1952 Poets and Saints of India

India has a rich history of venerating poets and saints, who not only entertained the masses but also imparted spiritual wisdom through their verses. In 1952, the India Post commemorated six such legendary figures by issuing a series of postage stamps.  These stamps were issued to commemorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. 

These stamps were the first emission printed by Photogravure, instead of offset and letterpress methods that were followed in India.

These stamps, featuring Kabir (9 ps, yellow-green), Surdas (4 AS, blue), Mirabai (2 AS, scarlet), Rabindranath Tagore (12 AS, dark brown), Mirza Ghalib (41/2 AS, magenta), and Tulsidas (1 A, crimson), were designed by S. M. Pashupati, printed by India Security Press, Nashik, and continue to be cherished by philatelists and history enthusiasts alike.

• Kabir (1440-1518) was a mystic poet and social reformer whose teachings transcended religious boundaries. He challenged superstitions and caste discrimination, advocating for the unity of all humankind. His poems, infused with simple language and earthy metaphors, conveyed profound spiritual truths. The 1952 stamp depicting Kabir shows him playing the ‘ektara’, a one-stringed instrument, showing his musical expression of his mystical beliefs.
• Surdas (1479-1586) was a blind poet from Mathura, known for his devotional verses dedicated to Lord Krishna. His poems, known as ‘Surdas Ke Pad’, captured the essence of Bhakti yoga, emphasizing love and devotion as the path to spiritual realization. The 1952 stamp portrays Surdas playing the ‘vina’, a stringed instrument, representing his musical renditions of Krishna’s lila
• Mirabai (1498-1557) was a Rajput princess who defied societal norms to pursue her devotion to Krishna. Her bhakti poems, often laced with passionate longing, expressed her unwavering love for the divine. The 1952 stamp depicts Mirabai lost in trance, playing the ‘dholki’, a hand drum, symbolizing her ecstatic communion with Krishna.
• Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a polymath, a poet, novelist, composer, and educator who reshaped Bengali literature and music. His poems, imbued with profound spirituality and lyrical beauty, addressed themes of universal humanism and nationalism. The 1952 stamp features Tagore seated amidst nature, his pensive expression reflecting his deep contemplation of life and its meaning.
• Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) was an Urdu poet whose verses captured the essence of love, loss, and existential angst. His ghazals, known for their intricate wordplay and poignant imagery, reflected the tumultuous times of Delhi under British rule. The 1952 stamp portrays Ghalib lost in thought, his melancholic gaze hinting at the depth of his emotions.
• Tulsidas (1533-1624) was a poet-saint who composed the ‘Ramcharitmanas’, an epic Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana. His devotional verses, imbued with simple language and powerful imagery, brought the story of Rama closer to the common people. The 1952 stamp depicts Tulsidas kneeling before an idol of Rama, his hands folded in reverence, symbolizing his unwavering devotion to the divine.

These stamps served as a fitting tribute to the poets and saints who enriched India’s cultural landscape. They not only commemorated these literary giants but also served as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and spiritual depths enshrined in their verses. Even today, these stamps continue to inspire and captivate, serving as a bridge between generations and a testament to the enduring legacy of these iconic figures.