Date of Issue : 5 November 2012
Greetings on Festival of Lights !!
Israel Post will issue Israel - India Joint Issue featuring Festival of Lights of the two countries - Deepawali and Hanukkah
Shimla November 2012 Vol. V Issue # 59
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 –
Ms. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, CCF, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, SHAMSHI, Kullu -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,
This is the festive time in India . Israel Post will issue special Israel - India joint stamps featuring “Festival of Lights” on 5th November. I wish all the readers a very “ Happy Diwali “ and convey my greetings to all my readers in Israel for their festival of Lights “ Hanukkah “ which will be celebrated next month . In this issue I am pleased to publish a special article on Deepawali by Naresh Agarwal and another article on “ Playing Cards “ by Dr SK Agarwal. In India, Playing cards during Diwali is a part of celebrations in different states of the country to add more joy to this festival. This is all for this month !! Please enjoy this special issue and Have a Great Festive Time !! Just wish to inform the readers that next issue will be 60th issue and Rainbow will complete five years of publication !!
Happy Collecting !!
-- Jeevan Jyoti
Contents
· From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal
· Recent Indian Issues
· In The News
· Interview
· Some remarkable covers - Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap
· Beginners’ Section
· Specialized Section
· New Issues from Other Countries
· Reader’s Right
· The Lighter Side
· Philatelic Clubs and Societies
· Blogs & Websites on Philately
· Literature on Indian Philately
· Editor’s Mail Box
· New Philatelic Publications
· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
NATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION AT BOMBAY IN FEB. 2013
My heartiest thanks to the organizers of the exhibition and wish them a great success. At the same time I congratulate Indian philatelic community too as they are going to witness another splendid effort in form of Nation Exhibition. Let's not talk about name ,its affiliation, its status, its standing....but let's think that it will be a big show and will give opportunity to many collectors to display their exhibits. It is time to appreciate and help the organizers for their thinking and efforts who are a part of our community. We must think how this show can be made most memorable and beneficial to the philatelists of India. I suggest organizers to think upon these lines ;
1. LET THE SHOW BE PHILATELIST FRIENDLY AND NOT DEALER FRIENDLY :
There are good expectations of philatelists from any such show in terms of participation as visitor or exhibitor, availability of good lot of philatelic material by dealers who have been found hesitant to bring bulky luggage now a days, reasonable pricing, subsidized accommodation and food, meeting and sitting points at venue etc. etc. Though we appreciate philatelic dealer’s presence and importance in the show but organizers should see that dealers too should be philatelist friendly and not their pocket friendly.
2. ORGANIZING SEMINARS DURING EXHIBITION :
Seminars enlighten philatelists on the developments and changes in the field. Of late, there has been substantial changes in exhibiting the traditional philately. There are some drastic changes in postal history exhibiting too. Hence, seminars and discussions are essential. Seminars on thematic, traditional and other fields of philately can be organized but for this like minded people will have to come forward so that organizer may think upon these lines. Seminars should be planned well in advance and for this Topics must be decided first and then try to contact the experts of those fields well in advance requesting for their paper presentation. This will give time to the experts reaching full prepared in advance
3. DEPUTATION OF REGIONAL CO-ORDINATORS :
To see that the message and information regarding exhibition reaches all over and to facilitate collection, acceptance of entry forms, deputation of region based co-coordinators should be formed. There are many philatelists who are willing to serve.
4. PREPARE PLATFORM FOR MOVE AGAINST ASI :
During INDEPEX 2011, Mr. Markand Dave, took the initiative to raise voice against ASI to remove stamps and philatelic material from the 100 year bar. But the move is chilled now. This platform should be used to get collective and raise voice... somebody should be formed.
5. USE OF ALL REPUTED MEDIUMS FOR PUBLICITY :
Organizers should use all the available and most surfed and read philatelic bulletins and magazines for propaganda of this show and immediately call for the expectations of the philatelists in India so that everyone may get a bit of his liking from this show.
Apart from the above suggestions, there are lot of thing which should be and can be done. As such shows give us opportunity to meet physically in good number.. some constructive decisions can be taken during such shows.
6. USE OF SUCH EXHIBITIONS AS OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY :
We generally see very less number of true philatelists attending seminars and learning out of these. Even at the display frames which are the true source of philatelic study. Organizing committee should invite a good number of senior philatelists to guide and help visiting philatelists over the frames so that everyone may enjoy and learn.
Old and new philatelic magazines etc. should be made available for subsidized priced sale. This will certainly help the philatelists to learn.
7. PLACEMENT OF EXHIBIT FRAMES :
Organizing exhibition care has to be taken that while entering the hall, visitor first interact with the Exhibits, if possible dealers counters to be separated and if after Exhibit Hall. Or in case it is not possible, part of dealers placement should be made after the exhibits. This will force visitors to have glance of the exhibits and so learn a bit.
8. AVOIDING CULTURAL FUNCTIONS AND NON-PHILATELIC ACTIVITIES :.
The organizers should avoid long inaugural and concluding ceremonies, Cultural functions, Art competitions etc. and non philatelic activities at the exhibition venue during exhibition hours. If at all they feel it necessary, should not be organized during the Exhibition hours and venue too should not have interference with the exhibition hall.
9. COLLECTOR JURY INTERACTION :
We generally see a dis-satisfaction amongst the exhibitors as they never knew why they had been given particular award. They always look forward for higher award only. A collector-jury interaction session should be there after evaluation done as such interaction will help exhibitors to understand their drawbacks and get tips to improve their exhibits.
There are several things which are expected and can be proposed but we must not forget that each and every event whether it is being organized by a particular society or club, is ours and should be organized with participation from all of us directly or indirectly. Every event should be made a strong platform to develop and promote philately. We all, the visitors expect a lot from organizers. Have we ever thought that they too have some expectation from us?. Let’s plan our visit to Mumbai with this mind set, let’s look in to this show with a different mindset that is to make it a great success.
Recent Indian Issues
· 4 Aug , 2012 Armed Forces Medical College - Rs 5
· 29th August 2012 Husain Ahmad Madani – Rs 5
· 25 September 2012 Motilal Nehru – Rs 5
· 12 October Philately Day - MS Rs 20
· 16 October Endemic Species of Indian Biodiversity Hotspots – MS Rs 40 & Rs 20 + 3 x Rs 5 stamps
Recent Special Cover and Postmark
27 July 2012 OLYMPHILEX INDIA 2012 London Olympics 2012 , Bangalore
28 July 2012 Biodiversity
View : Special Covers 2012 by India Post
In The News
The world's first pop-up stamps from Netherlands
On 8 October 2012, PostNL issued the world's first pop-up stamps. The stamp sheet with the three-dimensional stamps on the occasion of the Children's Book Week is a world first. The special paper architecture changes the 2D character of these two stamps into 3D after pulling out the cardboard slider.
The stamps themselves as well as the front and back of the sheetlet show illustrations of plants, animals and elements that feature in the Children's Book Week Picture Book Hallo! These illustrations were made by Fleur van der Weel. On the part of the stamp that folds out, a bird and a butterfly are pictured taking flight, as it were. The trunk of an elephant and the neck of a giraffe are displayed in the horizontal area underneath.
This stamp is even more special because it can be placed upright. It is a pop-up stamp with a front and a back plus a secret inside. Thus, it was important that the design be simple for this fold-out 3D stamp. Designers Hans and Sabine Bockting laid the basis for a well thought-out concept. Fleur van der Weel was delighted to be able to receive the first copy of the stamps from the hands of Arno Bijnen of PostNL during the Children's Book Ball on 2 October.
All India Stamp Exhibition - INPEX 2013
In association with India Post Philatelic Society of India is organizing a National Stamp Exhibition from 21 – 25 February 2012 at World Trade Centre, Mumbai. About 800 Frames will be displayed with 100 dealers booth, Philatelic Auctions, seminars and many more activities.
A special Souvenir , Special covers, Booklets and other collectibles for kids will be issued during the exhibition. For more details contact Kapil Gogri email : .kapilg25@hotmail.com.
Forthcoming International Exhibitions
IPHLA - 2012
From Nov. 2–4, 2012, Mainz – the city of the Man of the Millennium Johannes Gutenberg – will host an International Philatelic Literature Exhibition (IPHLA). It continues the reputed name of the well-known IPHLA, which under this label took place for the first time in Frankfurt-on-Main in 1989. Exactly 150 years before 2012, the first German stamp album and the first philatelic catalogue were published in the city of Leipzig. These two print media of German philately opened an era that made stamp collecting a popular movement.
Just like the two preceding literature exhibitions of 1989 in Frankfurt and 2007 in Leipzig, IPHLA 2012 Mainz will be an international meeting. This becomes evident by the two patrons FEPA and AIJP who strongly support this literature exhibition by their competence and international relations.
IPHLA 2012 Mainz will be held in the generous and pleasant location of the remarkable city hall. The Gutenberg-Museum of the city of Mainz will be incorporated in the event as well.
SHARJAH 2012
The Emirates Philatelic Association is going to organize the 28th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition (Sharjah 2012). The Exhibition will be held at Mega Mall, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates from 20 - 25 November. It will be a 6-day exhibition includes all FIP/FIAP classes.
The Exhibition has endorsed by FIAP at their executive committee meeting held on 27 April 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It carries with the FIAP Patronage.
Mr Rajan Motiram Jayakar (email : rajanjayakar@yahoo.com ) is the National Commissioner for India . Mr V S Dsatur is member of Jury and Mr Rajesh Kr Bagri is member of Apprentice Jury from India.
THAILAND2013 - Word Stamp Exhibition
THAILAND 2013, International Philatelic exhibition will be held in Thailand from 2 to 14 August 2013 in Bangkok, under the patronage of FIP. The World Philatelic Exhibition will take place from 2 - 14 August 2013 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, 5th floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Mr. R D Binani as Commissioner for India, his address :33-B Rowland Road, Kolkata 700 020 E mail : binanipm@gmail.com Mob:9830073058
AUSTRALIA 2013 Melbourne / Australia 10 - 15 May 2013
Mrs Damyanti Pittie is the national commissioner . For details contact : dm_pittie@mtnl.net.in
BRASILIANA-2013
WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION - It will be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 11th to 17th November, 2013. It will be organized by the Brazilian Enterprise of Posts & Telegraphs (ECT) and the Brazilian Federation of Philately (FEBRAF), with the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). The official website is under construction and will be released shortly.
http://www.brasiliana-2013.blogspot.com/
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Bagari nominated as Commissioner for BRAZIL 2013. Email rkbagri.indipex2011@gmail.com or bagri@iname.com
Rare Sun Yat-sen stamps sell for $700,000
A pair of rare stamps bearing a picture of Chinese nationalist leader Sun Yat-sen have sold for more than $700,000 at auction in Hong Kong according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
They are rare because the picture was accidentally inverted. The stamps came from an original sheet of 50 stamps that had the error.
Zurich Asia says the price has set a new "world record for any Republic of China stamp", referring to the period of 1912 to 1949 in China, after the last imperial dynasty lost power and before the communists took over.
Read More…
India Post stall at Sri Lanka Philately Exhibition
India Post participated in the Philately Exhibition organized by Sri Lanka Post from October 6 -10 to mark World Post Day celebrated across the world every year on October 9. A two member delegation from India Post led by India's Deputy Director Department of Posts, Meera Handa, participated in the Philately Exhibition by exhibiting some of the iconic stamps issued by India Post over the years.
There was also a sales counter to sell some of the recently issued Indian Stamps, First Day Covers and Miniature Sheets. The Miniature Sheets on 2,550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, the stamp on Mahatama Gandhi printed on Khadi cloth, the first day covers issued on the Hundred Years of Civil Aviation in India and the London Olympics were some of the issues which received wide appreciation from a cross section of philatelists, members of the public and a large number of School children who visited the India Post stalls during the period.
The India Post delegation also appreciated the support received from Sri Lanka Post and Postal Services Ministry Secretary in facilitating the exhibition and sale of Indian stamps.
Sri Lanka Post had issued a special postal stamp in the Rs. 5 denomination and a First Day Cover on May 7, 2011 to commemorate 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
The two sides also agreed to participate in similar events in the future and to work towards release of joint stamps to mark important occasions in the multi - faceted and dynamic India - Sri Lanka relationship.
A Stamp and Coin exhibitions will be held in Mumbai from 3 – 5 Nov at Kohinoor Hall opp,. to Dadar East Rly station. It is a joint venture of Kutch Hobby Circle and Je Cee Enterprise
For details Contact : A.V.Jeyachandran, Email : collexons@yahoo.co.in
2nd National Mega Stamp and Numismatic Fair and Exhibition, Kolkata 2012
- Naresh Agarwal
It was 2nd in the series of National Level Stamp and Numismatic Festivals organized from 5th to 8th of October in Kolkata to keep the momentum of philatelic craze in the eastern region. The centrally air conditioned beautifully built Olpadwala Hall, the same old venue at Chowringhee Road opposite Rotary Sadan was one of the most suitably located and easily accessible one with sufficient space at ground and mezzanine floor.
The show in all, was good with attendance of good number of visitors of all age groups on the second and third day. As many as more than forty stamp and numismatic dealers from all over India and Bangladesh graced the show with their presence and by putting the philatelic and numismatic material of varied variety on sale. They served philatelists with material of thematic, postal history, fiscals and numismatic interests. India post independence material was the pick of the material by one and all. Philatelic Centre offered its old stock of stock books and philatelic literature at throw away prices as it occupied a good number of tables in the hall.
This time, as many as 16 nos. of exhibit frames placed on the mezzanine floor, the silent watchers of the previous show seemed happy as they all had embraced as many as 8 different displays of philatelic exhibits namely Marilyn Monroe, World’s firsts (with world’s first stamp),Different states Hundies, etc. The displays were good and appreciated by all those who watched those.
The visiting dealers showed mixed reaction as some seemed quite satisfied where as some absolutely unsatisfied with the facilities provided such as accommodation, space, quality and quantity of food and snacks & above all the placements of dealers tables by organizers while comparing with the recently concluded such fairs and festivals at other places of India. However, inter dealer deals seemed to be satisfactory.
The three day show, in general was a successful one but this time it made organizer think that there is some need and scope for improvement. It was found that the visiting dealers expect good hospitality from the organizer now. The show certainly gave opportunity to some new dealers to come out of hotel rooms and occupy table on the floor and having matured deals.
The show concluded with a musical eve organized by “Mukesh Fans Club” formed in memory of Indian legendry play back singer Mukesh. The lead singers of the show were Mr. PC. Jaiswal and Smt. Seema Surana who mesmerized the audience with their sweet and powerful voice forcing them to dance.
To conclude the comments on show, it was again a good effort to keep philately revived in the eastern region as the need of some better and joint efforts was felt from the organizers in their future endeavors..
Interview
I am extremely pleased to publish here the interview of India’s renowned stamp dealer and philatelist Mr Prem Chand Jaiswal who has earned name and fame internationally in the field of Philatelic world !! Mr Naresh Agarwal recently interviewd him during 2nd National Mega Stamp and Numismatic Fair and Exhibition, Kolkata 2012. - Editor
Mr Jaiswal may be contacted at email : philcent@rediffmail.com
1. How did you come in contact with stamps and how you got involved in the collection of stamps?
Ans. In the year 1950/51,I was student of Hindi High School owned by Mr. G.D. Birla in Kolkata where I did all my schooling up to Xth standard. Mr. Birla was very fond of stamps and so he introduced stamp collection as hobby in the school and fixed one period for this every alternate Saturday for discussion and exchange of stamps. From here I came in contact with stamps and an attraction for the stamps evolved and but had an ordinary stamp collection of assorted stamps till then.
2. Tell us something about your journey in the world of stamps as a collector and as a dealer ?
Ans. As I told you, it was my school from where I came to know about stamps but the real credit goes to my uncle who made me to get seriously involved in stamps both to enjoy its possession and also to deal in to it. We had one of our family stationery shop just below our house where I used to sit after my school hours. One day one of my uncles who knew that I collected stamps, had handed over me a packet of 1000 stamps which he had bought for me for Rs. 10/- from Banaras. That 1000 stamps changed whole of my life as that not only gave me pleasure of having such a huge number of stamps but activated my inherited business mind to do some business out of it. I repackaged the stamps with 10 stamps each and sold for 25 paise each from that shop only. The packets were sold like hot cake. In just 1.5 year the amount grew in to Rs. 8000.00. Here on I became a self promoted stamp dealer and in future I took up bigger ventures. Initially I used to purchase stamps from Bhagatram & Sons of Banaras until Sukumar Mondal stamp wholesale dealer of Kolkata (who was supplier to my source in Banaras) noticed my shop & I started buying from him.
3. Whom do you give credit for your upbringing as a stamp collector and help you maturing in to a renowned professional philatelist?
I was in touch with several serious collectors including Mr Asim Pal. For me to become a noted stamp collector, I give credit to Bombay based India’s philatelic legend Mr. Jal Cooper, who introduced me in to the study of Early India Lithographs. Mr. Jatia another legend was very appreciative about my work…I owe my induction to Indian postal history to Mr. Vibhas Gupta who was the most knowledgeable in this field. Mr A.K.Sengupta (Khokha Da) another legend helped me in acquiring large lots of stamps. No one really guided me as I had to study everything else by myself. I was always shy of exhibiting but since I was a very keen collector of Indian states fiscals & fiscals had been included by F.I.P. for the first time in competitive exhibiting, at the insistence of Mr. D.N. Jatia, I only once participated in the International stamp exhibition held in New Delhi & exhibited a study of Jath State Fiscals and won a Silver medal.
4. What is the importance of the study of stamps, subjects and other associated topics than collecting stamps only?
As we know and say “philately for knowledge and education”, there is certain need of intensive and regular study of stamps and other related subject matter. I have always been a keen learner & as such I went deeper into study of stamps to understand their technical, thematic and historical aspects. Along with my college studies, I had added study of stamps as an important subject. I believe, “without good knowledge one cannot truly enjoy the stamps”.
5. Philately has a declining graph today as children have other mediums to adopt as hobby? What do you suggest to revive this hobby at the grass root level?
Children of nowadays are more exposed to the electronic media & have no time for any other kind of recreation unlike in our days when many families had stamp collectors in the family.. If the parents are made to understand the importance of philately & its benefits for their children & they introduce their children to philately at a tender age & let it take root in their life, philately will be again able to regain its importance.
Another major reason for this declining graph is that most of the collectors are stamp investors first. True collectors are just 5%. Most of the philatelic societies do not have dedicated members who are interested in promoting philately and so to say that those are not working for promotion of philately. Most of the PDA account holders have a monetary interest only as the prices of Indian stamps are increasing by leaps & bounds but the majority of the holding is with investors & dealers & not with real collectors.
6. Kolkata was known as the Mecca of philately as all the important philatelic activities used to be organized and regulated from Kolkata only. But in the recent times, we see Kolkata has lost its place? What are the reasons?
Kolkata was certainly the Mecca of philately in India as stamp collection was in its social stream since its issuance as Kolkata remained a big business, a trade centre & the capital of the British who had great exchange of postal communication and so collecting interests. In the last quarter of the 20th century Kolkatta was known world over for its philatelic activities as this period saw very serious and philatelic legends in this area to name a few Mr. D.C.Dutta, Mr. N.G.Ghosh, Mr. M.C.Kapoor, Mr. A.K.Sengupta and his brothers, Mr. Manik Jain, Sukhani brothers and many others. Various International shows were also organized here. But in recent times ,I don’t see such serious collectors and philatelic genius here. Though some stamp dealers have still their place but undoubtedly, the activities have been distributed throughout India.
7. A law graduate , a philatelist and a world renowned stamp dealer where do you find yourself today?
I am now 70 and have my sons settled. Studied from Hindi High School (renamed Birla high school) - Aditya Vikram Birla was my classmate. I am a commerce graduate from St. Xavier’s college. I never practiced law though I am a law graduate of 1965 , the reason being my keen interest in my family business and in stamps. I still have keen interest in fiscals and am proud to state that I have the biggest collection of various Indian states after Adolf Koeppel. Yes, I still deal in stamps and philatelic material and specialize in large collections, postal history & fiscals etc. & known as publisher of the best stamp albums for India , Indian states & neighboring countries of the world. I am proud to be in the world of philately, have earned respect & love of endless fellow philatelists & am very active even at this age.
8. It is amazing that you are a very good singer too. Tell us about your singing.
Regarding singing, this has been inherited from my forefathers. My Grandfather while being a big businessman was also a Tabla player, his brother was a harmonium & sitar player & my father was a Thumri singer & a disciple of legendry musician singer & trainer Pandit Girijashankar Chakravarty, Damodar Misra of Benaras Gharana & was associated with many others of repute. My uncle K.D..Jaiswal was a disciple of the elder brother of the famous Pandit Jasraj. I have been practicing music since my childhood, am learning classical music & wish to specialize in Thumri. Which is the highest & most difficult & most entertaining form of classical music I sing both Hindi as well as Bengali songs and ghazals.. As my voice and singing resembles legendry play back singer Mukesh, I thought of formation of All India Mukesh Fans’ Association which is now successfully enfolding a huge number of members. Stage programmes, release of audio cassettes and Radio programmes are a regular affair for me. I enjoy my singing (where in I can distribute happiness to listeners) as I enjoy philately. I have performed in various elite places including in Nehru centre, London on their invitation.
At Kolkata stamp and Numismatic Fair 2012
9. Are you satisfied with your sons profession/business who adopted the same business which pursued i.e. stamp dealing?
Yes, both of my sons now settled in the U.S.A. & while both are professional philatelists, Sandeep is a keen collector of Indian princely states & has won the maximum numbers of gold medals for his exhibits in the shortest span of time & is probably a world record holder in this respect. They have established themselves there and are doing good business. Initially my guidance was certainly required by them but now they are very well in to philatelic business and have earned a name for themselves. I am happy for them.
The Philatelic Duo - Sandip Jaiswal ( Son) , Editor India Post : India Study Circle and PC Jaiswal
10. Your opinion on future of philately in India? What should be done to promote this hobby?
Looking in to present trend, I don’t see a very good future of philately in India. Philately is not being promoted truly the way it should be. All the new persons/children coming in to it are basically investors. There is strong need of will to promote and develop this hobby which has lost its direction. The senior and veteran philatelists need to help in this cause. I am planning to take up some philatelic promotional acts such as association with MNC’s in their advertising campaigns to catch up the children, holding workshops & introduction of stamps collection projects in schools etc. this will certainly help promotion of philately at grass root level.
COMMENTS :
I know Mr. Jaiswal since 1992 when I first visited his office/shop in Kolkata for purchase of some stamps during my visit to Kolkata and thereafter met several times at different places on different occasions. I have always found him a very simple and humble person. I am truly honored to have his valued interview where in, I found him replying to the questions raised in simple, very straight forward and to the point manner. He has shared his philatelic journey in very lucid manner and his generosity is commendable. Though he says he is proud to have valuable philatelic possessions but one won’t find any inch of such ego. Above all, such a prolific singer .I earnestly hope that his efforts to promote philately will bring back the Kolkata in limelight. – Naresh Agarwal
Some remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks (2)
Here is a cover, which is now about 128 years old. The envelope containing a letter was sent by a British physician Dr. C .A. Martin from Cuddalore on 9th January 1884 to Palamcotta. On the reverse of the envelope there are two receipt and arrival marks reading, ”CUDDALORE/ 9 JAN 84” & “SECOND DELy./PALAMCOTTAH / JAN.10 ” in circle. The QV adhesive of one Anna affixed to the cover was first defaced by Renouf Type 17 Cancellation reading: “CUDDALORE = M-20” but this cancellation was cancelled by a cross and an oblique line in manuscript using red ink and the stamp was again obliterated by Renouf Type 19 showing letter “M” in a circle comprised of 8 parallel lines. I was rather puzzled that there were two different cancellations applied at a time to the same QV adhesive. The reason was not clear to me, so I sent my query to Mr. David Padgham for the clarification behind this double cancellation of the adhesive.
Mr. David Padgham of St. Leonard’s on Sea (GB), who was editing Queries & Answers column in “INDIA POST” (The main organ of India Study Circle, GB) had offered the following clarification to my query in “India Post” N0. 155, March 2003,(Volume 37, Page 19): “The inverted strike, contrary to regulation, was noticed by an inspector and considered inadequate to prevent reuse. As only one person at a time had signed for and was authorized to use the duplex stamp, the applied a different mark available to him, deleting the first one to show it had been noticed. Certainly this procedure was common in the UK and many offices including my own retained an old number stamp from the Victorian era until at least 1950s. One another possibility comes to my mind: 1884 was very late use for type 17 in duplex cancellation; had an instruction to replace it by the round obliterator of Type 19 in the New Year been overlooked and someone in the authority had panicked?”
I accept the above logical conclusion as regards this seldom use of two types cancellations used to deface the same stamp! I shall be grateful, if anybody could offer another reason behind this seldom observed double cancellation on the same cover. Alternately, one could also contact the editor of “Rainbow Stamp News” in this regard.
- Dr Avinash B. Jagtap : email - abjagtap@hotmail.com
Beginners’ Section
Esperanto – an uncommon theme for Stamp collectors
- Jeevan Jyoti
Many people might not know the meaning of Esperanto . Esperanto is the most widely spoken constructed international auxiliary language.Its name derives from Doktoro Esperanto ("Esperanto" translates as "one who hopes"), the pseudonym under which L. L. Zamenhof published the first book detailing Esperanto, the Unua Libro, on July 26, 1887. Zamenhof's goal was to create an easy-to-learn and politically neutral language that transcends nationality and would foster peace and international understanding between people with different regional and/or national languages.
, 'Esperanto' was (and still is) a bold attempt by a single human being to promote world peace through an artificially created international language. Estimates of Esperanto speakers range from 10,000 to 2,000,000 active or fluent speakers, as well as perhaps a thousand native speakers. that is, people who learned Esperanto from birth as one of their native languages. Esperanto has a notable presence in over a hundred countries. Usage is highest in Europe, East Asia, and South America. The first World Congress of Esperanto was organized in France in 1905.
For the interest of philatelists, Russia was the first country to use Esperanto on a stamp.
Appropriately enough, a commemorative stamp in honor of Dr. A. S. Popov a pioneer of wireless telegraphy was chosen. The stamp was issued in October 1925, and has a portrait of Popov with a background of aerials of the type common in Russia. There were two denominations, the 7k. blue, for inland postage on a simple letter or foreign postage on a postcard, and the 14k. green for foreign postage on a letter.
It is well known that Esperanto is entirely non—poIiticaI and nonsectarian. Anyone may use it to further whatever ends he may wish. The Russians have been quick to see its usefulness for propaganda on their stamps.
Seeing that their own language is difficult for foreigners to understand, with the great disadvantage of having an alphabet of its own, Esperanto was most useful. Even when the Russian letters are the same as the English alphabet, they o1'ten have entirely different sounds. for example, sounds like and "P" like Esperanto, of course, uses the ordinary Roman alphabet.
Esperanto words which have appeared on the stamps have been chosen deliberately so that any intelligent foreigner can understand; even if he has no knowledge of Esperanto. Later many countries issued stamps on this theme.
Many countries have issued stamps on Esperanto and it is a good theme for Topical stamp collectors. One can form a good exhibit using a variety of philatelic items on this theme.
Specialized Section
Deepavali is another name for the famous Hindu festival Diwali. The origin of Deepavali is deeply rooted in legend from the Hindu scriptures based in the Puranas. It is believed that the origin of Deepavali is rooted on the return of Rama to Ayodha who after his triumph over Ravana, returned to Ayodha with Lakshman and Sita after 14 years of exile in the jungle.They were greeted and welcomed by the lighting of lamps. That is where the event started and so every year, lamps are lit to signify that yet again, good has overcome bad.
As there are only a few days left for the great festival, Mr.Naresh Agrawal conveys his greetings to the readers by selecting and presenting another topic to take readers to the phase of Ramayana especially referring to the images of Ramayana depicted through pictorial Bazaar cards of which were in extensive use in the first quarter of 20th century. He has reflected the deeds of lord Hanuman through these in a very beautiful manner through his article on British India Bazaar Cards .
BRITISH INDIA BAZAR CARDS
THE MIRROR OF INDIAN MYTHOLOGY
( PICTURING IMAGES OF RAMAYANA AND LORD HANUMAN IMAGES ONE OF THE HEROES OF RAMAYANA AND THE IMAGINATION OF MODERN HINDU RELIGIOUS IDENTITY)
- Naresh Agarwal
India 1906 Advert. Bazaar Card shows Powerful Hanuman God
Stamps are considered as mirror of art, culture, history, religion, mythology and other aspects of any country or society but it is not only stamps but other postal material and stationery also share their part for the same purpose. Various philatelic materials depict and project various such aspects through the quotes, slogan, text or pictorial advertisements, vignettes printed on them and also through cancellations, labels and private text and sketches drawn / written on them.
British India period around the start of 20th centaury saw a great revolution in changing trends of postal cards which were in immense use during that period. Postal cards gave new direction to postal culture and new dimensions to the utility of this mode of postal communication for various social, religious, business promotional and propaganda activities. Apart from those which had pre paid printed stamps issued by postal administration, that period saw a new culture of substantial use of private printed postal cards. Such post cards were developed mainly by the merchants of major cities of all over India who advertised their products or business through text or pictorial matters printed on the either side of the post cards or postal covers which used postal stamps affixed on them for payment of postage.
1900-30 "Bazaar" cards and covers were in fact illustrated advertising postcards and envelopes from various merchants in larger cities (Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Poona City, Jaipur, Indore etc.) promoting their products. These private printed post cards also showed printing of various pictures/ glimpse of various religions of India which were either printed by individual merchants / traders giving specific quotes and pictures or were also available in market with some standard pictorial printing done on either side of the cards . Such private printed post cards which were also on common sale in the market for usage even by non- merchants. Because those cards were mainly used by the merchants of bazaars of India for their business transactions and communication mainly day to day rates; the cards were known as bazaar cards.
Lord Ram and his wife Sita : British India 1906 Bazaar Postcard
Some of the cards had pictures of heroes of various mythological epics of India showing various deities, gods, scenes / images of the episodes of the epics. These cards certainly helped in promotion of religious awakening and enthusing religious spirits in India. One will certainly see a consideration of the relationship between Indian bazaar art shown on bazaar cards of that era and the formation of a modern, pan-Indian Hindu religious identity. It is seen that the popular, mechanically reproduced lithographs of Hindu mythological heroes have always attracted more attention than they have so far received from scholars of religion.
While some scholars in other fields have written politically about these images but one should take seriously their religious genealogy and treat them as vernacular religious texts where these images act as sources of insight into the formation of a modern Hindu religious identity. It is assumed that there is such an entity as Hinduism that is “Sanatana Dharma” .
A close study of such cards revealed that there was a huge variety of such cards which highlighted images of Hindu Mythology as one could see the glimpse of Heroes of Ramayana, Mahabharata, various Hindu deities and gods & scenes / images of various other epics on the pictures imprinted on the cards covering partial, corner, half or in some cases full side of such the cards and covers. These business cards are also known as ‘Corner Cards’.
Ramayana
Rama and his wife Sita, seated, with Rama's brother Lakshmana fans them, and Hanuman, , kneels in front of them. From the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana
Ramayana has been the main epic of Indian mythology and is followed by every Hindu. The main story of the Ramayana is about Lord Rama. In short, the Ramayana is about Rama who was born in a royal family and was supposed to be the king, but because of his step- mother, he was forced to exile from his kingdom for fourteen years. During this period his consort Sita was kidnapped by a demon called Ravan, who was the king of Lanka. Rama with the help of his brother, Lakshman, and an army of monkeys under the leadership of Hanuman, rescued Sita.
Valmiki wote Ramayan in Sanskrit Sant Tulsidas wrote Shree Ram Charitmanas
Ramayana was originally written by a sage Valmiki in the Sanskrit language and later on it was translated into other languages in different versions. Sant Tulsidas wrote Shri Ram Charitmanas giving details of deeds of Ramayana in poetic form.
But the Ramayana isn't only about Lord Rama and his attempt to rescue his consort Sita but is also about devotion, loyalty, family roles and respect to elders.
Ravana : The Villain had ten faces
Ramayana does not begin with the life of Rama, but actually with the people on earth who suffered from the demon named Ravan, a cruel king who terrorizes the people of earth.
Rama gets married to Sita. Sita is an adopted daughter of another king. In order to win her hand, he won the contest of bending a bow, which belonged to Lord Shiva.
King Dasrath intended to inherit his kingdom to his eldest son, Rama. But Sumitra another wife of Dashratha was provoked by her maid asks for exile of fourteen years in forests to Rama and her son Bharat to heir kingdom. King Dasrath who is in great dilemma and pain, eventually bows to her demands
HINDU DIETIES RAM AND SITA
BAZAR CARDS 1906-TWIN COBRA OVERPRINTS- SNAKE CANCELLATIONS OF GWALIOR,
Rama accepts his father's decision without any argument. He along with his wife moved out for exile. His brother Lakshman also decides to join his brother in exile. They moved in to forests, crossed rivers and climb mountains too...
Ramayana crossing river by boat : India Indore State 1907 illustrated Bazar Card
They came across various demons. There in one forest,a female demon, Surpanakha fall in love with Rama and she tried to seduce him. Rama being a loyal husband refused to her flirts, so she tries to kill Sita. At this point Lakshman took his sword and cut the demon's nose. She went to her brother, Ravan, and told him of the disgrace that happened to her. Ravan decided to avenge this humiliation by kidnapping Rama's wife Sita. He even noticed that she is very beautiful and desired her.
Ramayana Archery : Ram and Laxman,Sita roamimng in forests
illustrated Bazar card
To kidnap Sita, Ravan planted a beautiful deer near Rama’s hut in forest which Sita saw and urged Rama to get it. Rama ran after deer to get it. Later, Laxman also followed Rama. And then, Ravna kidnapped Sita and flew to Lanka with her and placed her in a garden.
Ramayana Archery : Ram and Laxman chasing deer as requested by Sita Mata
Indore State 1906 illustrated Bazar card
When Rama returned, a vulture who had fought Ravna to rescue Sita, was found dying told them that Ravan kidnapped Sita. Rama and Lakshman decided to find out Sita.
Rama and Lakshman needed an army to find and fight Ravan and they got this help from the monkeys. The king of monkeys who was exiled by his brother got Rama's help to fight and slain his brother. After regaining his throne the monkey king assigned one of his commanders, Hanuman to serve Rama in his assignment to find Sita.
Lord Hanuman could fly: Flying over Rawana’s Sri lanka : Bazaar King Edward Postcard
Hanuman who was capable of flying, flown to Lanka and found Sita in Ravana’s garden guarded by female demons, in a depressed mood. He proved to her that he was Rama's messenger and offered to carry her back. But to vindicate her honor she preferred that Rama himself should rescue her. Hanuman promised that Rama would come and rescue her.
Lord Hanuman Ji reached Sri Lanka
India Gwalior State QV 3p on illustrated Bazar Card 1904
After Hanuman's return, Rama planned his way to reach Ravan's island. Rama and his advisers planned a bridge to Lanka in the sea with trees and rocks from forests and arrived Lanka and offered Ravana a peaceful solution but Ravana’s refusal set a war.
Fight between Lord Rama and Demon Ravna : 1905 Bazar Card
In this war when Ravana saw that it was difficult to defeat Rama and his force by mechanical weapons he used biological weapons due to which even Rama and Lakshman got hurt. The monkeys also began to get weak as their senses weakened. So, a medical expert in Rama's forces claimed that to neutralize that a special herb named Sanjeevani booti was required which existed in a far away mountain, named Mahodaya (Dronagiri in Himalayas).
HINDU DIETY VEER HANUMAN CHECKING HERBS
BAZAR CARDS-1905 TWIN COBRA OVERPRINTS- SNAKE CANCELLATIONS OF GWALIOR
Hanuman flew to that mountain and found out that the mountain was full of different herbs, so he brought the whole mountain to Lanka. Slowly the forces got back to their senses.
INDIA 1905 PICTURE POSTCARD OF HANUMANJI CARRYING THE SANJEEVANI PARVAT
Eventually after many battles Ravan faced Rama and after two continuous days of battles Rama killed Ravan and visited Sita. But the Ramayana does not end here. The fact that Sita lived in another man's palace caused some rumors about her chastity. She was obliged to take a fire test in which she sat in a fire but came out unharmed and therefore was purified from charges.
Lord Rama with his brothers, wife and Sri Hanuman
India Indore State 1907 illustrated Bazar Card
In the original version of the Ramayana, after Rama and Sita returned to Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala the rumors about Sita's adultery in Ravan's captivity continued and therefore the people disrespected her. So Rama, who was now the king, decided to banish Sita from his kingdom. In the forests she met a sage named Valmiki, who later on wrote the Ramayana. In Valmiki's ashram Sita gave birth to two twins of Rama, Lav and Kush. Those two children learnt from Valmiki to sing the Ramayana as a poem and they went everywhere and started telling everyone the Ramayana, meaning Rama's story. They even arrived into Rama's court and told him his story and so Rama recognized his sons. He brought back his wife Sita who decided to prove her loyalty to Rama by asking Mother Earth to swallow her if she was loyal to Rama and so Mother Earth to testify her loyalty, opened up and swallowed her and Sita disappeared into earth. Later on Rama himself jumped in the river to end his life, followed by many.
- Naresh Agarwal : email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Birth of Playing Cards : Pt. I
Playing cards is very popular during the festival of Diwali . It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can't wait for the next Diwali to come around. In most Hindu families, people invite their friends and relatives over to play cards. Friends get together to indulge in games of cards. The 'addicts' seek legitimacy for their unusual pastime by referring to the celestial game of dice played by the great lord Shiva with his companion Parvati Others rationalise that this is just to remind oneself of the fickleness of lady luck and to inculcate a sense of balance in the pursuit of material success.On the occasion of Diwali, Here is a special article on playing cards by DR SK Agarwal - Editor
How Playing Cards evolved
Chinese dictionary “Ching-tsze-tung” dating from 1628 includes the legend about creation of “dotted” cards. According to it numerous members of Emperor’s army of concubines invented playing cards in a desperate attempt to break the monotony of their existence and keep themselves occupied.
India has its own legend explaining the creation of cards. It’s similar to Chinese one in a way that it connects cards with royalty and female boredom in King’s boudoirs. According to Hindu legend the wife of a Maharaja was bored and irritated by her husband’s disgusting habit of constantly pulling hair from his beard. In order to keep his hands occupied and away from his beard and to entertain her and her husband, the wife conceived the idea of the game which used cards. Unlike the cards in China and Korea, Indian cards had a round shape.
Indian Circular Playing Cards (Ganjifa)
There is also conventional saying that many card games were being played in India since time immemorial and the Brahmins invented them. ‘Ashtapada’, is one of them played in 5th century. According to some historians, playing cards in India were derived from the game chess.
However, once paper money had been introduced in China; the values, numbers and symbols were all put together to form the earliest playing cards. It all started around the 9th century and what started as a family game played with hand printed leaves and wood, soon became an international phenomenon. It soon became popular in Japan and India.
By the end of the 14th century playing cards spread widely across Europe. Spain is credited to be first in Europe where the playing cards were introduced and were known as Barajas Espanola using Latin symbols for the deck.
Barajas Espanola
After this they found home in Italy, Germany, France and Scandinavian countries.
European colonists also brought with them playing cards they enjoyed in their old countries. English brought them to Virginia, Spanish to Florida and the Dutch to New Amsterdam. The cards even invaded Puritan New England.
Evidences suggest that card games and decks first evolved in England around the 15th century and in America with Spaniards during 20th century.
Playing Cards evolved in America during 20th C
Among the Indians of American Southwest the cards were made of deer and ship skin with the design similar to old Spanish Cards of 16th century made of leather used by the soldiers of Spanish expedition.
Spanish American
These card decks included emblematic tarot cards consisted of 77 cards plus one card designated “the Fool”, predecessor of our joker, useful in fortune telling as well as for card games.
Tarot cards
It is also believed that cards are flat, shuffle able versions of other games such as dice, chess or mah-jongg.
Dice
Chess Mah-jongg
Early Cards
No cards from this early survive, but the sources indicate that cards were being painted ‘in gold and various colours’. Wealthy nobles and Royalties from around the world also often play with elaborate ‘painted and gilded’ luxurious cards sometimes made from materials like silver. But standard playing cards began to be printed in Europe from block prints around the time that Gutenberg (Germany) invented the moveable type in the 1440’s enabling the general public to play card games.
German Playing Cards
Most early woodcuts, about 1450 onwards, of all types were coloured after printing, either by hand or, using stencils.
Composition of Card pack
The composition and design of playing card decks varied with time and locale (particularly the number of cards in a deck), but the inclusion of both numbered cards and court cards (or "royals") — and the division of cards into different suits — were standard features from early on. The standard deck comprises 52 cards, in four suits each of thirteen ranks.
The standard deck of 52 cards
In the Royal Household are Kings, Queens and Jacks, and another fellow who plays a cameo in games here and there known as Joker.
King, Queen, Jack and Joker
Suits
The diverse cultural contexts led to a diversity of playing card types and styles. All European packs of the 14th century were 4-suited. They had differences in type of suits, their number and types of court cards.
Various Suits
The earliest examples of European design displayed the ‘Latin Suits’ of Swords, Batons, Cups and Coins.
‘Latin Suits’ of Swords, Batons, Cups and Coins
The Germans and the Swiss were producing more elegant forms as Hearts, Bells, Leaves and Acorns (1475)
Hearts, Bells, Leaves and Acorns
and by the 1480s the French had turned to producing Hearts, Clubs, Spades and Diamonds.
French Suits
Over the years, various scholars have also put forth the notion that the four suits in a deck of playing cards were intended to represent, the four classes of medieval society. The Italian cups (or chalices) stand for the Church, the swords the military, the coins the merchants, and the batons (or clubs) the peasantry. Similarly, the German bells symbolize the nobility (because of their love of falconry), heart the Church, and leave the middle class and acorns the peasantry. On French cards, the spades represent the aristocracy (as spearheads, the weapons of knights), hearts once again stand for the Church, diamonds are a sign of the merchant class (from the paving stones used in the chancels of churches, where the "well-to-do were buried," and clover (the food of swine) denotes the peasantry. However, all of this is mere historic speculation.
Suits came in 4 colors – black, red, blue and green but French Pack introduced major changes that simplified the pack and its production. Four suits were divided in two black suited and two red ones.
Four colours suits Two colours suits
The French suits were accepted by other card-playing nations and French design eventually became the standard for most of Europe because suit symbols were more easily can be stenciled than their earlier counterparts. Also card manufacturers realized they did not need to engrave each of the twelve court cards separately, simply one wood block or copper plate for each of the three royals can be printed the cards from them, and stenciled the suits in later.
Court cards – King, Queens and Jacks
Different types of card decks being used through the world; it was the Europeans who began to give the Court cards their faces. Italian decks contained fifty-six cards, included four types of court cards , ‘king’,’ queen’, ‘knight’ and ‘knave’.
King Queen Knight Knave
The original meaning of knave was male child, so in this context the character could represent the’prince’, son to the King and Queen; the meaning servant developed later.’ Knights’ were also dropped to make standard deck of cards from 56 to 52.
As the Spanish adopted playing cards, they replaced queens with mounted knights (caballeros). The Germans similarly excluded queens from their decks, naming their royals könig (king), obermann ("upper man") and untermann ("lower man"). The French made further changes, dropping the obermann and re-including the queen.
Though specific design elements of the court cards are rarely used in game play and many differ between designs, a few are notable. The Jack of Spades, Jack of Hearts, and King of Diamonds are drawn in profile, while the rest of the courts are shown in full face; these cards are commonly called "one-eyed ".
One Eyed Cards
The King of Hearts is the only King with no mustache, and is also typically shown with a sword behind his head, making him appear to be stabbing himself. This leads to the nickname "suicide king".
Suicide King
The axe held by the King of Diamonds is behind his head with the blade facing toward him. He is traditionally armed with an axe while the other three kings are armed with swords, and thus the King of Diamonds is sometimes referred to as "the man with the axe" because of this.
Man with the Axe
The Jack of Diamonds is sometimes known as ‘laughing boy’.
Laughing Boy
The Ace of Spades, unique in its large, ornate spade, is sometimes said to be the death card, and in some games is used as a trump card.
Death Card
The Queen of Spades usually holds a scepter and is sometimes known as "the bedpost queen", though more often she is called "Black Lady".
Black Lady
Naming of Court cards
Towards the close of the 16th century French playing card manufacturers began naming the court cards after heroes in the epics of medieval history, as narrated in chronicles and legends of the day. Early choices for the identities of the kings included Solomon, Augustus, Clovis, and Constantine, but during the latter part of the reign of Henry IV (1553-1610) they were more or less standardized as representing Biblical king David (spades), Charlemagne (hearts), Julius Caesar (diamonds) and Alexander the Great (clubs).
Similarly, Queen of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs were respectively –Pallas Joan of Arc or the eponymous Greek goddess of war Athena), ,Empress Judith(wife of Charlemagne's son) ,Rachel (Agnes Sorel -mistress of Charles VII or Jacob's wife) & Argine(wife of Charles VII or Juno -queen of the gods in Roman mythology) .
Curiously, the identities of the knaves seem to have remained constant. They were Ogier (a knight of Charlemagne and the knight who is carried off by the witch Morgan la Fay in Arthurian legend) as the knave of spades, La Hire (comrade-in-arms to Joan of Arc, and member of Charles VII's court) as the knave of hearts, Hector (the hero of Troy) as the knave of diamonds, and Judas Maccabeus, or Lancelot (another knight from Arthurian legend) as the knave of clubs.
However, the assignation of identities to the kings, queens and knaves was a temporary practice unique to French card masters that began around the mid-15thcentury and came to an end with the French revolution in the late 18th century. Standard Anglo-American cards today do not represent anyone in particular.
Standard Anglo-American cards
(Note: Most of the illustrated cards are Chinese Postal Stationery Cards and stamps are prepared by Zazzle.com under license from US Post).
- Dr SK Agarwal : email - rosephila@hotmail.com
INDIA 1854 HALF ANNA DIE II PLATE FLAW
The Eagle Eye of Markand Dave
BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF PRITING STONES USED :
The Printing stone of the half anna was built up from four transfers made up from an intermediate stone of twenty-four impressions (8x3) taken from the die. Several impressions on this “matrix stone” required “touching up” and it therefore follows that the impressions so treated are repeated four times in the printing stone with sheet positions differing numerically by twenty-four. The distinction between a “touch-up” and a “retouch” on these stamps arises from their method of production. During construction of the printing stone any noticeable defects were touched-up by hand, consequently stamps from certain sheet positions on a stone, or on any sub-stone transferred from it, will invariably show evidence of these “touches-up.” After the printing stone had been put into use, any other defects which developed, owing either to wear or damage to the plate, were again touched-up by hand, but naturally these “retouches” appear only on later printings from the stone.
Captain Thuillier was set to work for and prepared rough designs of the Half anna stamps on transfer paper and they are known as Thuillier's Essay, were submitted for approval on 22nd Feb 1854, According to available information the Die I was issued on 1st Oct, 1854 and the Die II on 1st & 12nd August 1854, with some extra sheets on or before 2nd Nov, 1854 and the Die III on 3rd July to 25th August 1855.’’
THE FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS :
On careful study of the stamps, following flaws have been observed :
A lower Left hand corner block of four of 1854 Half Anna is reproduced here, Positions of Stamps are 81-82 and 88-89. Also a single unused stamp at the Position 81 is also shown Following plate flaws on stamp at the Position 81 are recorded. These two examples with the same variety confirm that this is a constant positional variety. Interestingly this is printed on Inverted watermark paper of East India Company – Coat of Arms.
1. Damaged “D” of India
2. A square ‘dot’ between AN of ANNA below the frame line.
3. What appears to be a retouch of outer left frame line. Outer frame lines of 82, 88-89 are broken at places suggesting plate was worn out state.
4. Non alignment of stamp No.82 with respect to others is apparent. This may be the case with other stamps also.
These findings will create a new interest in the collectors and add charm and value to their collections.
- Makrand Dave : email - markand7@yahoo.com
New Issues from other countries
New Christmas stamps
USA
10 Oct Christmas –1 val
13 Oct Santa and Sleige – 4 val
Reader’s Right
MY STAMPS : BLUNDER BY THE PHILA CATALOUGE
Phila Catalogue for Indian Stamps ( 2013 – 2014 edition ) is doing round in Philatelic circles of India and the catalogue is said to contains details on all Indian Issues from 1852- 2012 (up to Aug) including Booklets, Official Stamps, India used abroad, IEF and Custodian Forces issue, FDCs, Miniature Sheets , Sheetlets and many more . One shocking omission seen in this catalogue is the absence of all 29 Indian “P-stamps”, issued by the India Post as “My Stamps” during the INDIPEX 2011, an FIP, International Philatelic Exhibition and later on various occasion. I see no logic or reason to understand the exclusion of these 29 new stamps from the listing. Agreed they are designed as some of the earlier issues of India but altogether they all are new & independent issues. You keep them side-by-side with the earlier similar issues and you will mark a number of differences immediately. Some of the new stamps have a new colour scheme, some have new denominations, some have changed the format, all of them have “INDIPEX 2011” marked on them and all of them have 2011 legend on them indicating the year of their issue. One of them, the Taj Mahal stamps is absolutely a new stamp.
When we talk about these Indian “ P-Stamps ” / “My Stamps”, we talk about the currency part of the issued pair. Blank parts, where different photographs or illustrations are printed, are only a souvenir attached to the postal stamp and have no philatelic significance, no matter what the illustration is printed on that. The currency part of the pair is a postal stamp of the postal value marked on it as the denomination of the stamp, Rs 5.oo in this particular case for all the 29 stamps.
They are legitimately issued, they are used in accordance with the current inland postal rates, they are printed by the national security printers, they are issued by the Postal Department of the country, they are openly issued to the general public; apply any of the criteria to them and they are legitimate. They also follow the Code of Ethics adopted by the UPU to provide guidance to the stamp issuing postal authorities of UPU member countries. Then why this sinful exclusion?
MICHEL, the internationally reputed publishing house has listed all these 29 stamps giving specific catalogue number to each stamp in their catalog. MICHEL catalogs are popularly used in European countries where German language is widely in circulation. This listing appeared in MICHEL- Rundschau (published every month) and in MICHEL South-Asia catalog.
What the Phila catalogue editors wish to express by not listing them ? Are these not postal stamps ? Are these not philatelically collectibles ? Are these not the legitimate issues ? THEY ARE LIGITIMATE POSTAL ISSUES and will always remain so. No Indian Collection will be considered complete without these 29 stamps issued in form of 17 sheetlets in 2011 during the “INDIPEX 2011” and later; neither any sheetlet collection will be complete without these 17 sheetlets. Those who are ignoring these stamps will have nothing but to regret on their ignorance and reasoning, including the editors of the catalogue.
There may be some personal reasons for this, may be the editor does not like them or some of his bitter memories are associated with these stamps, but he should not forget that he edits the catalogue for the hobby’s interest and not for his own. Who will be benefitted with this omission, not the philatelists, but of course the hoarders; they will have more time now to corner the material, until the general collectors realize the true worth of these issues.
I predict that they will have to rectify their mistake, sooner the better for the benefit of the philately, the collectors and for themselves. Aamin.
( Note : these are my personal observations and philatelists may or may not agree with them. All are free to collect the materials of their choice and I have no intention to force my views on anyone. Readers comments on the subject are welcome.)
- Madan Middha , Gwalior
‘ International Year of Sustainable Energy for All ’
The United Nation has designated 2012 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable Energy for All’ in order to increase awareness of the importance of addressing energy issues including the energy services for all, access to affordable energy, energy efficiency and the sustainability of energy sources and use; and for promotion of the internationally agreed development through sustainable and peaceful way. The year celebration combines these challenges with the goal of low pollution trying to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations.
Sustainable energy is defined as "the energy produced and used in ways that support long-term human development in a social, economic and ecological scale." Therefore, sustainable energy for all is linked to a sustainable future for development and poverty alleviation.
The future of our nation depends upon the development of all. Students also have the important share and role in nation’s future. They are supposed to be the pillars of the nation. Thus their energy needs necessarily are important.
Postage stamps are being issued by different countries like Greifenberg, San Marino, Canada and Spain as part of this YEAR celebration to create and improve awareness about energy and its conservation. They give message with focus on use of endless natural sources such as wind and solar etc. The term "for all" is represented by the ability to produce energy in self-sufficient environment such as the lighted cabin using these natural resources.
I, as a student appeal Department of Post and Government of India to issue a postage stamp to participate in the international year celebration on “ Sustainable Energy for All ” .
- Chinmay Nawlakhe,
L. B. S. Vidyalaya, Bhandara, Maharastra
Stamp Exchange
I am an old stamp collector started in 1940 and continued till 1965. Between 65 to 2000 there was a break due to my professional involvement in my profession. I have again started from 2000. I now find stamp collection hobby to very much changed from the earlier years and has become more difficult to get used stamps. This is due to complete change in the postal delivery system as the postal authorities have resorted to franking, (non use of stamps), courier, non use of postal stamps in Registration & Speed post, franking of parcel are foreign air mail, use of private courier services, greater use of internet, mobile telephone, etc. Postal authorities do take out commemorative stamps and sell mostly 70% to large rich collectors, local dealers foreign stamps collectors are dealers, all in larger quantities. Only about 30% are sold by the Philatelic Bureau to individual/retail collectors and are rarely allocated to counter retail sale at the post offices. As a result Commemorative stamps are not seem/used by Indian public at large. Young Indian Collectors rarely see Commemorative stamps & thus are not attracted to this hobby. During the time I was actively collecting stamps from 1940 - 1965 I could collect so many beautiful and valuable stamps mainly by exchanging with individuals in India and Overseas. It was a pleasure and a very good past time. Presently Philatelic Hobby has become for the rich people by collecting / buying MINT stamps in large numbers.
I have collected more than 50000 stamps all arranged in 9 stamps albums according to Stanley Gibbons Catalogue as my base. I am still interested in exchanging stamps from Indian collectors and would like to share with them my experience of the past 50 years. My current interest is as under.
1) Exchange MINT India stamps from 2004 to 2012 to complete the series. From Philatelic Bureau I cannot get all the stamps and I have almost 40% missing. I would like to exchange for the missing stamps. A list of stamps needed and the extras I can offer in return will be sent. To be fair I offer exchange on the basis of year by year i.e. 2004 for 2004 and so on. Any deviation are acceptable by mutual discussion.
2) Can exchange FDC and Miniature sheets
3) Can exchange used Indians Commemorative stamps of 15p, 25p, 30p, 35p, 50p and 60p. Stamps with similar denominated stamps based on wanted list in order to complete the issues of the relevant period.
4) Can exchange Foreign stamps with Indian commemorative stamps on the basis of 1 for 1 or Scott 2008 catalogue.
5) Can buy Indian commemorative stamps of Rs4 and Rs.5/- all currently used from 1998 onwards individually or in lots of 25, 50, 50 single and multiple copies.
- N. K. Jain
Email : hemlatajain@gmail.com Postal Add.: 3C Monisha, ST. ANDREWS Road, Bandra (W) Bombay – 400 050. (India) Tel.: 91-22-26401333 Mob.: 09869007809
The Lighter Side
Let your Wife Know...
- Mainak Kathiara
Let your Wife / Husband Know, the True Value of that “Scarp of Paper” to get Right Value in the event of any Casualty. Your wife might be unaware of these stamps and can sell at Face Value or with some premium unknowingly if she does not know the market value…..
“Should wives know every-thing?” This eternal question baffled husbands all over the world. Person-ally, I am of the opinion that it is good for all husbands if their wives know as little as possible of everything! How-ever I make one exception to this rule, and ask every stamp collector to let their wives or family members know the appropriately correct value of his / her stamp collection.
Philately is a possessive hobby. General tendency among the collectors is to hold their collections for lifetime. In majority of cases the collector while enjoying this hobby & the pride of possession attached to it forgets to exit at the right time. This leads to complication…
There are many ways a hus-band spends his income, and one of them is on his hobby. If that hobby is stamp collecting, it should be avidly encouraged by his wife, for the simple reason that money spent on stamps will someday be salvaged value as does stamp collecting. Photography, Motoring, Outdoor Games, Fishing, Golfing and other pastimes provide one with good entertainment and outings. But the money spent on these hobbies cannot be recovered as in the case of the capital spent on purchasing stamps. In fact, s stamp collection is as good as an insurance policy, and, while giving the philate-list intelligent recreation and much pleasure in building up a collection, it also helps him build up a small nest of savings for a rainy day.
Hundreds of collectors in this country have been saved from com-plete ruin by their stamp collections which they had extensively built up during their prosperous days. It is for this reason that wives should be in-formed of the correct value of Hus-band’s Stamp collection. In the event of the sudden death of the Husband, the wife, knowing the true value of the collection, can turn it into ready cash for its true value without the risk of being cheated by anyone. Or she might be ready at any time to receive and accept a fair offer for the collection when the necessity of a sale arises. This knowledge of the true value of her husband’s collection will also help a wife to appreciate the need of care-ful handling of his stamps, which are viewed by many wives as : “Scraps of Paper”!
There are female collectors also but since the majority of collectors are male in our country, the article is titled as “Let Your wife know”. All female collectors should read the article as “Let your Husband know”.......
- Mainak Kathiara : email - mainak61@yahoo.com
NUMISMATIC & PHILATELIC AssociatioN of Vellore FORT - http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm - This Numismatic & Philatelic Association is a non profit and non trade motive association that aims to promote the hobbies – Philately (Stamp Collection) and Numismatics (Coin Collection) among children, students, interested individuals among the general public and especially for the budding philatelists and numismatists.
How to Collect Stamps - http://www.howtocollectstamps.com/ The Complete Guide To Stamp Collecting
GANDHI Stamps & Philately Study Circle : http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.in/ - A new Blog by Ketan Patel .…. Saving Gandhi Philately by trying to bring awareness and exposing illegal activities in Gandhi Stamps and Philately.
Europa Stamps : http://europa-stamps.blogspot.in/ : A blog on Europa, cept, norden & sepac stamps
Phla Mirror : http://philamirror.info/ : The Indian Philately Journal
Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ It is a specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.
Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Flag Theme .
Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/
Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ 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.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Stamps-Philately-1610/indexExp_69442.htm - It is a site based on Question & Answers on Philately. Mr Prashant Pandya replies to queries.
Literature on Indian Philately
View : List of Books 1
Editor’s Mail Box
Dear Ms. Jyoti,
I have been a long time reader of your blog. Before I say anything, let me thank you for the wonderful platform that you have created to share information on Philately. I totally appreciate your wholehearted efforts. I too own a blog & is well aware of the time it takes to gather all such information & put it together for people to read. The quality of the material on your blog clearly reflects your dedication towards the world of Philately.
And once again on behalf of all the readers of your blog I totally appreciate your sincere efforts towards maintaining such a wonderful & dynamic blog. Such selfless efforts from senior Philatelist like you is one of the foremost reasons that India out shines every other country in the world when it come to this King of Hobbies, Philately.
Sincere Wishes & Regards,
- Gaurav Porwal, Mangalore
Nice to go thru Oct. issue of RSN.Your efforts in assembling number of philatelic material and presenting the same in perfect shape is highly appreciated. As always, it’s a great pleasure, viewing your News Letter every month.
-Shrikant Parikh. Ahmedabad
Philatelic Clubs & Societies
Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/
India Study Circle - http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
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/
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rainbow Stamp Club - http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.org.in/
Stamps of India - http://www.stampsofindia.com/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
New Philatelic Publications
The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately by Sekhar Chakrabarti
A new book by noted philatelist Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti, " The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately ” been published by Niyogi Books, New Delhi.
This book in the form of possibly the first and only authoritative book on the history of the Indian National flag, exposed through philatelic articles, till date.... This book is very useful for those who are interested in Indian history as well as those who are curious about the Indian National flag, its background, development and true meaning...and for those collecting stamps on Flags !!
For details Contact : Niyogi Publishers - website : http://www.niyogibooks.com/
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com
India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.
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/
Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta
e ZEP Newsletter http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de
SIPA Bulletin Editor - 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 \
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. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog.
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
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue – Stamps of India, International Stamp News ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore ; Naresh Agarwal – Bilaspur (C.G.); Dr Eli Moallem - Israel
All the images of this issue have not been included here. For detailed images related to this issue Please Visit: http://www.rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Chief Conservator of Forests, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India
E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com
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…..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.
