Copper Ticket

Copper Ticket on Indian Stamp

Copper Ticket on Indian Stamp

The stamp shown here depicts the obverse and reverse of a 2 Anna Copper Ticket used in India in 1774. For the facility of prepayment of postage on letters, small copper tickets of 2 Annas (1/8th of a Rupee) in value were introduced in 1774 by the East India Company. The rate for transmission and delivery of a letter was 2 Annas for every 160 kms (100 miles). This particular stamp was released among others in 1980 to mark an International Philatelic Exhibition held in New Delhi, the capital of India in 1980.

The 'copper ticket' was, be that as it may, not a bit of official paper; it was a bit of thin metal, a little copper token. All things considered, the Indian Postal experts have since a long time ago guaranteed it as the "world's first postage stamp." It was first issued in Patna on March 31, 1774 and was esteemed at 2 annas (12.5 paise). Every token purchased when sending a letter made it workable for the letter to travel 100 miles in East India Company an area, conveyed by dak sprinters. Along these lines, being a medium of prepayment for postage, it picked up the pioneer status it claims.

Devi Saraswati - Goddess of Learning

Devi Saraswati on Indian Stamp

Devi Saraswati - Goddess of Learning

The stamp depicts a photograph of a 12th century image of Saraswati who is considered as the presiding deity for language and learning. This sculpture which belongs to the Chauhan era was obtained by the National Museum, Delhi from Bikaner - a fort city of Rajasthan, India. In the background are excerpts from the works of renowned Telegu poets and scholars referring to the greatness of Telugu language (a south Indian language). The stamp was released by India in 1975 to commemorate World Telugu Conference being held on that year at Hyderabad. The inscription concludes with the eulogy that in sweetness Telugu language excels even such sweet things as "sugar, jack fruit and pure honey.

Indian Masks on Stamps

The Sun Mask

Indian Masks on Stamps

Masks have varied uses in India. Since time immemorial, they have been an integral part of traditional drama, dance and dance-drama, apart from their ceremonial and totemic and sacrificial uses. India released a series of four stamps depicting some of the Indian masks. You can see on these stamps the Sun, the Moon, the Ravana and the Narasimha masks. The stamps were issued in 1974.

Coral Reef on Stamps

Coral reefs with their immense diversity and myriad of colours are among the most productive and important ecosystems in the world today. Coral reefs are home to a huge array of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and worms. They provide refuge from predators and protection from the power of the waves. Coral reefs are important for mankind as they provide coastal protection from destructive waves. Coral reefs also create a major attraction for tourists. The increasing pressure on the reef ecosystems however, has made it necessary to implement an awareness campaign to highlight the importance and fragility of coral reefs.