stamps -> Stamps -> Asia
India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country’s postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses and camels transporting messengers instead of runners. The whole system was revamped to offer better communication, and mostly to make commerce easier for the British East India Company. The stamps showed that the fee for the transport of the message had been paid in advance.
These first India stamps were hand stamped onto paper or a small disc of wax, with the British East India Company’s mark in the center, and the name of the stamp around the edge. They derived their name, Scinde District Dawk, because they were first used in the Sindh district. These stamps were on white or off-white paper, printed in blue. The wax stamps were red wax affixed to paper. Because these stamps were only used for 2 years and then suppressed, they’re rare and highly collectible.
The East India Company had a great stake in making the postal system work more efficiently, because faster deliveries meant more profits, and a better system could cut months off delivery time. They tried introducing new India stamps in early 1854 but were unsuccessful. Then in 1855, a new stamp featuring Queen Victoria that stated East India Postage on its face was used until 1858, after India rebelled against the East India Company’s hold over the country.
The first stamps featuring images besides profiles and heads came in 1931, with fortresses and buildings representing their government’s move from city to city. The first India stamps after India gained its independence were issued in 1947, and feature India’s flag. Many commemorative stamps have been released over the years, including those that commemorate India’s inauguration in 1950, and one memorializing Mahatma Gandhi.
Part of what makes collecting India stamps such a fun and rewarding hobby, is that these early hand-embossed stamps are still being discovered today by collectors. Also, the early imperforate stamps are less expensive than early stamps from most other countries across the world, and so easier to acquire and collect, especially for the casual and beginning collector. For those who collect more modern and current stamps, the designs on Indian stamps are some of the most varied and beautiful in the world.
If you’re looking for India stamps online in auctions like eBay, be sure that all the pertinent information is available in the auction. If it’s not, ask the seller pointed questions. If he picture of the stamps is blurry or from too far away, you might not be able to see any imperfections or damage on the stamp, so ask for a clearer picture or move on to a seller who provides them. India stamps with military covers are a popular specialty within India stamp collecting, so if you can find these you’ll have an interesting and historical piece for your collection.
Originally posted 2008-11-13 05:03:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Stamps of Greece Stamps -> Europe -> Greece Stamp collectors who collect world stamps usually have a fondness for the stamps of Greece, with the bold designs, and the history they represent. The first stamps of Greece are called Hermes head stamps, because they feature a profile of the Greek god Hermes...... -
Old Postage Stamps Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are...... -
Ireland Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Ireland When postage stamps were first issued in 1840, Ireland was still a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Ireland used the stamps created by Britain until the Irish government took power in Ireland in 1922. Then they printed Irish text over the British...... -
India Stamps Stamps -> Stamps -> AsiaThe first India stamps were called Scinde District Dawk, getting their name from the place of their first use in the Sindh district of India. Typically the paper stamps were on some shade of white paper with the design stamped in blue ink, and the...... -
Third Reich Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Germany and Area When it comes to collecting stamps that were produced during the second world war, many collectors gravitate towards what are known as “Third Reich Stamps.” These are stamps that were produced in Germany from a period between 1933 and 1945, when the Third......
Related Websites -
Get to Know the Difference between Collecting Coins and Paper Money When it comes to collecting currency, there are many different types of collectors. There are those collectors that prefer to collect coins while others prefer paper. There are even divisions within these as to those who enjoy collecting rare pieces and others who only buy and sell the new notes....... -
How to Become a Better Coin Collector There are millions of people around the world who consider themselves to be coin collectors. The general term can truly apply to anyone with an interest in coins, grouping together those who are serious about collecting and those who simply collect coins randomly. In the world of more professional and...... -
The 3 Most Important Things to Have as a Coin Collector Other than the coins themselves, there are a few different things you should have if you are going to get started as a coin collector. This is because collecting coins is more than just grabbing coins and tossing them into a pile. You will need to have equipment which will...... -
How to Meet More Coin and Paper Money Collectors There are many different ways that you will be able to have fun whenever you are collecting coins and paper money. Of the many different ways that you will be able to enjoy yourself, one of the most import things that you will be able to do is to meet...... -
Information about American Coin Collectibles Sets There are many different coins which come in sets which are considered American coin collectibles. If you are looking to collect American coins sets for reasons of personal enjoyment to making a financial investment for the future there are several coin sets from which to choose from. Below is some......
- British Vehicles Posters Automobilia Transportation Collectibles
- Bank of Canada Canada North, Central America Paper Money: World Coins & Paper Money
- Collector Plates Danbury Mint Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- British Columbia Canada Skiing Vacation
- India Asia, Middle East Paper Money: World Coins & Paper Money
