The first definitive stamps were released by the independent India on 15th August, 1949. These were special Archeological series of stamps from India, featuring sixteen archaeological wonders from different religions in the nation.
Most of the designs were prepared by T.I. Archer and I.M. Das at India Security Press.
The stamps may be logically separated in to low, medium and high denominations. India was using Rupee, Anna and Paise system of currency until 1957, hence these stamps are face-valued in these three units.
Low denominations include:
- Ajanta Panel, from Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. 3 ps, SG# 309: These stamps were mainly used for sending registered news papers.
- Konarak Horse, Konark, Orissa, 6 ps, SG# 310. These stamps were mainly used for the certificate of posting system that existed then, and literature packages for the blind.
- Trimurti, from Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, 9 ps, SG# 311. These stamps were mainly used for Book Post, Post Card and printed paper.
- Bodhisattva, from State Museum, Lucknow and Mahoba, Hamirpur in Uttar Pradesh, 1A, SG# 312. The image in the first print had the Bodhisatva’s image in reverse, hence these stamps were produced again in 1950 (SG# 333). These stamps were mainly used for late fees for RMS carriage, commission for postal orders, acknowledgement of delivery fee and Inland airmail money order.
- Nataraja, Government Museum, Chennai and Thiruvelangadu town in Tamil Nadu, 2 As, SG# 313. These stamps were mainly used for surface international mail postcards, express mail, envelopes and money order commission.
- Sanchi Stupa, East Gate, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, 3 As, SG# 314. These stamps were mainly used for air mail postcards to gulf countries and acknowledgement mails from foreign countries.
- Bodh Gaya Temple, Bihar, 3-1/2 As, SG# 315. These stamps were reprinted in different colour and denomination in 1951 due to changes to foreign postal rates. The 3-1/2 A stamp was replaced with 2-1/2 A stamp (SG# 333a) with same design. These stamps were mainly used for sea mails and businesses papers by surface routes.
- Bhuvanesvara, Lingaraj temple, Bhuvaneswar, Orissa, 4 A, SG# 316. These stamps were reprinted (SG# 333b) in different colour in 1950 due to convention demanding that stamps showing sea mail postage must be in blue. These stamps were mainly used for sea/air mail postcards and insurance charges.
- Gol Gumbad Bijapur, Karnataka, 6 A, SG# 317. These stamps were mainly used for aerogramme and inland parcels.
- Kandarya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, 8 a, SG# 318. These stamps were mainly used for aerogramme and international insurance fees.
- Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, 12 A, SG# 319. These stamps were mainly used for air mail charge on letters to England.
- Victory Tower, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, 1 Re, SG# 320. These stamps were mainly used for inland parcels delivered by air.
- Red Fort, Delhi, 2 Rs, SG# 321. These stamps were mainly used for heavy parcels and telegraph.
- Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 5 Rs, SG# 322. These stamps were mainly used for heavy parcels and telegraph.
- Qutb Minar, Delhi, 10 Rs, SG# 323 and 323a. There are two varieties - two different shades of blue borders. These stamps were mainly used for heavy parcels and telegraph.
- Satrunjaya Temple, Palitana, Gujarat, 15 Rs, SG# 324. These stamps were mainly used for heavy parcels and telegraph.
The high denomination stamps - Victory Tower, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Saatrunjaya Temple have borders with lotus design. These stamps were printed in lithography, while the others were printed in typography.
The early stamp of India (between 1947 and 1962) only had "INDIA" on them without the other name "भारत" in Devnagari script. The first stamp with भारत included in the design was released on 14th November, 1962 (Children’s Day in India).
Ajanta Panel, from Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
The design of pink elephant, surrounded by lotus flowers, galloping inside a forest, is one of the paintings from a panel of art adorning a ceiling in Cave 1 of the famous Ajanta caves in India.
The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta caves are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
While the caves were chiseled and decorated from second century BCE, Cave 1 was commissioned by king Harisena in late fifth century CE. A transition in the art styles, idolatry and anti-idolatry representations and cave designs are noticeable between the caves built in second century BCE and the caves built in fifth century CE.
These caves served as prayer halls and monasteries at that time. The caves were later abandoned by locals until they were discovered by British Army Captain John Smith in 1819 who had gone to the area with the hopes of hunting for tigers.
The art on the ceiling panel includes flowers, peacocks, vegetable that resembles a green bell pepper, a creature with a bull’s head whose body morphs into floral decoration of adjacent panel.
Apart from featuring in the first definitive stamps of India, the playful elephant was once chosen for the official logo of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Konark Horse, from Sun Temple, Konark, Puri, Odisha
The sculpture of the warhorse is from Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha. The horse is shown crushing two warriors, while one stands beside the horse with a sheath for sword. The statue of the standing warrior has now lost the head portion. It is located to the southern side of the temple.
The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple was originally a complex, but has since lost its main temple and natya mandap (dance hall) and only the Jagamohan (audience hall) remains.
The Konark Sun Temple is designed in the form of the chariot of the Sun god. The “chariot” has 24 wheels and drawn by seven horses. The wheels are also sun dials. The statue of the sun god is depicted as standing over the chariot. The plinth of the temple is entirely decorated with reliefs of fantastic lions, musicians and dancers, and erotic groups.
As the statue relates to the famous Kalinga war and the subsequent conversion of Magadhan emperor Ashoka into a Buddhist monk who preached peace, the Odisha government in 1964 decided to use it as the state emblem.
Trimurti, from Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The sculpture of Lord Shiva used for the stamp design is located in Elephanta Caves, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The 6 meter high sculpture shows three faces depicting the varying aspects of the deity. Sadasiva in fact is Panchmukhi - has five faces corresponding to his five tasks: creation, destruction, grace, dissolution and blessing.
Here three are visible (carved out of the rock) hence called Trimurti; the other two are not visible and supposedly at the back side. The name of five faces of Lord Shiva are: Isana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadjyota.
Elephanta consist of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves, estimated to be built between 5th and 8th CE. The island, otherwise known as Gharapuri, was named Elephanta by Portuguese as they found a stone sculpture of an elephant at the entrance. Most work on the caves are believed to be the work of Rashtrakutas and Kalachuri dynasties.
Bodhisattva, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh
The Bodhisatva sculpture was found near Kirat Sagar tank, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.
This statue of Simhanada Avalokitesvara was chiseled on buff-coloured sandstone, which is easier to polish. The Bodhisatva has a pose and facial expressions which are lot more vivid than the sculptures of previous centuries, and hence is a testimony to the artistic abilities of the time.
The inscriptions on the cushion seat reads: Chitrakara: Sri Satanas-tasya putrah (Artist: son of Satana). Sakala silpa vidya kusalah Chitnakas-tasy-eyam||chha|| (Well-versed in all knowledge of sculptures, Chitnaka, presents.)
Simhanada means lion’s roar and avalokitesvara means all-seeing. Simhanada is a form of Avalokiteshvara connected with removing illness caused by nagas (notice the trident behind the right arm is entwined by a cobra).
Based on the inscription’s style used on the sculpture, it is assumed to be from 11-12th century. The Kirat Sagar tank, from where the sculptures were discovered, was built around the same time by Kirtivarman of Chandella rulers.
The sculpture is the finest example of India’s art form from 11th century.
Nataraja, Thiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu
The bronze statue of Nataraja, performing ananda tandava, from Tiruvalangadu belongs to the period of Raja Raja Chola (985-1014 CE).
The lower hands hold protection gesture (abhaya) and elephant trunk like gesture (gaja), while upper hands hold a drum (damaru) and a flame of nine tongues (representing continuum of energy). The pendant on the necklace is shown to have swayed with dance movement. The deity is balancing on top of demon of ignorance (apasmara purusa).
The arch of flames (tiruvasi) and the flying hair are missing; presumed to be damaged.
The statue is famous for depiction of rhythmic movement of body and limbs), physical proportions and perfectly blended contours.
The art of bronze casting is still practiced by preserving the method of making as well as hymns that describe the forms of the deities. The statue is currently preserved in the Government Museum, Chennai.
Sanchi Stupa East Gate, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
The four gateways to Sanchi Stupa were added in the first decade of first century CE during Satavahana rule. The Great Stupa (located in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh) was originally built as a smaller stupa in the third century BCE by the emperor Ashoka. It is believed to house ashes of the Buddha.
The original stupa was damaged at some point during the second century BCE, then repaired, enlarged by adding a large dome on the existing stupa and elements added in the 1st century BCE under the Shungas.
The columns and architraves of the gateways are intricate stonework and the artwork depicts the life journey of Buddha and Jatakas. Various Buddhist icons such as yaksha, yakshi, dharmachakra, triratnas, animals, plants etc. are also carved on these gateways.
The three architraves of the East Gate depict Manushi Buddhas, Great Departure of Buddha from his palace ton Kapilavastu and royal visit of Ashoka to Bodhi tree. Buddha’s depicted through a wheel, a tree, an empty throne, or a pair of footprints.
Apart from being one of the oldest preserved monuments, the stupas and gateways have been a collaborative work between powerful dynasties spanning over centuries.
Bodh Gaya Temple, Gaya, Bihar
Gaya is where prince Sidhartha (Gautam Buddha) attained enlightenment (Bodhi). The sacred Bodhi tree where Buddha sat meditating was marked by a stone slab and a small shrine was built near the place by emperor Ashoka in third century BCE. This shrine was replaced by the currently standing Mahabodhi temple in the second century CE during Kushan dynasty’s rule.
The Mahabodhi Temple was built with bricks. The temple’s pyramidal shikhara (tower) comprises several layers of niches, arch motifs, and fine engravings. Four identical, but smaller, structures were also built beside the central tower. More details were added during Pala-Sena period (750-1200).
The temple was neglected for a long time before it was restored by British archaeologists and Burmese monks. In spite of heavy restoration, the temple is still a well preserved brick structure.
Bhunaneswara, Bhuvaneswar, Odisha
It is believed that some parts of the Lingaraj (Tribhuvaneshwar/Bhubaneshwar) temple was originally built in the 6th century and built in a fully fledged way only in the 11th century.
It was constructed in present form by King Jajati Keshari in the 10th Century and completed by King Lalatendu Keshari in the 11th Century.
The Lingaraj Temple, which represents architectural style of the Kalingas, has a central tower that is 180 feet tall. It has four components: the vimana (structure containing the sanctum), the Jaganmohan (assembly hall), the Nata Mandira(festival hall) and the bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The temple complex has 50 other shrines as well.
Gol Gumbad, Vijayapura, Karnataka
Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gumbad, located in Bijapur (now Vijayapura), Karnataka, is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is made of dark grey basalt.
The dome of this monument is believed to be second largest, after St. Peter's Basilica, among historical monuments.
Its construction started in 1626 by Mohammed Adil Shah, and completed after 30 years, by which time the sultan had died.
The structure has a whispering gallery underneath the dome, built to amplify a whisper around the vast dome.
The bulbous dome, with an external diameter of 44m, stands without a pole. Instead, the structure is supported by eight interlocking pendentives. At each of the four corners of the base cube, is a dome-capped octagonal tower seven stories high with a staircase inside.
Gol Gumbaz is also known as the Taj Mahal of south India.
Kandarya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Kandariya Mahadev (the great god of the cave) Temple is the largest, tallest and the most ornate temple of the surviving temples at Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh.
The temple's facade has around 646 figures while the inside has over 226. The carvings on this temple portray the four pursuits of life: kama, artha, moksha, and dharma. The sculptures of female deities such as the seven mothers, countless apsaras (heavenly maidens that attend on the gods and who are shown in alluring postures) reveal the mastery of the Khajuraho artists.
The temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, is constructed in the Panchayatana (central monument surrounded by four smaller monuments) and Nagara (emphasis on verticality) style, which is similar to Kalinga’s. It was most likely built between 1017 CE and 1029 CE by King Vidyadharan of Chandella dynasty.
The structure is made of sandstones, on a granite foundation, and constructed without use of mortar. The stones are connected with the mortise and tenon, held together with gravity.
The temple is filled with use of fractals patterns in the design.
Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple of Amritsar, or Harmandir Sahib as it is known, is located in Amritsar, Punjab.
In 1577, Guru Arjan Sahib started the work of creating a gurudwara as place of worship for Sikhs. He began with expanding the tank, known as Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar). The construction of the temple started in 1604 and took 20 years to complete.
However, after 150 years, it was attacked and demolished multiple times to the point that it needed a reconstruction. The new gurudwara was reconstructed in marble and copper, between 1764 and 1776 by Sardar Jassa Singh, and overlaid with gold foil in 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The location is originally believed to be an isolated lake amidst a forest, and provided peace and quiet for meditation. Buddha is known to have spent time here. Nearly two thousand years later, Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, lived and meditated by the lake. After Guru Nanak’s passing, his disciples kept frequenting the site as a place of worship.
Victory Tower, Chittaur, Rajasthan
Victory Tower, aka Vijaya Stambha, was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji in 1440. The tower, built of white marble and red sandstone, is a nine storey structure with 157 steps inside it to take one to the top.
The inscriptions on the top floor list out the genealogy of Chittaur’s rulers from Hammir to Rana. The entire tower is covered with architectural ornaments and images of gods, goddesses, seasons, weapons, musical instruments etc. depicting episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort in Delhi was constructed by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in 1639 when he wanted to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort was the residence for the Mughal emperors for 200 years. It was constructed using red sandstone giving it the name.
Red Fort has three gates: Lahori Gate (main entrance, faces east towards the direction of Lahore), Delhi Gate and Water Gate (built on the river bank, but now the river has changed its course). India’s flag is hoisted here on the Lahore Gate on Independence Day and Republic Day.
Two halls were built in the fort. Diwan-i-Aam (hall for commoners) was used by the emperor to listen to the problems of the public. Diwan-i-Khas (VIP hall) was a private hall with rich embellishments, which were later removed by later Mughal emperors.
Five palaces are located inside the fort - Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (aka Sheesh Mahal, Imtiyaz Mahal or Palace of Distinction), Khas Mahal (private residence of the emperor), Hira Mahal (constructed by Bahadur Shah II) and Zafar Mahal (constructed by Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1842).
Several other buildings, mosque and marketplace were constructed within the fort.
The Red Fort was built by the legendary architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who is believed to have built the world famous Taj Mahal. The architecture is a fine example of Islamic-architecture and blends Persian and Timurid styles.
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Rauza-I Manawwara (Illuminated tomb) was built between 1632 and 1643 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his beloved late wife Mumtaz.
The name Taj Mahal was popularised by European travellers later.
Taj Mahal is built on a raised platform, with four-storied minarets at the corners. The mausoleum was designed by Ustad Ahmad and constructed using ivory marble. The complex is based on Timurid style which was used for Humayun's Tomb.
Taj Mahal is surrounded by gardens and water tank in the northern side, two identical mosques in red sandstone in the eastern and western sides. A forecourt serves as entrance to the complex.
The main mansoleum is octagonal and contains the grave of Mumtaz Mahal, Shahjahan's grave is by the side of her grave.
Very few decorations or coloured stones are used. Quranic verses in black calligraphy of Abdal Haqq (aka Amanat Khan) are written on the white marble. Overall the white surface of the mausoleum is given prominence and effects of natural light on this surface is the main theme.
Qutab Minar, Delhi
The Qutb Minar, is one of the highest stone masonry towers in the world. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. A helical staircase with 379 steps communicates to five balconies inside the Minar.
The minaret is named after Bakhtiyar Kaki, a local saint who was popularly known as Qutb Sahib. The construction of the minaret started in 1202 during the reign of Qutb- ud-din Aibak, but he lived only until the first storey was completed. The next ruler, Iltutmish, added the next three storeys. The fourth floor was replaced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1368 with two storeys, making the minaret five storey tall.
The tower was damaged by lightning and earthquake. It was restored by Sikandar Lodi in 1503. A major earthquake in 1803 damaged the minaret again. It was repaired by British army major, Robert Smith. He installed a cupola on top of the fifth storey, creating sixth storey.
Shatrunjaya Temple, Palitana, Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Shatunjaya or Palitana temple is the world’s largest temple complex consisting of 863 marble-carved temples, and have been built for over 900 years starting in the 11th century.
It is said that the sculptors were paid by the amount of marble dust that was collected while they worked on the construction using abrasive chords instead tools.
These temples are dedicated to 23 Tirthankara (humans who help in achieving liberation and enlightenment), while the main temple is dedicated to Rishabha, the first Tirthankara.
The temples were destroyed by Turkish Muslims invaders in 1311 CE. The rebuilding was slow until 200 years later when a huge consecration ceremony was organised for the temple built for Rishabha.
The temple appears to be carved out of ivory at the time of sun rise.
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