Date of Issue – 5 September 2010

Shimla September 2010 Issue # 33 Vol. 3

Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin Edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com and by post to –

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt. Kullu. PIN 175126. (H.P.) India

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW

Dear Reader,

Here is September issue of Rainbow Stamp News for you with some new features. Hope you would enjoy going through this issue. The Birth Centenary of great humanitarian Mother Teresa is being celebrated this year. Commemorative postage stamps are being issued by different postal administrations in her honour. It is a matter of disappointment that India Post has not included her name in this year’s stamp issue programme. The great woman spent most of the time of her life in Kolkata, serving the poor and helpless. Her work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received a number of awards and distinctions. Mother Teresa had first been recognized by the Indian government more than a third of a century earlier when she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962. She continued to receive major Indian rewards in successive decades including, in 1972, the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding and, in 1980, India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, She refused the conventional ceremonial banquet given to laureates, and asked that the $192,000 funds be given to the poor in India. Indian Government issued a commemorative coin in celebration of Mother’s 100the Birth Centenary recently. But a postage stamp is still awaited to be issued this year on her Birth Centenary..

However postage stamps on Mother Teresa have already been issued earlier by India Post but a postage stamp to commemorate Birth Centenary of Mother Teresa would be a great tribute to the greatest humanitarian of all time. It is an appeal to India Post from whole philatelic community to issue a Postage stamp to commemorate the Birth Centenary of Mother Teresa. The fact is known to all that personality theme has over dominated Indian Stamps . Maximum number of stamps are issued on personalities every year. But they must cover world personalities too.. Recently postage stamps to honour Mother Teresa have been issued by France, Germany, Ireland and Austria and USPS . Now its time to see an Indian Stamp on Mother Teresa’s Birth Centenary ! Why India Post is far behind in this list to enter ??? This is all for this month…..Till Next Month……Happy Collecting !!

….Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

Recent Indian Issues

In The News

Interview

Beginners’ Section

Specialized Section

New Issues from Other Countries

Reader’s Right

The Lighter Side

Philatelic Clubs and Societies

Blogs & Websites on Philately

Book Review

Promotional Section

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

May 6 : Velu Thampi – Rs 5

May 7 : Robert Caldwell – Rs 5

May 8 : Dr.Guduru Venkata Chalamon - Rs 5

May 13 : Postal Heritage Buildings – 6 stamps of Rs 5 each + MS

May 19 : CV Raman Pillai – Rs 5

June 5 : Int year of Biodiversity – Rs 5 & Rs 20 + MS

June 14 : Deshbandhu Gupta – Rs 5

June 25 : Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games – two stamps of Rs 5 & Rs 20 +MS

June 27 : World Classical Tamil Conference-Kovai 2010 & on Kumaraguruparar Swamigal - Rs 5 each

7 July Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 – Rs 5

9 July Sparrow & Pigeon – 2 stamps –Rs 5 each + MS

12 July Puri Rath Yatra – Rs 5 Stamp + MS

1 Aug : Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, 2 Stamps – Rs 5 each, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, Talkatora Stadium

2 Aug : Syed Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal – Rs 5

14 August Vethathiri - Rs 5

21 August - P.Jeevanandham – Rs 5

25 August - O P Ramaswamy Reddiyar – Rs 5

30 August Govindaswamy V Moopanar, - Rs 5

See detailed list of India Post Issue Programme 2010 at

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/philatelycalendar2010.htm

Special Cover – Postmark

Jul 29 : Sp Cover Centenary Celebration of Deptt. Of Zoology, Bangalore University

14 July Queen’s Baton Relay – Patna

20 July Queen’s Baton Relay – Guwhati

21 July Queen’s Baton Relay, Shillong

24 July Queen’s Baton Relay, Kohima

29 July Queen’s Baton Relay, Aizwal

29 July Centenary Celebration “ Mohun Bagan Day” - Kolkata

31 July Centenary Celebration - Agartala

6 August Queen’s Baton Relay – Ranchi

6 August Yerwadi Mano Chikitsalaya Durghartna Divas by Manav Foundation, Mumbai

10 August Queen’s baton Relay - Bhubaneshwar

Hyderabad cover with smaller cancellation and hand written date whereas all the cancellations being provided by different postal circles are uniform in size and design.

14 August Queen’s Baton Relay, Hyderabad

14 August Lighthouse – Mangalore (Private cover )

20 August - Queen’s Baton Relay, Chennai

21 August - Queen’s Baton Relay, Pondicherry

26 August Queen’s Baton Relay - Trivandrum

6 Aug National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, Surathkal

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19 Aug Madras Day – Chennai

New Rakhi Envelopes

India Post has issued new Rakhi envelopes. View more designs at :

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-rakhi-envelopes.html

Himachal Pradesh Circle of India Post was the only circle to issue a Rakhi envelope with advertisement this year

In The News

Indian participation at Bangkok 2010

25^th Asian International Stamp Exhibition ‘Bangkok-2010’ was held at Bangkok, Thailand from 4-12^th August 2010. Ajay Kumar Mittal was national commissioner from India. In total 14 exhibits were accepted from India for participation in the exhibition. The exhibition was well organized at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, Bangkok and was inaugurated by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Srindhorn. Collectors from 23 Asian Countries participated in the competition. The collections were exhibited in 12 classes & were judged by a jury team consisting of 26 members from 13 countries. There were 10 apprentice jury also as a part of the Judging team. Mr. Vispi Dastur from Mumbai was member of the Jury team from India. Prof V.K. Gupta worked as Apprentice Juror.

The exhibition was well attended by stamp collectors and Dealers from all over the world. India Post also took a stall to sell Indian Stamps.

Award list of Indian participants

1. Ajay Kumar Mittal - Delhi

- INDIA: POSTAL SYSTEM IN INDORE State - Gold

2 Mrs. Damyanti Pittie - Mumbai

- BOMBAY CITY CANCELLATION TILL 1890 - Gold

3 . Dinesh Ch. Sharma - Lucknow

- SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES - Vermeil

4. Ravi Bhansali –Jodhpur

- MODIFICATIONS - Large Silver

5. Shiv Shanker Somani - Kishangarh

INDIA: POSTAL HISTORY OF AJMER - Large Silver

6. Dhananjay Desai - Ahmedabad

INDIA: MORVI STATE (1931-1948) - Silver

7. Rajesh Paharia – Jaipur

REFUGEE RELIEF TAX SYSTEM AND OVERPRINTS - Silver

8. Naresh Goel – Jodhpur

BIRDS - Silver Bronze

9. Pratisad Neurgaonkar - Puna

POSTAL STATIONERY OF BRITISH INDIA 1856-1947 (Literature) - Silver Bronze

10. Rajesh Bhura – Jabalpur

GANDHI "THE MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM" - Silver Bronze

11. Dinesh Ch. Sharma- Lucknow

- SPORTS (Literature) - Bronze

12.Mrinal Mathur – Jaipur

- FROM WHEEL TO CAR ON STAMPS (Youth) - Bronze

13. Om Prakash Jagati – Bangalore

GLIMPSES OF INDIAN TOURISM - Bronze

14. Moloy Sarkar – Kolkata

TAJ MAHAL (One frame) – ( Certifcate - ranked Bronze )

Ajay Kumar Mittal, National Commissioner, Bangkok-2010 may be contacted at

Email : ajaymittal1957@gmail.com

Read detailed report of Bangkok 2010 by Rajesh Pahariya at : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2010/08/glimpses-of-bangkok-2010.html

Message in a bottle - from Iceland Post

Iceland Post has started selling and distributing bottled messages – "Message in a Bottle". These items which can be purchased in post offices are amusing message holders made to be sent as mail to friends and relatives in Iceland and abroad. The item consists of a plastic bottle (26 g) with a nice picture from Iceland on one side and an address label on the other.

The bottle contains a sheet of paper on which the sender writes his message. He then puts the sheet in the bottle, seals it with a special cork and adhesive tape (which is found on the bottle neck) and mails the bottle just as he would any other post. The postal service will then bring the bottled messages to receivers all around the world. Bottled messages can be obtained with two pictures - of a volcanic eruption and the northern lights (aurora borealis).

Valuable stamp sells at Jersey for 400,000 Euros

One of the most valuable stamps of Britain has been sold out for 400,000 Euros by a stamp dealer from Jersey. The Pale Dull Purple stamp was sold by the company Stanley Gibbons Investment to a private buyer who was anonymous. The issue date of that stamp was 14 March of 1904 but its use was stopped just after a small span of time after its issue. Sources have said that only 19 sheets were printed and almost all of them were destroyed at the time of withdraw of that stamp.

Mr. Keith Heddle who is the director of the stamp dealer firm Stanley Gibbons Investment has said that the Pale Dull Purple 6d stamp is the most valuable stamps in the world and is very hard to find almost impossible for anyone to have it. The number of published stamps was very low and almost all of the stamps were destroyed that is why it is so hard to find it. He has also added that their client who bought that stamp thrilled to own that unique and master piece of stamp.

Stamp Fairs

The members of the West Delhi Philatelic Club are organizing a two day Stamp Festival on 25-26 Sept 2010. This shall be a first of its kind, exchange cum display of stamps for the collectors and philatelist of Delhi and NCR region. All those who are connected with this hobby and love stamps are welcome from all parts of India.For more details contact Mr Vinod Sabharwal e-mail : vksabharwal@gmail.com

Stamp Fair in Malaysia

Philatelic Exhibitions

POTUGAL 2010

Portugal 2010- A philately exhibition is to be held from 1st - 10th October 2010 in Lisbon. Mr Dhanjay Desai is the news Indian Commissioner for this exhibition. Mr Dhirubhai Mehta recently resigned owing to some personal reasons.

JOBURG 2010

From 27 October 2010 to 31 October 2010 at Johannesburg / Republic of South Africa

INDIPEX – 2011

The world philatelic exhibition will be held in New Delhi from 12th to 18th Feb. 2011, to commemorate the centenary of world's first airmail. It will be organized by INDIA POST in Collaboration with PCI and under Patronage of FIP and under auspices of FIAP (Federation Inter Asian Philately). The details of INDIPEX 2011 can be found on following websites -

http://www.indipex2011.com/index.php & http://www.filatelista-tematico.net/india2011.html

PHILANIPPON 2011

World Stamp Exhibitions are held all over the world every year with aims to develop philately, opening world-renowned stamp collections to the public and promote stamps of the member countries of the F edration Internationale de Philatlie (FIP). In Japan, World Stamp Exhibition takes place once every ten years and held in 1971, 1981 and 1991, and 2001, and will also be held in 2011.
The theme of PHILANIPPON 2011 is “Stamps Link the World”. It will be a rare opportunity for the first time in 10 years in Japan to promote philatelic culture in Japan, publicize Japanese stamps overseas and nurture cultural exchange and international friendship through stamp collection.

Date : July 28 – August 2, 2011

Venue : Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall.1-1-1.1 Minatomirai,

Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0012, Japan

Patronage : Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)

Auspices : Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)

The theme of PHILANIPPON 2011 is "Stamps Link the World". It will be a rare opportunity for the first time in 10 years in Japan to promote philatelic culture in Japan, publicize Japanese stamps overseas, and nurture cultural exchange and international friendship through stamp collection. Click following link for more details about the exhibition.

http://www.philanippon.jp/english/

STAMPS OF INDIA NATIONAL EXHIBITION

The Regulations For Exhibitors and Exhibit Application Form are now available at http://stampsofindia.com/ChaloDelhi/sine.html Please download and study the Rules and Regulations carefully and print the application forms. the duly filled form should be mailed to SINE GHQ, BG-5/49-D, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110063. the last date to submit the application form is August 31, 2010.

The last date to submit application form is now extended to August 31, 2010.
The Rules and Application forms for Sales Stalls are also available at http://stampsofindia.com/ChaloDelhi/sine.html However the bookings of Sales Stall will only commence on June 27, 2010 from 8am. By then the floor plan will also be available online and the applicants can book the Sales Stall of their choice.

Price of Special Cover on Baton Relay by HP Postal Circle

The special Cover on Baton Relay, released by HP Postal Circle is priced at Rs 15 with Rs 5 Stamp where as the price of cover released by other circles of India Post is Rs 10. The HP circle said that the price of the cover has been increased due to high printing cost of the cover.

Workshop on Philately at GPO Kanpur

A two Day Workshop on Philately was conducted at GPO Kanpur on the 4th and 5th of August 2010 . Students from several schools participated in the workshop . A Quiz Competition was also organized .Winners were given certificates . Lot of information regarding Philately was given to the students .

State Award for Ludhiana Philatelist

Mr Yash Pal Bangia, President, Ludhiana Philatelic Club, was conferred Punjab State Independence Day Award by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal at the Independence Day function in Ferozepur on Sunday, 15^th August. Yashpal Bangia, a retired public relations officer of the postal department has dedicated over 35 years to philately and has emerged as a prolific writer. He took the initiative to begin the Ludhiana Philatelic Club in the city in 1973 with members from all walks of life. He has written six books on philately.Recently he has also published two books for senior citizens, “Dhalti Umar Badhte Kadam” Part-I and Part-II. He was instrumental in establishing The Stamp Gallery at the science city in Kapurthala. He is still pursuing the hobby of stamp collection with zeal and at the same time more devoted to the promotion of the philately among children.

A service for Philately

Mr RD Mathkar, a philatelist from Mumbai is doing a remarkable service for the promotion of philately. Recently he gifted 100 packets of stamps containing about 2,500 stamps of India & other countries for distribution amongst school children of GUNDECHA Education Academy, Mumbai. Apart from collecting stamps and exhibiting the exhibits on water birds in different stamp exhibitions, he tries to encourage school children in stamp collection. He believes that children should develop this hobby, to learn more about this beautiful world. Some renowned philatelists helped him in this endeavor. Mr Mathkar may be contacted at : ravimathkar@gmail.com

Stamp Exhibition in Dehradun

A Philatelic Exhibition was organized at IMA (Indian Military Academy), Dehradun on 13 Aug 2010. It was inaugurated by the Commandant IMA, Lt. General Sujlana. CPMG Dehradun Circle Ms Anjali Devashar and DPS Mr. Sanjay Singh was also present. General Sujlana himself is a keen philatelist. The exhibition consisted of 30 frames, covering different aspects of philately. Topics covered were Indian Armed Forces, POW covers, Sikhism, Antarctica, World rarities etc. The Gentleman Cadets were thrilled to see Penny Black, Scinde Dawk & 1854 Lithographs. The event was witnessed by over thousand Officers, GC's and staff.

Stamp Exhibitions in Patna & Lucknow GPO

- A two frame exhibit Krishnawatar will be displayed at the G.P.O. Patna to celebrate Janmashtami festival, a Philatelic tribute to ‘RADHA KRISHNA’ on 3^rd September.

- G.P.O Lucknow has arranged a non competitive stamp exhibition ‘Ahimsapax’-2010 from 2 to 3 Oct.2010.

EXPONET

Virtual International Philatelic Exhibition

http://www.exponet.info/

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation

Manali is a famous tourist spot of India. Hidimba Devi Temple of Manali is the favorite religious tourist point of Manali. HP circle provides a permanent pictorial cancellation at Main Post office of Manali..

INTERVIEW

Mr Srinivasan Thevarayan is an ardent philatelist from Klang, Malaysia. He has participated in many National & International Philatelic Exhibitions. His specialized collection on ‘Malaya Kedah Reign of HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah recently won Large Silver at Malaysian National Stamp Exhibition 2008, 80 marks at Hong Kong FIAP 23^rd Asian International Exhibition 2009 and 79 marks at Philakorea - 2009 24^th Asian International Exhibition 2009 . He started collecting stamps in 1947 and has been associated with different philatelic Clubs and Societies. Besides focusing on Malaya / Malaysia – Kedah, from first issue in 1912 – to date , he also collects other Stamps, covers, postal stationery, postmarks, slogan cancellations. He has also a British Commonwealth collection up to 1960 which he inherited from his philatelist father. Mr Thevarayan, a retired Manager from Commercial Bank, has lot of philatelist friends all over the world and regularly arranges a get together at different places every alternate year to meet all, apart from meeting at Exhibitions, and occasional visit to Malaysia.

Mr Thevearayn recalls “On my own, I started collecting stamps in 1947. Father knew but never discussed excepting for once, he requested his clerk, to buy me an album from Penang. In January 1950, I received it and still treasure that China made ‘ACE Junior’ stamp album. First FDC with 1 1/2a ‘Gandhi Memorial’ issue 15.08.1948 sent to me by Uncle” It is a great pleasure to publish interview with Mr Srinivasan Thevarayan who comes from an Indian origin and still visits India time to time….He is participating in forthcoming Joberg 2010 - with his 5 frame exhibit ‘Malaya Kedah 1912-1959 in Traditional class and also hopes to get entry in INDIPEX 2011 and visit this show !! I an giving here an article by Mr Thevarayan about Kedah - Malaya stamps. - Editor

.

Interview with Srinivasan Thevarayan

1. You have participated in several stamp exhibitions, what is your most favorite field of philately?

Ans..My favorite field is Traditional Philately.

2. How much time do you devote to this hobby? You have specialized in Malaya Kedah...any other topic of your interest?

Ans. Come to think of it, only after your question, I realize I am devoting an average of 7 hours daily to hobby. As my brother in law says, hobby has become my full time occupation. At 72, growing younger every day, I think preventive medication and hobby keeps me active and going. Memory not good but Physician assures that when I can answer questions about Kedah 1912 - 1940 issues it is good enough. Eye sight not good either so I take ample rest.

My other interests are, Universal Postal Union, World Refugee Year, Mahatma Gandhi, Japanese occupation, postage dues, post mark and slogan cancellations. God willing, that is health permitting, I plan to awaken my late father's sleeping collection, British Commonwealth - up to 1960.

3. Why did you choose Malaya Kedah for your collection? Any special reason behind it?

Ans. I am a Kedahan. My hometown is Alor Star, capital of Kedah Darul Aman, bordering Thailand and Perlis to north. I studied there until 1953 and worked until moving over to Penang in 1962. Visit relatives and friends there quite often. Knowledge of Kedah is greater than that of our 12 other states. I love my home state and have great respect for my Sultan, HRH Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'Adzam Shah.

My late father, Muna Runa Srinivasan Chettiar, resident of Alor Star had collected Kedah issues from 1912 – 1960. I am continuing his good work, a tribute to him and to my home state wherein I would be able to tell the world about Kedah.

4. What is the approximate number of frames displayed in a national stamp exhibition of Malaysia ? As a participant what is your opinion about the evaluation of the exhibits at National level. Are all the exhibits fairly judged or often biased results are given??

Ans. Depending on number of exhibits submitted, about 100 frames displayed in our National stamp exhibition. Exhibits are fairly judged by our FIP/FIAP accredited jurors.

5. Tell me something about philatelic activities in Malaysia ? Are Philatelic activities organized by Malaysian Postal Deptt. regularly ? Or private clubs or societies play active role in organizing such activities.

Ans. Philatelic activities are often organized by Philatelic Society Malaysia (PSM), Pos Malaysia (Malaysian Postal Department), Penang Stamp Club, Kluang (Johore) Stamp club, PJaya community library (Petaling Jaya, Selangor), and some schools.

Last year HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor, Patron of PSM organised exhibition at his palace in Kuala Lumpur wherein his fabulous traditional class and thematic collections were exhibited. PSM plays active role in organizing National level stamp exhibition once or twice annually, quarterly stamp fair, weekly forums on Saturdays, regular informal discussion at PSM library on Tuesdays, school visits to promote stamp collecting and regular talks to School children at PJ Community library.

Pos Malaysia organizes 'Stamp week' annually that is more of stamp fair and to sell their products. Penang and Kluang stamp clubs organize stamp fair twice annually.

6. You have specialized in Traditional Philately. What is your view about Thematic Philately??

Ans.Thematic philately is interesting and is gaining popularity. It comprises wide range of philatelic items. No constraints on period or Country of issue. Fascinating as it is, it allows room for continuous improvement. Preferred theme would obviously be based on collector's familiarity with subject and he would naturally have adequate information. Selected items would be relevant to theme. With new information to support his story exhibit would be interesting.

7. What is your opinion about preparing one frame exhibit?? Is it difficult to prepare One Frame Exhibit than normal Five Frame Exhibit ?

Ans. Preparing one frame exhibit is challenging and much more difficult. Subject has to be covered completely in one frame. Knowledge of subject, development and presentation are important. Exhibit should be interesting and instructive. It should draw viewer's attention from page one to last page and that is the most difficult part.

8. In One frame exhibit class, there is no provision for awards, only marks certificate is given. What do you think, “Isn’t this unfair & there must be a provision for awards/ medals in this class" ?

Ans. National and International Exhibitions are often funded, partly by host country, their Postal authority, Philatelic society and at times contributions from well wishers, which is often inadequate. Besides FIP/FIAP regulations, escalating cost in holding exhibition and shrinking funding determines issuance of medals for newly introduced one frame exhibit class. Provision for awarding medals at this juncture would probably result in enhanced participation fee payable by exhibitors at all level. Waiver or moderate participation fee for one frame exhibit would be meaningful. Instead of replication medal. I would rather settle for certificate which I think is quite fare.

9. Could you tell me about Stamp issuing policy of Malaysia? What theme is dominant on Malaysian stamps ?

Ans. We have fixed policy for issuing stamps. Portrait issues of the living is only for nine out of thirteen states in Malaysia, that is eight Sultans, one Raja, their consorts and our Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head elected once every five years amongst the eight Sultans and Raja). Only exceptions were on three occasions wherein stamps were issued with portrait of Prime Ministers.

Commemorative issues are mostly at Federal level for use in all 13 states. They cover important International events, local events, Achievements, Anniversary, Centenary, Memorial issues, Sports, Athletic, Cultural, Traditional, Scientific and Heritage etc.

Definitive are omnibus issues for thirteen states plus Federal territory. Dominant theme would cover agro products, beetle, birds, butterflies, fauna, flora, marine life etc with portrait of respective Sultan or Rajah inlaid. Federal territory, States of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak inlaid with respective State crest.

10. Last but not the least.... You come from Indian origin, are you fascinated towards Indian stamps? What is your opinion about the designs of Indian Stamps?

Ans .Indian stamps are beautiful at times and quite appealing. Most of them are well designed and your Nasik Security printers appear to be doing splendid job. If I may add further, like many others including my country, issues are too many. If my count is right there were 50 issues in 1997. Not aware of later issues as my catalogue listing ends at February 1998. I opine this would keep away young collectors especially school children or they may resort to undesirable practice in order to match their counterpart's collection. Definitive issues needs improvement in terms of paper quality and printing.

Mr Srinivasan Thevarayan may be contacted at email : sthevarayan@gmail.com

Kedah - Malaya: HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah 1863 - 1943 Portrait Issue - 30 June 1937

- By Srinivasan Thevarayan

The Kedah Sultanate, founded in 1136, is the earliest sultanate in Southeast Asia and more precisely in the Malay Peninsula. The Arabic honorific of Kedah is 'Darul Aman’ meaning 'Abode of Peace' ‘KADARAM’ is an ancient name for Kedah. 'KADAM' refers to the elephant. An early spelling variation of Kedah is 'Quedah'. It was known as 'The Rice bowl of Malaya' as it had produced more than half of Malaya's homegrown rice during its heyday. Located in the north western coast of Malay Peninsula, it borders Thailand and Perlis. The land area is 9,426 square km including 'Langkawi', an archipelago of 99 islands. The current population of Kedah is 1.8 million.

His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 28^th Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman was coroneted on the 4^th of June 1882. He reigned Kedah for 61 years and was its constitutional ruler from 1909 until his demise in 1943.

Kedah issued its own stamps for postage and revenue on 16^th June 1912. This first definitive issue consisted of 14 values, from 1c - $5 portraying distinctive features of the Malay character of the State. Designs included the rice sheaf, Malay ploughing and the Kedah State Council chamber. Thereafter, three definitive series of the same design were issued in 1919, 1921 and 1922 until the issuance of the HRH portrait issue.

Figure 1: Portrait of HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.

Proposals for HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah’s portrait issue were mooted in 1930. It was generally felt as taboo to depict the image of the ruler on stamps, as in many other Sovereign countries in Asia. One notable example is Japan. With an exception of one issue on 10^th April 1959 of the portraits of Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko, comprising of 4 values, Japan has not issued any stamps with the portraits of their royalties. The main objection about depicting the images of royalty on stamps was that used stamps are likely to be thrown on the ground and unknowingly treaded upon. That action would be deemed an insult to the Ruler.

After long debates and several discussions at the Kedah State Council, approval was finally granted in early 1937 and an order placed in London for a new set of stamps for Kedah. The Crown Agents bulletin of the 1^st of March 1937 confirmed this order.

Traditionally De La Rue & Co, London had printed stamps for Kedah but the contract for the printing of this issue was given to Waterlow & Sons, London. The reason for this change is not known.

Figure 2: Stamps of Kedah with the portrait of HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Halim Hamid Shah

Designed with a combination of grandeur and magnificence, the above nine values, released for sale in Kedah and Perlis on 30^th June 1937, have continuing appeal to collectors and are eagerly sought after to this very day. These were demonetized in stages from 11^th January 1946 to 9^th April 1948.

Controversy over the issue date of these stamps has prevailed for some time. For many years, the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue gave the issue date as 30^th June 1937. However, the Stanley Gibbons supplement to the Gibbons Stamp Monthly August 1937 edition stated the issue date as July 1937. Renowned collectors and learned authors have often stated that no confirmation of this date (30^th June 1937) has been found and it was certainly not later, although so-called 'First Day Covers’ exist dated 1^st July 1937.

Figure 3: Cover affixed with stamps carrying the portrait of

HRH Sir Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah

Figure 3 above shows a registered cover self-addressed by a Philatelist who had a few other covers prepared by him with the double ring strike type REG (3) 'REGISTERS & PARCELS. ALOR STAR – KEDAH 30 JU 1937’. The earliest recorded use of this postmark was 2.7.1931 and the last was on 2.11.1939. When friends queried this Philatelist why he had not prepared the first day cover with the full set of stamps, he was heard to have said that his monthly salary was then RM12.00 and as such he could not afford a full set.

A minimum of 1,800 sets of the above portrait issue were allocated to dealers and 416 sets were prepared as 'Specimens'. Complete sets have been seen with identical postmarks dated after the war. These are believed to be cancelled by favour or with bogus postmarks.

The foreign letter rate increased from 12c to 15c on 25^th January 1941. Stamps printed for this value using HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah’s portrait were printed in London and dispatched on 26^th November 1941. However, it was not shipped out from London, due to the outbreak of World War II. It is assumed that the entire stock may have been effectively destroyed. Not a single stamp has entered the philatelic market to date.

During the World War II occupation period, a full set of nine values with HRH Sultan Sir Abdul Hamid Halim Shah’s portrait and six values of the earlier 'Rice sheaf' series were overprinted in red or black with the words 'DAI NIPPON 2602' and these were the only overprints on Kedah stamps.

References: Sejara Melayu Kedah, National Archives Malaysia and Honourable Mr. D. R. Holley, author of 'Kedah and Perlis'

Published in Philatelic Society Malaya Journal (Volume 1 – 2010 )

Beginners’ Section

Do You Know?

ROPE WAY CABLE CAR MAIL

- Naresh Agarwal

An aerial tramway often called a cable car or ropeway means the system of overhead ropes on which the carriers are used for the purpose of carriage of passengers, animals or goods and includes posts. It is a type of aerial lift in which a cabin or other conveyance is suspended from a fixed cable and is pulled by another cable.

Suspended cable cars running between pylons are common in mountainous areas, as they allow carriage of people and materials over ground too steep or difficult for road or rail transport.

Ropeway conveying Mail Suspension cable car Mail

Mail is also carried by suspended cable cars (Aerial rope way) to deliver the same in mountain areas where other road routes are very long and time taking. This proves to be a speedy mode of mail transport in mountain regions e.g. Travanocore and Darjeeling regions in India.

Mr Naresh Agarwal may be contacted at email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Historical Moments in Philately

- Dr K. Jaya Prakash

Andorra released a stamp On EUROPA ON 9.May.2008 .On the stamp you can see first letter of Hindi alphabet and other Indian language. Malayalam letter can be also seen. It is the only stamp except Travancore-Cochin stamp where you can see a Malayalam letter.

Austria released a stamp on 05.06.2008 (Fig.31) with the picture of Euro cup against a blue background and decorated with 4 particularly large original SWAVORSKI crystals.

Austria released a sensational 3D stamp (Fig.32) on 08.08.08 showing VENUS von WILLENDROF found in 1908 .Venus von Willendrof is created between 24000-22000 BC. Now kept In Nature historic Museum Vienna Austria. This is insured for 75 million Euros. Venus ... the Goddess of Infertility is 11 cms in height.

- Dr Prakash may be contacted at : Dr.K.Jaya Prakash, Sankeethanam, Chembukavu, Thrissur.680020 . Email - k.jayprakash@gmail.com Mob: No: 9846041941

Thanks to Dr K. Jaya Prakash for this long series of article “Historical Moments in Philately” for our readers. - Editor

Members of Philatelic Advisory Committee of India Post

Mr. J.M. Dhor (Jaipur)

999 Dhor Building, Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, Jaipur - 302003. Ph. 141 -2578909

e - mail : dhorjatanmal@yahoo.com

Mr Dilip Shah,
799 - GOL BAZAR, JABALPUR - 482002, M.P. Off : 0761-424456 Fax :0761-312047

e- mail : rajesh_id2001@yahoo.com

Mr. Manik Jain,
M/s Philatelia, One Moti Sil Street, Kolkata 700 013. Telephone: (033) 2228 8549, 2228 7777, Fax: (033) 2228 8888

Mr. Vispi S. Dastur,
D.J. Jasavala & Co., Charted Accountants, E/1 Rustom Baug, Gr. Flr., Byculla, Mumbai- 400 027.
Tel:- 23721062 e-mail: xerxes@vsnl.com

Specialized Section

SAMUDRA MANTHAN in KHAMER ART (Pt II)

© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

e-mail - rosephila@hotmail.com

“Samudra Manthan” or “The Churning of the Ocean of Milk” is a spectacular depiction of Hindu Mythology related to creation of life on earth and second incarnation of lord Vishnu as Tortoise. It tells of how the gods, dewas, aided by their perennial rivals the demons asuras, achieved immortality by churning the Ocean of Milk for a thousand years so as to dredge up the elixir of immortality called Amrita.

Philosophical significance of this tale represents the spiritual endeavor of a person to achieve self-realization through concentration of mind, withdrawal of senses, control of desires and practice of austerities and asceticism. Here Devas and Asuras represent the positives and negatives respectively of one's personality, ocean of milk is the mind or the human consciousness, Mandhara, the mountain symbolizes concentration, Vasuki symbolizes desire, The various precious objects that come out of the ocean during the churning stand for the psychic or spiritual powers (Siddhis) which one gains as s/he progresses spiritually from stage to stage,Dhanvantari symbolizes health and signifies that immortality or spiritual success can be achieved only when the body and the mind are in a perfect state of health, Amrit symbolizes the ultimate achievement of the goal of self-realization and Lakshmi represents universal enrichment which comes as an automatic by-product of the internal self-realization or Amrita .

The story of the churning also encodes real history, including a record of the comet disaster which occurred in 4200 BCE, and also again in 3114 BCE. This first event which caused the antediluvian flood was a global paroxysm. Following this event mankind — those who survived were afraid of venturing out on the ocean again. There appears to have been a great effort expended on behalf of the esoteric members of the cosmo-religion, to reactivate the earlier work of global education. It is from this period through about 1500 BCE, that most of the story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk appears to have been referring to. It is also after this period (by about 1500 BCE) that the knowledge of the manufacture of Amrita seems to have been lost, at least to the majority of the non-esoteric peoples of the world. From the widespread knowledge of the Elixir of Life recorded in so many of the ancient myths of antiquity, we believe that there existed a rather widespread knowledge of the use of this mineral medicine prior to this time.

The Churning of the Ocean of Milk is often depicted in ancient Khmer iconography on grand scale giving new meaning to this episode including characters like Ravan , Hanuman and the Khmer king Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat as Lord Vishnu in the Churning scenes.

The mythological relationship of the Devas (good, victorious) and the Asuras (bad, defeated) has been used by nations of history and literature to conceptualize their relationships with rival or enemy nations. The Devas stand for "us;" the Asuras stand for "them." Similarly, it has been speculated that the medieval Khmer used the theme of the struggle between Devas and Asuras to conceptualize their own relationship with the Cham people of what is now southern Vietnam, with the Khmer corresponding to the Devas, and the Cham corresponding to the Asuras. The hypothesis that Angkorian sculptors used the story of the Churning to symbolize the relationship of Angkor with Champa is supported by the fact that Churning scenes in various artistic forms were created after successful invasion of Champa by the builder of Angkor Wat, King Suryavarman II in 1145 A.D. and conquering the Cham capital of Vijaya

The most famous depiction of the Churning scene , “Samudra Manthan” (in Khmer” Ko Samutra Toek Dos”) is at Angkor Wat as one of the most famous panels of bas relief’s and one of the greatest scenes ever sculpted in stone, executed on south section of the East Gallery .The figures are carved with such consummate skill that you sense the strength of their muscles as they pull the serpent’s body, you see the effort in their expressions and you rejoice at the rewards yielded from their churning that float effortlessly in the celestial heavens above.

Churning of the Ocean of Milk

Multi headed demon king Ravana holding on the head of Vasuki (Right) ,Large four-armed figure of Vishnu, closely associated with Angkor Wat's builder, Suryavarman II (Center),Hanuman heads the team of dewas as he holds on to Vasuki's tail(Left)

As in Egyptian art, a person’s rank was indicated by size – the higher the ranking the greater the size. Directing operations at the center is the large four-armed figure of Vishnu, closely associated with Angkor Wat's builder, Suryavarman II. Below Vishnu is his avatar (celestial vehicle), the turtle Kurma, who is supporting the mountain from sinking into the ocean. Above Vishnu we see Indra flying to keep the mountain steady. The front end of the serpent is being pulled by 91 surly-looking asuras (demons), anchored by the multi headed demon king Ravana; on the right are 88 almond-eyed devas (gods) pulling on the tail, anchored by monkey-god Hanuman.

Multi headed demon king Ravana holding on the head of Vasuki

According to Angkorologist Eleanor Mannikka, who has been studying the place for over 20 years, the bas-relief has a practical function in marking the number of days between the winter and summer solstices. Mannikka maintains that the 91 asuras mark the 91 days between the winter solstice and spring equinox in March, while the 88 devas represent the 88 days to the summer solstice after the equinox period. Mannikka says this is just one of the hidden cosmological meanings coded at Angkor Wat, and that the temple is remarkably attuned to the movement of the sun and moon.

The churning disgorged many wondrous beings, including the celestial nymphs, the apsaras, flying in two directions above. The word "Apsara" is probably a composite of "ap" (water) and "sri" (to go), and thus signifies beings coming from the water.

A detail from the bas-relief at Angkor Wat, showing the newly born Apsaras as they fly overhead after being released from the Ocean of Milk (FDC).

The depiction of dancing Apsaras in the decoration of walls and pillars is a recurring feature of Angkorian temple art.

Dancing Apsaras

In 1177 A.D., Cham troops sacked the Angkorian capital of Yasodharapura. In the 1180's and 1190's, finally, the Khmer king Jayavarman VII launched several successful campaigns against Champa and its capital of Vijaya. Jayavarman VII constructed Angkor Thom as his grand capital, and placed naga bridges representing the Churning at each of the entrances.

“Naga Bridge” representing “Churning” at entrance to “Angkor Thom”

The naga bridges can be seen as representations of Jayavarman VII's military successes and the wealth which they generated for the Cambodian people.

In all, five such bridges spanned the moat separating Angkor Thom, the city founded by King Jayavarman VII following his coronation in 1181 A.D., from the surrounding countryside.

On one side of the bridge, ferocious demons are depicted hauling on Vasuki's head and upper body. On the other side of the bridge, majestic gods are shown hauling on Vasuki's tail and lower body. The head and tail of Vasuki naga is rising up at each end of the bridge gracefully. An imposing giant wearing an especially tall headpiece anchors the team of Asuras on the Naga Bridge. This giant may be Ravana, and the tall headpiece may actually be the pile of his ten heads. The team he anchors forms a type of balustrade on one side of the bridge, separating the road from the moat below.

The most famous depiction of the Churning scene is at Angkor Wat but can also be found at other temples such as Banteay Chhmar, Preah Vihear, Banteay Samre and many more and is twice represented at the Ta Prohm in Tonle Bati. The more dramatic of the two is lying on the ground at the eastern entrance way to the temple.

The Churning of the Ocean of Milk at the eastern entrance to Ta Prohm

On minor scale, Churning of the Ocean is also depicted in Beng Melea, on lintel of Ein Kosei, Siem Reap and Prasat Phnom Da.

“Naga Bridge” at Preah Vihear

History & Development of Pigeon Post

From this month, a series of articles on the History & Development of Pigeon Post by Mr Naresh Agarwal has been started. Naresh Agrawal has till now established himself as a prolific philatelic writer as he has always been trying to come up with articles of interest of philatelic fraternity in general. This is another interesting article from him after his article on Story of Airgraph. Pigeon Mail so far has been less explored in India. Philatelists are well versed with Airmail but the first air mail was carried by the birds only and it has very interesting history. This article explores the Story, History and Development of Pigeon Mail . He has, with in the limitations tried to introduce the various historical aspects with his search and research using various net and off net sources. In this issue, here is the Introduction of Pigeon Post- Editor

THE STORY OF PIGEON POST

- By Naresh Agarwal

PIGEON AS A MESSENGER ( The Flying Postman )

Pigeons have an extraordinary homing instinct, natural habit and ability of returning unerringly to their homes at high speed after a flight of quite longer distances in any direction. This ability of the pigeons to navigate from anywhere to their lofts at high speed was recognized and used quite early during ancient times which was utilized in sending and receiving messages from time to time by individuals, rulers, administrations, traders, financiers and others. The messages written on thin small paper were tagged to pigeon’s legs or paws or claws who was then released. The pigeon then flew back to his loft with the messages where the receiver removed the message.

PIGEON POST OR MAIL

Pigeon post is the use of homing pigeons and other birds to carry messages from one place to the other who are effective as messengers due to their natural homing abilities. The pigeons were transported to a destination in cages or lofts, where messages would be attached to their paws or legs and then the pigeon would fly back to its home naturally where the owner could detach the message and read it.

The term is used both to refer to physical items of mail, and to the system used to transport them. While pigeon post is largely obsolete today, it was at one point a very trendy method of carrying light mail. Although the use of pigeons for carrying mail was never widespread, people would sometimes send mail by pigeon, as would people in the financial industry who wanted to transmit news reasonably quickly.

ESTONIA 1940 CARRIER PIGEON

This practice of use of carrier pigeons is ancient. The Greeks and Romans both used pigeon post to convey information, and many pigeons worked in military service too for carrying messages with troop orders and other military material from place to place. In addition to pigeons, birds of prey were sometimes used for messages.

In a way, the pigeon post could be considered the first form of airmail. Pigeons are still used to carry messages in some remote regions of the world where other postal options are not

available, and pigeon enthusiasts also keep birds for the purpose of sending messages to other enthusiasts, keeping this ancient tradition alive.

To be continued…… – Naresh Agarwal email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

New Issues from other countries

Australia

4 Aug : Bangkok 2010 Minisheet

Austria

26 August Mother Teresa – 1.30 c

Germany

12 August Mother Teresa - 0,70 Euro ( to celebrate Birth Centenary of Mother Teresa)

Ireland

29 July : Birds of Prey – 2 x 55c, 82c, 95c + MS

Israel

25 August : Greetings

Malaysia

10 August : Traditional Food of Malaysia – 5 x 80 sen; 5 x 60 sen + MS

Romania

12 August : Youth Olympic Games 2010 – Romania - 8.10 RON

Thailand

4 August : The 25th Asian International Stamp Exhibition-Amazing Thai Silk - 15 Baht x 2, 25 Baht x 2

As a part of Asian International stamp Exhibition Thai post issued a set of four postage stamps featuring amazing Thai Silk. In order to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and to promote and publicize Thai silk and silk product, Thailand Post has requested permission from Her Majesty the Queen to present then Royal Peacock brand, which certifies the high quality of Thai silk, on postage stamps and to use hand-woven silk as part of the stamps. The Royal Peacock brand will be presented in embossed foil in four colours–gold, silver, dark blue and green. A miniature sheet with peacock embossed on golden foil, on a white silk material is also added to the issue.

Reader’s Right

Editor’s note- The aim of this stamp newsletter is to provide instant information and facts on philately to the readers and not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Readers may express their views, anguish and resentment through this column on philately. The platform is not used for any vested interest to cause derogatory to philately. When writing your views be sure that it should be related to philately only. It should not be used to express personal feelings between persons or groups in any manner.

Ajit Dash, Bhubaneshwar

The stamps and miniature sheets on Rathyatra, Puri was released at a State level function at Bhubaneswar on 12.07.2010. Few miniature sheets and stamps especially brought by the Central Postal Officer were released at the Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Which were sold at the philatelic counter at the venue. Only 200 FDC were received at Bhubaneswar Philatelic Bureau which were also sold out at the venue. Out of curiosity the person who attended the function also purchased these philatelic items. Some Philatelists hardly got few stamps, Miniature sheets and FDC. Since then no stamps, miniature sheets and the normal quota of FDC have been received at either Bhubaneswar or Cuttack Philatelic Bureau. I do not know whether the same position is prevailing in other States.

Hope stamps and miniature sheets might be available in other Philatelic Bureaux. May I request the Postal authorities to supply the normal quota of stamps, Miniature sheets and FDC of Rath Yatra issue to both the Philatelic Bureaux of Orissa so that the philatelists of our State can get them for their collection.

Shimla Philatelic Bureau

Dinesh Sabharwal, New Delhi

There is an interesting piece of information which I would like to share with you. The staff at Shimla Philatelic Bureau is very cooperative and painstaking. Once the stamps required by me were not available at the Sales Counter. The gentleman at Shimla politely asked me to wait so that he can get that from the store which is laudable and I wish others should also learn from them.

- Dinesh Sabharwal ,Senior Administrative Officer , Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi 110016

New Blogs & Websites

"Flags at Sea", "Ships & Ship building" and Philately -

http://flagsaudrapeaubandeirasandstamps.blogspot.com/ - This is anew Blog by Mr Sekhar Chakrabarty . This blog showcases important philatelic items on "Flags at Sea" and items related to Indian Naval Ships, Commercial Ships, Shipping and Ship Building through relevant philatelic items and brief notes.

Blog on Railway stamps - www.railphilatelist.blogspot.com – It is a new blog on stamps related with Railways by Mr Sandeep Chaurasia of Gorakhpur.

Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ Specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.

Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ It is a blog by Mr Dipak Modi of Jalna, Maharashtra. Mobile Philately is a mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian philately directly into mobile message box.

Ship Stamps - http://stampinformation.blogspot.com/ - A new Blog created by by Mr Prashant of Pune on Ship Stamps

Philately News – http://philatelynews.com/ - A website on new issues of the world.

MB Stamps - http://mbstamps.blogspot.com/ - A Blog by Mansoor B. of Mangalore with latest news about Indian stamps and other philatelic material .

Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - This blog is all about flags and stamps from the collection of a veteran philatelist and vexillologist, Mr Sekhar Chakrabarty. Kolkata.

Stamps Today India - http://www.stampstodayindia.com/ - A site by Mr Vijay Seth of New Delhi with news from stamp world.

Philatelic Clubs & Societies

Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/

Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/

Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/

Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana - http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/

Ludhiana Philatelic Club

Mobile Philately - http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

Rainbow Stamp Club - http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/

South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.org.in/

Stamps of India - http://www.stampsofindia.com/

The Lighter Side

Crossword Puzzle on Philatelic Terms – By K. Sridhar, Mangalore

DOWN
1	Issued to raise funds: compulsory use (3,5)
2	Early British term for air mail (6,4)
5	A coil of stamps (4)
ACROSS
3	A rubber stamp or printed impression on an envelope which describes the event for which the envelope was mailed (6)
4	Any small hole in a postage stamp other than perforations applied officially, and thus construed as damage (7)
6	A set of postage stamps featuring a particular topic issued simultaneously by a number of countries (7)
7	Any device for attaching a stamp or other item to an album page (5)

Calendar - Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)

http://www.asiaphilately.com/calendar.html

Book Review

Famous Stamps : “ The Romance of Rarities”. - By Anil Dhir

The latest book “Famous Stamps – The Romance of Rarities” by Mr Anil Dhir is a very interesting book, full of stories of some most famous and rarest stamps of the world. The best part of the book is that the story behind rarity of the stamp has been narrated very well by Mr Dhir. Many of us know about rare stamps but the detailed story behind that stamp is not known to us. Readers would find many interesting facts about world’s rarest stamps. This book contains details and stories of 50 famous stamps and covers of the world. This book is a complete reference book for philatelists of every class and age groups . Those who are not stamp collectors would find this book amazing as they would come to know about philatelic rarities of the world and interesting stories behind them. This book will soon become favourite of all and would find a top place in the shelf of Famous Philatelic Books … The book contains approximately 200 pages, has been nicely designed with a beautiful layout.

Price : Rs 200 Contact address : Amadeus Press 112, Vaishno Villa, Satyanagar, Bhubaneshwar – 751007

email : anildhir123@gmail.com & amadeusbooks@yahoo.co.in

PREFACE

The book you hold in your hands, like all serious books, was a long time in coming. The research took me a good three years, and I hope that you enjoy reading the stories as much as I have enjoyed in writing them.

The word “rare” is described as “uncommon”. However for a stamp collector, the word “rare” usually means an essence of mystery and romance. For a stamp to be both “rare” and “famous” is the ultimate philatelic attribution. Philatelists, be it the schoolboy ones or the dyed in the wool types, are very emotional and passionate about their hobby. Stamp collectors are justly proud of being different from all other hobbyists.

This book gives the stories of some of the world’s rarest stamps. Most of the stamps described herein are those that philatelists call “classics”- issues that were made in the period 1842 to 1875. The establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 resulted in the increase of prepaid worldwide correspondences and necessitated the increased production of postage stamps. Stamps were mass produced, new postal experiments were conducted and path breaking innovations made. The postal services too got an impetus both in the pre and post war years. The hobby of Philately too took wings in this period, and many eminent statesmen and royals gave their patronage to it.

This book will probably offend many philatelic purists. However this eclectic mix that I have presented is purely my own personal choice. It was a daunting task to decide which stamps to leave out, rather then select the stories that should be narrated. Every philatelist dreams of finding a rarity, a dream that hardly ever becomes true. This book will allow you to share the philatelic dreams of those for whom these dreams came true.

My fascination for some of the great classics, the paper dreams that I have dreamt of discovering and owning, these gems has been the basis of my selection. I have heard and read of the strange, fortunate and fascinating tales of discovery of many of the rarities that have been mentioned here. Many of these stamps have been unearthed from old albums, family correspondences and old government records or have been spotted by sharp eyed collectors from ordinary collections. The printing histories of many of these gems are known, and it is a fact that many more copies are still in existence, lurking about anonymously in some attic, stamp album or just around somewhere. Only the philatelist who knows what to look for will ever find them. Even today, these gems are being discovered; I myself had the good fortune of picking up a few.

Stamp Collectors have spent hours peering through magnifying glasses, consulting catalogues and references, dipping stamps in watermark fluids, examining them under ultra violet rays, hoping to find some tiny flaw or unique characteristic attribute which would make their stamp different and unique. Many stamps have been sent to certifications experts with bated breath expectations that it would be classified as rare.

Some of the most cherished memories of philatelists are of the time and moments spent with fellow collectors at the stamp shows and exhibitions that are held at local and national levels. The talks eventually veer towards these rarities, anglers who always talk of the big fish which got away. Many a foolish bid is made in auctions, and if it is a wining bid the enormity of the situation only dawns when one has to pay the price. However any out bidding is always disappointing.

I have traveled the length and breadth of my country - India, in search of elusive stamps which I could add to my collection. I have searched old palaces, government record rooms, post offices and the collections of many old time philatelists, hoping to make some discovery of a rarity. Just the whiff of a collection somewhere and I have packed my bags. There were many disappointments, but a few gems that I garnered and the rich experience of these little adventures will be the story for another book. However I will humbly make a suggestion right here at the beginning, there is ample room for the exclusion of some issues in favour of others.

Most of the stamps mentioned here are postal paradoxes, created by a near blind engraver, a political hireling, ignorant postmasters, despotic and draconian rulers. Many rarities are the result of the unorthodox methods by which they were produced. Some stamps were printed on newspapers, maps, rice paper, while some were typewritten. Many more are due to the printer’s devil, defective paper, wrong colours etc.

Rarity and Price are akin to fame and fortune and do not usually go hand in hand. Many will argue that the design of a stamp is of secondary importance to its use as a means of prepaying mail service and that the method adopted to produce it. However they miss the important point that the postage stamp is a minuscule but vibrant record of the human story, more so of modern times. It is a big picture on a very small canvas. It is the philatelist alone who has the magnified vision to decipher and laud what is on the tiny piece of paper.

Stamp collecting is a dying hobby. It is aging, ossifying and stagnating in the last few decades. Once it was a staple hobby of childhood and school going days, but has lost its cultural relevance in this digital age. Many of today’s children have not gone to the Post Office ever. The variety and uniqueness of the world of stamps is lost to this generation. Writing this book is an effort to bring this enjoyable, albeit a little nerdish, hobby back to the creative masses.

Philatelists may read this book to understand their hobby more thoroughly. The purpose of this book is not to help stamp collectors to find any of these gems, but rather to make them enjoy the stories of their discoveries. The book may be used as a reference by all collectors who are interested in discovering, or discovering yet more about the hobby, the value of their own stamps, and the value of the stamps of their fellow collectors.

With the ardent wish that these fascinating stories keep the hopes of philatelists alive, make them dream philatelic dreams, and that they keep the search for rare stamps going on …….

-Anil Dhir

Year Book of Indian Philately 2009

Mr. Madan Middha of Gwalior has brought out a hand book of Indian philately of 2009. Mr Middha is a well known philatelist and an enthusiastic compiler and writer. His great efforts enabled him to publish this book. It is very informative for all collectors as it contains all necessary data of Indian philately and activities during the year 2009. Besides different data, covering different aspects of Indian Philately 2009, it contains comprehensive articles by noted philatelists of India. Articles cover various important topics of Philately.

The book contains more than 200 pages with 22 Chapters and it covers stamps, Postal stationery, Stamp Packs , APS Covers, Miscellaneous issues, Postmarks/ Cancellations, Events, Society News, New services from India Post and recent developments, Philatelic Periodicals, Current Postal Rates & List of World Postal Authorities. The book will prove to be useful for all Stamp Lovers. It is an essential reference book which is recommended to all the lovers of Indian philately and philatelists in general.

Price Rs 150 US $ 10 Contact Address : Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar,

Gwalior 474001. e mail : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

Promotional section

Baton Covers from Shimla available -

Set of two covers with Rs 5 stamp at cost price are available. Those who wish to get covers by Speed Post may send Money Order of Rs 60 with complete Postal Address in capital letters to the address given below.

Contact address -

Mr Govind Ram, c/o Conservator of Forests, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt Kullu. PIN 175126 (HP)

Special Covers from HP Circle

Set of 5 special covers recently issued by HP Circle including Baton Relay cover may be ordered to above address by MO only. Cost Rs 90 (inclusive of Postage by Speed Post)

Light House Cover from Mangalore

Unofficial Special Cover VU0LH from Mangalore with Permenant Pictorial Postal Cancellation of 18th Century Lighthouse is available with Mr Mansoor B email : mansoorblr@gmail.com

Exchange of Queen’s Baton Relay

Vishal Sanganeria, Philatelist and member of Guwahati Philatelist society, wants to exchange Queen's Baton special cover issued by India Post at all the Headquarters of the 22 postal circles in INDIA. He is ready to exchange the Queen's Baton special cover released at Guwahati postal circle with another postal circle.

Postal address : VISHAL SANGANERIA, 1^st Floor,Keshav Katra, S.S.Road,Fancy Bazar, Guwahati-781001(ASSAM)

e-mail - vishalsanganeria@gmail.com Ph.-+919864055516

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

-Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com

ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/

Phila News, Editor - Rajesh Pahariya and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/

e ZEP Newsletter http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder

email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de

SIPA Bulletin (2009 Joint Issue ) edited by Mr G. Madan Mohan Das and published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai website : http://www.sipa.org.in/

FILA Capsule – Editor : Ajit Dash and published by EIPA, Bhubaneshwar.

GPA News – Editor- Ilias Patel and published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Kar Phila News published by Karnataka Philatelic Society & edited by by Akshay Borad E –Mail : akshayborad@hotmail.com

Editor’s Mail Box

Ramanathan P.S., Palakkad, Kerala

I would like to compliment Cdr G. Srirama Rao of Visakhapatnam, through your esteemed e-Stamp Bulletin, for his remarkable presentation of a splendid collection of Musical Post Offices through envelopes imprinted with Musical Scores and Cancellations. It is really a news to me that Post Offices with names of those Classical Composers exist in the world. As a person interested in Music Philately, I heartily congratulate Cdr G. Srirama Rao for his excellent exhibits. I know it can’t be done without taking a significant amount of trouble, dedication, perseverance and creativity. Well done Sir. I can't help but congratulate Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, the editor and publisher of the Rainbow e-Stamp Bulletin for unearthing this fantastic and hitherto unheard topic on Music Philately.

Cdr G. Sriramarao, Vishakhapatnam

Thanks for inclusion of Musical Post Offices in your Monthly News letter.

I also enjoyed going through the entire News letter, and also learnt a lot from the comments of Dr Jagtap, Cdr Acharya. The article of Dr Agarwal in the specialized section which I liked will help me to build up on my topic of stamps on Gods, religious places etc.

Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad

Very informative RSN once again. Coverage of Musical Post offices by Mr. Sriramarao is fantastic.So also article of Dr.Agrawal on Indian Mythology once again is too good.

Janice Dugas, Quebec - Canada

Just stumbled upon your e-Stamp Bulletin for August 2010 and found it very interesting. Congratulations for the great work!

Pradeep K Wahi, Gurgaon

This is just to laud your Newsletter and show my deep appreciation of the effort you have been putting in to bring out this absolutely wonderful Newsletter. I would be delighted to receive it in the mail regularly. May God give you further strength for this good work.

Dinesh Sabharwal, New Delhi

Every month Rainbow Newsletter provides us interesting and informative reading material on philately. The contents, layout and presentation are praiseworthy.

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. Those who are interested may send following details for publication on blog. If they wish they may also send their photo for publication. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published everyday on this blog.

Name…………………………………………

City/Country………………………………..

E-Mail………………………………………..

Postal Address…………………………….

Collecting Interests……………………….

Brief write up about yourself……………

Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor

Answer to the crossword Puzzle

Courtesy- News and Image Resource to this Issue - Stamps of India, Deepak Modi –Mobile Philately ; Mansoor B. – Mangalore; International Stamp News ;Paul Fraser Collectibles , Shrikant Parikh – Ahemedabad; Sreejesh Krishnan – Trivandum ; Ashwani Dubey – Gorakhpur ; Abhai Mishra – Dehradun; Jagannath Mani – Bangalore ; Anil Gupta – Gorakhpur ; Ajay Kr Mittal – New Delhi; Rajprit Singh Saluja – Kanpur; Vejey Kumar – Chennai; Rajesh Pahariya – Jaipur; Pradip Jain - Patna

Address for communication:

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India

E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com

Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.

If you liked this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

A Request to Readers & Contributors-

Please do not send the text in scan form. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

Kindly specify your contribution such as article/News/ Reader’s Right / Beginners’ Section/ Lighter Side etc.

Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention -
Please send limited number of images in compressed jpg format only with your article. Please send text and images separately. Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF.

Till Next Month …..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.