Postal History : Through Indian Postage Stamp
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Overview
The book delves into the intricate history of India's postal system, tracing its origins from the Maurya period in 250 BCE, through the Mughal era in 1504, to the British colonial period starting in 1727. It highlights significant milestones such as the establishment of the first post office in Calcutta in 1774, the introduction of the first postage stamp in 1852, and the launch of the Indian Postal Service in 1854. The narrative continues post-independence, showcasing the modernization efforts and technological advancements that have shaped the current postal landscape.
Importance of Book
This book is a valuable resource for philatelists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding India's postal history. It not only catalogs stamps but also provides context to their issuance, offering insights into the socio-political climate of the times. By documenting these stamps, the book preserves the visual history of India's evolution, making it accessible to future generations.
Key Themes
Historical Evolution: The book chronicles the development of the postal system under various rulers and administrations, emphasizing its role in communication and governance.
India PostCultural Representation: Through stamps, the book illustrates India's diverse culture, including its art, architecture, and traditions, serving as a visual record of the nation's heritage.National Identity: Post-independence stamps reflect the emerging Indian identity, celebrating leaders, freedom movements, and national achievements.
Anurati Srivastva
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The Daily Guardian
+3Technological Progress: The narrative covers the technological advancements in the postal system, highlighting innovations like the introduction of airmail and the implementation of the IT Modernization Project in 2012.
India Post
Cultural Significance
Each stamp featured in the book serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the artistic expressions, societal values, and historical events of its time. For instance, the depiction of the Ashoka Pillar on the first independence stamp symbolizes the nation's sovereignty and rich heritage. Similarly, stamps honoring figures like Mahatma Gandhi and events like the Indian Railways centenary encapsulate pivotal moments in India's journey. These stamps act as "paper ambassadors," conveying India's story to the world .
Effects on Society
The postal system, as chronicled in the book, has been instrumental in knitting together India's vast and diverse population, enabling communication across remote regions and fostering a sense of unity. Stamps have contributed to national integration by symbolizing shared values and historical narratives. The postal reforms and innovations detailed in the book also underscore the system's role in administrative efficiency and economic development. Furthermore, the evolution of stamp themes reflects and influences societal attitudes, promoting causes such as environmental protection and gender equality.
Conclusion
"Postal History: Through Indian Postage Stamp" is a definitive chronicle of India's postal journey, illustrating how postage stamps serve as windows into the nation's past and present. The book underscores the postal system's enduring importance in communication, cultural expression, and nation-building. By weaving together historical facts, philatelic artistry, and cultural narratives, it offers readers a nuanced understanding of how India's identity has been shaped and celebrated through its stamps. This work not only preserves the legacy of Indian postal history but also inspires appreciation for the role of philately in documenting and reflecting societal evolution.This summary synthesizes insights from the historical development of India's postal system, the thematic evolution of its stamps, and their cultural and social impacts as reflected in the sources on Indian postal history and philately.
Title
Postal History : Through Indian Postage Stamp
Author
India Post
Name of Publisher
India Post
Publish Date
2021
Category
Coins / stamps
Rarity
RARE