of gems, enamel pigments and precious metals became increasingly popular. Some of the fine examples of Mughal aesthetic detailing are seen in the items of jewellery made for the nobles, such as Sarpech, a turban ornament shown in the series.

The "navaratna" concept with nine gems in uncut form studded in amulets, was believed to symbolise the relationship between man, the planets and their reigning deities, and hence functioned as mediums between human and Divine. Navaratna jewels were commonly made in the form of rings, pendants, bangles and necklaces, and incorporated ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, topaz, diamond, sapphire, zircon and cat's eye.

Jewellery has always been associated with rituals for women in India. The 5th stamp in the series depicts a 'tali' (19th century AD), a marriage necklace from South India. There is a ritual of tying of 'Mangalsutra' on the wedding day (Bridal).

Worship and propitiation of the elements was absorbed in the jewellery design and ornaments in ancient times are seen to function as a canvas for myths and legends. The last stamp in the series depicts a 'kanthla' necklace (181h century AD) from Rajasthan, forming part of "temple jewellery".

Date of issue      =    7th Dec
Face value           =    Rs. 15 , 6 x 300
SG#                      =    1967-72

Maritime Heritage - Kunjali Marakkar - 400 Years

India's maritime heritage dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3000 B.C.). The discovery of Lothal port and dock (circa 2400-1900 B.C.) bear testimony to this. After the landing of Vasco da Gama in Calicut in 1498 A.D., the Portuguese slowly gained influence and started interfering in the trade. Mohammed Kunjali Marakkar, the first Admiral of Calicut who offered to the Zamorin his sword, ships and services, dedicated his entire energies in fighting the foreign domination of Indian seas. He was the first of the four Kunjalis who played a heroic part in the Naval wars with the Portuguese. The most famous of the Marakkars was Kunjali IV, who fought the Portuguese more fiercely than his predecessors and with far greater success. However, the initial successes appear to have made him arrogant to the extent of ignoring the authority of the Zamorin. The Portuguese clinched a deal with Zamorin to suppress the 'rebel' Admiral, and in 1600 jointly laid siege of his fort, bringing to an end the long tradition of the legendary Marakkars. Kunjali IV who surrendered to the Zamorin was executed in Goa. The stamp design shows the war-paroe, a small craft used by the Kunjalis, which, manned by just 30-40 men each, could be rowed through lagoons and narrow waters.

Date of issue      =    17th Dec
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1973

Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan

Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan (1888-1972), one among the great exponents of the Sarod, was a torchbearer of the glorious musical legacy of Gwalior. The present day sarod is the improvised and modified form of old rabab which was first introduced in India by the Afghans who came here from Kabul and settled in many places of Northern India. Hafiz Ali Khan was born in a family of musicians, particularly famed for their mastery of the sarod. Hafiz Ali Khan was given training in music by his father Ustad Nanhe Khan from the age of 6 years and continued it for 13 years. After the death of his father, he did not lose courage but with hard rigorous practice he perfected his art and soon earned the title of "Aftabe Sarod". After different training stints, he returned to Gwalior and became the court musician of Maharaja Madhav Rao Sindhia. He has trained many disciples, amongst them is his son Ustad Amjad Ali Khan of world - wide fame. He was awarded the title of 'Padma Bhushan' in 1960 by the President of India. The house where Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan used to live in Gwalior has now been converted into 'Sarod Ghar' -a museum for musical heritage, and stands as a testament to the glorious contribution made by him to the world of music.

Date of issue      =    28th Dec
Face value           =    300
SG#                      =    1974

Personalities Series : Historical

Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan (1162-1192 A.D.) ruled from Delhi at a crucial juncture of India's history. Known for his bravery, chivalry and kindness, he has been immortalised in Prithvirajaraso, an epic poem composed by one of his associates Chand Bardai. The manner in which he wooed and won Sanyogita, daughter of King Jayachandra of Kannauj has made him a romantic hero. The forces of Muhammed Ghuri regrouped themselves and a battle took place at Tarain in 1192, in which Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated and taken prisoner.

Raja Bhamashah (1542-1598 A.D., approx.) was the childhood friend, colleague and adviser of Maharana Pratap, the legendary hero of Mewar (Rajasthan). Bhamashilh's loyal support was pivotal to the career of the Mallarana, right from the time his coronation. Courageous and possessing exemplary military skills, Bhamashah played crucial roles in the numerous military exercises of Mewar against the mighty Mughal army, including the famous battle of Haldi Ghati. Modern historians describe him as the "Uplifter of Mewar".

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra ( 1740-1798 A.D.) was an enlightened king of Manipur who left his mark on history by successfully resisting the Burmese invasions, eliminating dissensions within the state, generating a cultural renaissance and leading Manipur to over-all prosperity. Gifted with native intelligence, Bhagyachandra realized during the early years of his reign itself that possible invasion from the Burmese side was a major threat to the stability of Manipur. Bhagyachandra consolidated the relations between the peoples of the hills and the plains, thus unifying and integrating the state of Manipur. Under his patronage, 'Raas Leela' and 'Nata Sankirtan' emerged as classical disciplines and triggered a cultural renaissance in Manipur. His spiritual leanings led to his being called, 'Rajarshi', meaning 'King who was also an ascetic'.

General Zorawar Singh (1786-1841 A.D.) was a Dogra warrior who joined the army of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Kashmir as a Sepoy and rose on account of his soldierly qualities and military acumen to become the Governor of Kishtwar and earned the title 'Wazir'. Ladakh was annexed for the first time in history by Zorawar Singh in 1834. After Ladakh he campaigned in Baltistan among the three states of Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza. The techniques of mountain warfare employed by him are considered text book examples of military science even today. In 1841, he set out on an ambitious expedition into Tibet, over-running Rudak and Gor. Fighting the numerically stronger Tibetan troops in extremely inclement whether conditions, General Zorawar Singh laid down his life in the battlefield. For his military skills, inspiring leadership and administrative acumen, General Zorawar Singh has been named 'Little Nepolean of India' by some historians.

Date of issue      =    31st Dec
Face value           =    4 x 300
SG#                      =    1975-78