World Stamp
Show - NY 2016
Rainbow Stamp News June 2016 Vol. IX No.102
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Dear Reader
I am pleased to release June 2016 issue of Rainbow stamp News. The
biggest World Stamp Show NY 2016 is being held in New York from 28th May to 4th
June 2016. . The results have been declared. Hearty congratulations to all the winners
from various countries who exhibited in different categories and special
felicitations to the Indian exhibitors who won awards in this show. Best
wishes to all of them for better performance in forthcoming philatelic
exhibitions. Well, such exhibitions give a big platform to develop philatelic
fraternity among collectors from different parts of the world. Hope all the
visitors of this show will be back with a great philatelic experience and tips to win a higher medal in a philatelic exhibition, since
one gets the opportunity to see high quality exhibits in such a big philatelic
event. Once again my warm philatelic greetings to all !
Happy Collecting !!
…. Jeevan Jyoti
Contents
§
From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§
Recent Indian Issues
§
In The News
§
Doon Philatelic Diary
§
Beginners’ Section
§
Specialized Section
§
New Issues from Other Countries
§
Acknowledgement
§
Philatelic Clubs and Society
§
Blogs & Websites on Philately
§
Editor’s Mail Box
§
Current Philatelic Magazines –
Newsletter
WHY SUCH A HIKE IN PRICES OF SPECIAL COVERS
First day covers, Special covers or
Commemorative covers and cancellations add to the charm and beauty of postal
collection and are loved by the stamps lovers. Most of the new stamp lovers
enter in to philatelic field through collection of stamps and the FDC’s or
Special covers. There is huge percentage
of such collectors in India.
Looking a few years back, role of
India Post seemed very encouraging as it
used to issue Special Covers at standard prices. Yes, the printing used to be
ordinary. The pricing was very reasonable and affordable. That encouraged the
collectors and promoted philately in big
way. But for last few years the trend has changed. Designer and innovative
covers have come in to flow. Different printing techniques are being used.
Different materials are being used for making covers.Limit of printing of
covers has also changed. Public has been allowed to get special covers issued
at a particular payment depending upon the day of release, number of days
required days and quantity. We must thank India Post for issuing special covers
of interest of general public on request.
Well, all is well as long as there is
no hitch, no objection but of late, there has been a huge voice raised by
various philatelists from all corners of India talking about uncontrolled
prices of such covers. There is a voice of disappointment by philatelists due to rising commercialism
in DOP. DOP now sounds like a commercial
organization and not a service organization which looks for its profits first
and interest of the public / philatelists later.
By just looking at the prices of
special covers issued during few months, one is amazed as to what exactly is
happening? Such a huge price escalation!! Covers are being issued at prices
around Rs. 250/- to Rs. 300/- which ultimately reach philatelists at a premium
of Rs. 500/ - or more. The examples are :
09.05.2016 Ujjain :
Simhastha Kumbha Mahaparva 2016 :
Rs. 300/-
Indore Mahapex 2016, May 2016 : Special cover on Simhastha : Rs. 250/- or Rs.300/-
21.05.2016 Hyderbad :
Special Cover issued on 2560th Birth Anniversary of Lord Budda at
Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad. :
Official Price Rs. 300/- Sells in market at Rs. 350.00
February
2016 Kolkatta : Commemoration of
76 years of Netaji’s last meeting with Gandhiji along with designer special covers. The covers are affixed with
different materials like canvas, wool, silk and wood . Price Rs. 250/-
All the special covers issued during
last one or two years by M.P. circle, U.P. Circle even by other circles are
priced at Rs. 25/- or above.
I would like to mention here what some
of the philatelists write :
Mr. Mohanachandran Nair
from Kerala writes about unfair practice by India Post during KERALAPEX-2016
where the old stamps of India were being sold at premium by India Post itself
at a stall. On objection raised by philatelists, the stamps were converted in
to year packs which were then sold at premium. From this incident the
department has once again proved that they are not encouraging philately, but
killing it. Please object these kind of unfair practices if any, found in your
locality, in the budding stage itself and save philately.
Mr.
Mani from Bangalore writes that the price of 18 special covers to be
released during NY Expo 2016 is just USD 135 only. Moreover, India Post is
selling 2003 Aero India MS for USD 19. Face value Rs 30, Even a small dealer
here in India sells for equivalent to just USD 8,
Coming to special covers and Indian post we feel, there must be someone to report to the higher authorities of the feedback from philatelist should take care this matter very seriously before more damage happens to philately in India if I am wrong kindly correct me. Kindly if possible forward to concerned authorities.
Coming to special covers and Indian post we feel, there must be someone to report to the higher authorities of the feedback from philatelist should take care this matter very seriously before more damage happens to philately in India if I am wrong kindly correct me. Kindly if possible forward to concerned authorities.
Well, the latest news
with regards to the 18 special covers being released during NY Expo 2016 is
that the price of each cover has been reduced to USD 5 from USD 7.5.
Now my concern is
where we are going? What exactly India Post is thinking? How such practices are
going to benefit philately? Friends, think about it. WAKE UP….SHAKE UP….and do something or
else see philately dying….
Recent Indian Issues
·
8
March 2016 - UN Women He for She – Rs 5 & Rs 25 + MS
·
11 March 2016 - National Archives of India – Rs 5
·
13 March 2016 - Allahabad High Court – Rs 5 & Rs 15 + MS
·
14 April 2016 – Fire Services in India – Rs 5
·
21 May 2016 – Swami Chidanada – Rs 5
Recent Special Covers
1 May 2016 : Panchkroshi
Yatra - Ujjain
3 May
2016 : Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey
Namme 2016 - Madikeri.
4 May
2016 : DGOF Employees’ Welfare Board - Kolkata
9 May
2016 : Ujjain Darshan - Ujjain
12 May
2016 : Mahamati Shri Prannath Ji - Ujjain
20 May
2016 : Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain
21 May
2016 : 2560th Birth
Anniversary of Gautama Buddha, Hyderabad
1 June
2016 : Diamond Jubilee : Evangelical Church of India , Chennai
Special Covers to be released by India Post during World Stamp Expo,
New York (May 28 – June 4 2016)
World Stamp Expo at New York is scheduled at
May 28 - June 4.India Post has planned to issue set of 16 Special Covers during
the occasion, on various themes. Booking for covers has started at E-Post site.
Cost of set of 16 covers is Rs. 4,800.The covers will be delivered after the
event is over. Covers can be bought individually too.
In The News
World Stamp Show NY 2016..
Photo
courtesy – Anuj Saxena
The once-a-decade event being held at the
Javits Center in New York City from May 28 to June 4 2016.More than 4,100 frames of competitive exhibits will be
visited by around 250,000 people over the eight days. The souvenir sheet by
Romania marks its participation in this exhibition and illustrates within the stamp (through the stamp in stamp
technique), the image of the 27 parale stamp, of the 1858 issue, Auroch’s Head, issued by the Principality of
Moldavia. On the illustrated border of the souvenir sheet the logo of the
Exhibition, along with national identity elements (the
Maramures gate) are presented. Here are some most
beautiful souvenir sheets issued by Postal administrations of Poland,
Australia and Armenia to commemorate this
prestigious stamp show .
The perforation of the new souvenir sheet issued by Armenia Post is performed
in the form of an apple (New York is also commonly
known as the Big Apple).
Indian winners at World Stamp Show NY 2016
Congratulations !!
Row 1. Anil
Suri, Praggya Jain, Ajay Mittal,Dhananjay Desai,
Row 2.Pradip
Jain, Praful Thakkar, Dinesh Sharma, Abhai Mishra
Sr. No.
|
Name of Exhibitor
|
Title
|
Class
|
No. of Frames
|
Award
|
1.
|
Anil Suri
|
Fiscals of Cochin
|
Revenue (Fiscals)
|
8
|
Large Gold
(Marks: 95)
|
2.
|
Pragya Jain
|
A Study of the First Issue of India (1852-1854)
|
Traditional Philately (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
|
5
|
Gold
(Marks: 90)
|
3.
|
K. S. Mohan
|
Postal History of Cochin
|
Postal History (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
|
8
|
Large Vermeil
(Marks: 88)
|
4.
|
Ajay Kumar Mittal
|
Indian Princely State Kishangarh
|
Revenue (Fiscals)
|
5
|
Vermeil
(Marks: 84)
|
5.
|
Angeet Suri
|
Fiscals of Jodhpur
|
Revenue (Fiscals)
|
5
|
Vermeil
(Marks: 82)
|
6.
|
Dhananjay Desai
|
Soruth (Indian Feudatory State)
|
Traditional Philately (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
|
8
|
Vermeil
(Marks: 81)
|
7.
|
Avinash Sharma
|
Olympic
Games
|
Youth Philately (16 - 18 Years)
|
4
|
Large
Silver
(Marks:
77)
|
8.
|
Pradip Jain
|
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Issues of 1948
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Silver
(Marks: 70)
|
9.
|
Dinesh Chandra Sharma
|
The
History of Olympic Games Through Philately
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
|
10.
|
Rohit Prasad
|
India 1929 Airmail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
|
11.
|
Praful Thakkar
|
Collector’s Guide to British India Bazar Post Cards- Edwardian
& Georgian Period
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
|
12.
|
Praful Thakkar
|
Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of
India with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
|
13.
|
Abhai Mishra
|
Indian Antarctic Expedition-Philatelist’s Guide
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Bronze
(Marks: 63)
|
14.
|
Chander Dev Singh
|
Stamps on Sikhs. A Thematic Tribute
|
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
|
-
|
Bronze
(Marks: 60)
|
Indian Commissioner:
Mr. Dhananjay Desai
Diwali stamp to be issued by Canada Post
After years of lobbying
by community leaders, Canada Post has finally agreed that it will issue Diwali
stamps next year.
By
Ajit Jain
The Indian Diaspora
Jun 01, 2016
The Indian Diaspora
Jun 01, 2016
Toronto:
After years of lobbying by community leaders, Canada Post has finally agreed
that it will issue Diwali stamps next year.
Finally
there’s a positive response. “Thank you for suggesting a topic for a future
stamp issue. We appreciate your interest and engagement in Canada’s annual
stamp program,” wrote Jo-Anne Polak, Vice-President, Communications and Public
Affairs of Canada Post.
In a
letter, she explained to Mody that his suggestion to issue Diwali and other
multi-faith stamps, “was given careful consideration by our Stamp Advisory
Committee, which is tasked with selecting a balanced program from a long list
of potential topics and have decided to issue Diwali stamps, as also on Eid,
Hanukkah, on Christmas: Madonna and Child, and Christmas Animals.
“My
efforts were not for Diwali (or Jains) only, but for multi-faiths and emphasis
was on diversity,” Mody told The Indian Diaspora. “While this was a legitimate
and valid request but for whatever reasons for long time nothing was happening.
“I
have done my best by right methods and all my efforts and left it at that
stage,” he said.”I am really happy with this announcement by Canada Post that
they will issue the Diwali stamps next year, as also on Eid and Hanukkah.”
Mody
says he’s also pursuing with Canada Post if they could issue stamps jointly
with Indian Post
(Ajit
Jain can be contacted at ajit.jain0410@gmail.com
All Blacks Stamp Wins Supreme Print Award
The
Adidas jersey that was worn by the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks in 2015
is a winner for a second time – now taking the coveted Supreme Award at the
2016 New Zealand Pride In Print Awards.
The
New Zealand Post stamps entered by Dunedin-based Southern Colour Print is an
industry first, in using rugby jersey fabric for a stamp that is perfectly
useable for postage.
As
a ground-breaking technology, the stamps also won the Industry Development
Category for Pride in Print, which are the premier print and packaging awards
in New Zealand.
The
stamps celebrate the All Blacks’ win in the Rugby World Cup and had judges
asking “what is it?” when they first picked up them up.
Closer
inspection showed the stamps featured mini cut-outs of the World Cup-winning
jersey – using the actual material of the Adidas jerseys worn by the All
Blacks.
Recent Stamp
Exhibitions
NATUREPEX-2016,
National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment will be organized by
the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association with active support of the
Department of Posts, Government of India from 30th September to 2nd October, 2016
at KiiT International School, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha with an objective to
aware people for protection of natures and conserve our environment. The
exhibits relating to Nature, Flora & Fauna, Environment and related
subjects will only be exhibited in this exhibition as per the decision taken at
the Special Meeting of the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association held on
03.05.2015. The exhibition will be of 400 frames and will be competitive one.
The
main theme of the exhibition is ‘Save our Nature & Environment’. This
exhibition would give extensive mileage to the promotion of Philately as well
as create awareness to save our environment and to preserve the endangered
species in our country.
Participation
in the exhibition is open to all philatelists throughout India. Exhibitor should be a member of a
registered Philatelic Society/ Association/Club.
The
prospectus is under preparation, which will be published along with the entry
form shortly. For details Please visit : www.naturepex2016.blogspot.in
-Ajit Kumar Dash : Secretary, EIPA
CHINA 2016 - 33th Asian International Stamp Exhibition
CHINA 2016 will be held at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China from December 2 - 6, 2016.
CHINA
2016 (33th Asian International Stamp Exhibition) will be organized under the
Patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) and Recognition of
the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).Mr Surajit Gongvatana is the
FIAP Co-ordinator of CHINA 2016
This
exhibition is organized by the All-China Philatelic Federation, jointly with
the State Post Bureau of The People’s Republic of China, The People’s
Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and China Post Group.
Mr.Surendra A. Kotadia is National Commissioner for CHINA - 2016 from India. His contact details are as below.
ADDRESS - DIMPLE DRUMS &BARRELS PVT LTD
1119 MAKER CHAMBER - V
221 JAMANALAL BAJAJ ROAD, NARIMAN POINT
MUMBAI 400 021 .
TELIPHONE + 91 22 22024130/31
MOBILE + 91 98199 03789
FAX
+ 91 22 22843275
E-MAIL : surendrakotadia@gmail.com
PHILATAIPEI 2016 : World Stamp Championship Exhibition
World Stamp Show, New York 2016 is being held from 28th May to 4th June 2016 at New York, USA.
Shri Dhananjay Desai of Ahmadabad is Commissioner for this exhibition. email : dhananjay_47@yahoo.co.in
Date : May 28-June 4, 2016 Venue : Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 West
THAILAND 2016, 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition
Nonthaburi, Thailand, August 10-15, 2016
Website : https://sable.godaddy.com/click?id=43076.6253.486de72be313d7128552d9ee79a08029&l=55&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thailand2016.org%2F
National Commissioner: Rajan Jayakar : email :
rajanjayakar@yahoo.com
Mobile : 9821072417
Department of Posts has revised special cover/cancellation
charges w.e.f. 11.05.2016.
New Rates:
On working day at Post Office Rs. 12,500
On working day at Proponent's premises Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Post Office Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Proponent's premises Rs. 50,000
On working day at Post Office Rs. 12,500
On working day at Proponent's premises Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Post Office Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Proponent's premises Rs. 50,000
Para 57 of Hand Book of Philately amended accordingly.
News
from Philatelic Clubs and Societies
Philatelic Society of Delhi
The
monthly meeting of Philatelic Society of Delhi for the month of May was held at
Indian Building Congress, RK Puram (Sector 6), New Delhi on May 15th, 2016. The
meeting was attended by more than 50 eminent philatelists of the region.
The
meeting started with the early bird lucky draws in which Shri Vivek Bhargava,
Shri R.K. Bhatia and Shri KuldeepJalandara received gifts from the Society
President, Shri Anil Suri, the vice president, ShriUdai Saxena and a senior
member Shri A.R.C. Shah. The meeting started with a wonderful presentation on
Philatelic footprint of Allahabad. An elaborate presentation spanning 110
slides covering all aspects of the city (people, places and culture) was
presented by Shri Dinesh Sabharwal, the Joint Secretary of the society. Special
attraction of the presentation was the variety of special and combination
covers displayed only on the sesquicentennial of the High
Court of Allahabad.
1. Shri R.K. Bhatia receiving
Early Bird gift from Shri A.R.C. Shah. 2. Shri KuldeepJalandara receiving gift.
3. Shri Vivek Bhargava receiving gift from Shri Anil Suri. 4. Shri Dinesh
Sabharwal presenting the slide deck of Allahabad. 5. Shri Aditya Asthana
presenting the slide of “Tale of a Mail” 6. Glimpse of Episode #1 of “Tale of
the Mail”. 7. Discussion on the combination covers of Allahabad High Court. 8.
Inauguration of PSOD website by Shri Anil Suri, Shri MadhukarJhingan and Shri
Anish Mathews. 9. Glimpse of the Shri Sabharwal’s presentation
Post
tea break, executive member Shri Aditya Asthana started a new informative
series of presentations "Tale of a Mail" with its first episode
illustrating the postal markings, rates and the route of a Pre-stamp letter
dated April 1836 from Cawnpore, India to Portobello, Scotland. Inclusion of
animated route map and letter’s text made the talk interesting. The session
continued with open discussion on a beautiful one frame exhibit "The
Ramayana, The adventures of Lord Rama" by an eminent philatelist Eli
Moallem from Jerusalem, Israel. Tips and tricks for thematic exhibiting were
also discussed. The Society treasurer, Shri Rishi Chandok briefed the members
about the upcoming events of the society.
Post
lunch, Shri Anil Suri and our senior member Shri MadhukarJhingan inaugurated
the website of Philatelic Society of Delhi. The site which is under
construction is being engineered by Shri. Anish Mathews. The link to the website
is www.philatelicsocietyofdelhi.com.
(Executive
Member) Philatelic Society of Delhi
Doon Philatelic Diary
- Abhai Mishra
Childers
Lodge is part of the 312 acre estate established around 1860's on the slopes of
Lal Tibba. It is a single piece of land in Landour, Mussoorie and the highest
point in Mussoorie i.e. 2290 meters above mean sea level is part of it. The
Childers group of Houses(Childers Castle, Childers Cottage and Lodge) was
probably established by Col. Michael Childers of the 11th Light Dragoons. It is
one of the oldest settlement in Mussoorie and boasts of having exhilarating
view of Himalayas from here.
To
give the visitors a clearer view of the picturesque surroundings a Japanese
telescope has been installed at the edge of the cliff, from which one can see
the mountains that house the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath on a clear
day. One can also see other majestic peaks like Bandarpunch and Srikantha from
here.
The Landour Language School was set up in 1912 in this sprawling Victorial mansion so that the British civil servants can learn Hindi in order to communicate with the local populace. Later the Language School was shifted its present location at Kellogg Memorial Church in Landour. The nearest post office was Landour Cantt. In 1958 Mr. & Mrs. Leon H. Elliot owned the Childers Lodge.
In 1990,
Childers Estate was purchased by Nahata Group and is now known as Nahata
Estate. Shri Harakh Chand Nahata was born on the 18th of July, 1936 in an
eminent family in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Handling the largest Railway Out agency
in Tripura and establishing a large network of road transport, he was
instrumental in starting the economic development and two way traffic to bring
economic gains to the tribal people and the state of Tripura.
He contributed a lot for the development of cinema in Eastern India. In 2009 a commemorative stamp was released on him.At present the Childers Lodge mostly remains closed but it did have an interesting history behind it.
He contributed a lot for the development of cinema in Eastern India. In 2009 a commemorative stamp was released on him.At present the Childers Lodge mostly remains closed but it did have an interesting history behind it.
.
Beginners’ Section
Magic square on new
Macau stamps
Chinese stamps celebrate an ancient number
pattern by themselves appearing in a pattern
Old-age mutant number
tortoise: Macau stamp displays the origin myth of the magic square.
Illustration: Macau Post
According to Chinese legend a
turtle like the one above crept out of the Yellow River about 4000 years ago.
It looks like it is riddled with spots, or bullet holes. But if you look
carefully, the dots on its back represent the digits from 1 to 9 arranged in
the following way:
492
357
816
If you add the numbers in each row
together, they are all equal to 15. For example 4 + 9 + 2 = 15, and so on.
If you add the columns, they sum
to 15 also. For example, 4 + 3 + 8 = 15. And yes, you guessed it, the diagonals
do too.
A grid containing consecutive
numbers starting from 1 such that rows, columns and diagonals all add up to the
same number is known as a magic square. The 3x3 square on turtle
is known in China as the lo shu.
Magic squares have long fascinated
soothsayers, herpetologists, mystics, architects, soldiers, artists,
mathematicians…and now, stamp collectors. Macau, the former Portuguese colony
now a part of China, has just issued a set of magic square stamps that, it
claims, not only promotes Chinese culture but also creates a “unique product in
the history of philately.”
Each stamp in the collection
features a magic square. More curiously, the stamps have a monetary value of
between 1 to 9 patacas (the Macau currency), and you will be able to buy them
in a sheet where the first row has the 4, 9 and 2 pataca stamps, the second has
the 3, 5 , 7 pataca stamps and the third has the 8, 1 and 6. In other words,
the stamps are themselves arranged in a magic square, which is none other than
the lo shu!
Meta!!! Amazed no postal service
ever thought of this before…
In fact there will be ten stamps
in the set, including the 12 pataca stamp above with the turtle on it.
Specialized
Section
This is the last part of this series by Dr Avinash B. Jagtap. I
thank Dr Jagtap for contributing this special section of Postal History to
Rainbow Stamp News.- Editor
Some Remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks – 40
Renouf
Remarkable Cancellations : Registration Marks
- Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap
Father of Science Fiction (Pt I)
© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal
All-time great Science Fiction novels- “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth” (1864), “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea” (1870) and “Around the World in Eighty Days” (1873) were written by Jules Verne. These are not only works of fiction but living proof of his intelligent foresight into the technical achievements that are within man's grasp. He was born on 8 Feb 1828 in France and known as the first authentic writer of modern science fiction.Verne has been the second most-translated author (more than 140 languages), in the world since 1979, ranking between Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare.
Verne’s
father, intending that Jules follow in his footsteps as an attorney but the young Verne fell in love with
literature,and dreamed of writing a new kind of novel—one that would combine
scientific fact with adventure fiction.
Jules Gabriel Verne
Verne's first long work of fiction, “Five Weeks in a
Balloon” published in 1863 gives readers a glimpse of the exploration of
Africa, which was still not completely known to Europeans of the time, with
explorers traveling all over the continent in search of its secrets.It is the
first novel in which he perfected the "ingredients" of his later
work, skilfully mixing a plot full of adventure and twists that hold the
reader's interest with passages of technical, geographic, and historic
description.
“Five Weeks in a Balloon”
Public interest in fanciful tales of African
exploration was at its height which made the book an instant hit and he got a
contract with Jules Hetzel's publishing house, a highly successful
author-publisher collaboration that lasted for more than 40 years and resulted
in more than 60 works in the popular series “Voyages extraordinaire”. His works
were often written in the form of a travel book which took the readers on
Voyage Extra ordinaries.
“Voyages extraordinaire”
Few Book Covers of Voyages Extraordinary series
Verne's next few books were immensely successful at
the time and are still counted among the best he wrote. “A Journey to the
Centre of the Earth” (1864) describes the adventures of a party of explorers
and scientists who descend the crater of an Icelandic volcano and discover an
underground world.
Sea monster attacks a makeshift raft
“Journey to the Centre
of Earth”
The story involves German professor Otto Lidenbrock
who believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the centre of the Earth. He,
his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans descend into the Icelandic volcano
Snæfellsjökull, encountering many adventures, including prehistoric animals and
natural hazards, before eventually coming to the surface again in southern
Italy, at the Stromboli volcano.
Encountering prehistoric animals
“The Adventures of Captain Hatteras” is a two parts
novel, ‘The English at the North Pole’ and ‘the desert of ice’, published in
1864. It describes adventures of British expedition led by Captain John
Hatteras to the North Pole who is convinced that the sea around the pole is not
frozen and his obsession is to reach the place no matter what. Mutiny by the
crew results in destruction of their ship but Hatteras, with a few men,
continues on the expedition and reaches the island of "New
America".Captain Hatteras shows many similarities with British explorer
John Franklin.
“The Adventures of Captain Hatteras”
As with many of Verne's imaginative creations, his
description of Arctic geography was based on scientific knowledge at the time
the novel was written (1866) but foreshadowed future discoveries. Ellesmere
Island had been re-discovered and named by Edward Inglefield in 1852 and
further explored by Isaac Israel Hayes in 1860-61. Forty years after the
novel's publication, in 1906, Robert Peary claimed to have sighted Crocker Land
around 83° N, and in 1909, Frederick Cook sighted Bradley Land at 85° N, both
at locations occupied by Verne's “New America”. Cook's choice of route may
actually have been inspired by his reading of Verne.
The Adventures of Captain Hatteras in 1866 envisioned the discovery of
the North Pole later found by Richard E Byrd
In “From the Earth to the Moon” (1865) and its
sequel, “Round the Moon” (1870), Verne describes how two adventurous
Americansjoined a Frenchmanarrange to be fired in a hollow projectile from
gigantic cannon that lifts them out of Earth's gravity field and takes them
close to the moon.
Fired in a hollow projectile
“From the Earth to the Moon”
Verne not only pictured the state of weightlessness
his "astronauts" experienced during their flight, but also he had the
vision to locate their launching site in Florida, where nearly all of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space launches take
place today.
Apollo 11 on lunar surface
BRITISH INDIA VICTORIAN POST CARDS
( Part 2)
Military Post Cards
Regular issues
were overprinted C.E.F. on the imprinted stamp for use by the China Expeditionary Force.
Postal Service Post Cards
These cards
were for inter-departmental use of the postal department. They were designed
and printed in India. They were devoid of any imprinted stamp.
1881 issue
Yellow-green
on stout yellow card/thinish yellowish white card/buff card. 119-122x74-78 mm.
1889 issue
Similar to
last issue but inscription and coat-of-arms changed to a different type. 119x74
mm.
1890 issue
Type 1. The
word “TO” was added with two dotted horizontal lines for the address.
On stout
paper, with size 119x74 mm.
1892 issue
1894 issue
East is
removed from the heading. The heading reads INDIA POSTAL SERVICE CARD.
Convention States Postal Stationery
The
convention states of India were:
Chamba
(1887–1948)
Faridkot
(feudatory from 1879–1887; convention from 1887 to 1901).
Gwalior
(1885–1948)
Jhind
(feudatory 1874 – 1885; convention from 1885).
Nabha
(1885–1948)
Patiala
(1884–1947)
The postal
conventions signed by each state were almost identical in their provisions:
“As per the terms of the
convention, each party thereto recognises the franking power within its own
territory of the postage stamps issued by the other party, provided that they
are of the nature laid down in the convention. These conventions further bind
the Government of India to supply these States, on indent, with stamps current
in British India surcharged with the name of the indenting State. The charge
made to the latter for this service is the actual price paid by the Government
of India to the contractors in England for printing the stamps, plus the
freight to India, and the actual cost of surcharging. No profit is made on the
transaction.” Sir Charles Stewart-Wilson, British Indian Adhesive Stamps
Surcharged for Native States, Vol I.
For details
of the postal stationery of Convention States one may refer to the monumental
work of Edward F Deschl. A few Victorian postal cards from the Convention
States are illustrated. They had the name of the state with or without the
coat-of-arms.
Chamba
Chamba, 1888, first Official Post
Card, ¼ anna red-brown on buff, overprinted with 'SERVICE' & ‘CHAMBA STATE’
in black, with black 'Sun' below
Chamba, 1888, Post Card with reply, ¼
+ ¼ anna red-brown on buff,
overprinted Chamba State in black with
black 'Sun' below
Faridkot, 1891, Post Card, ¼ anna, red-brown on buff overprinted
‘FARIDKOT STATE’ in black with coat-of-arms in
black below.
Gwalior
Gwalior first PC 1885 ovpt ‘SPECIMEN’
with the sun and snakes coat-of-arms in red
Jhind
Jhind, first PC, 1885, ¼ anna
red-brown on buff, with
‘STATE JHIND’ in black and black coat-of-arms
below
Nabha
Nabha, 1898, ¼ anna red-brown on buff
card with ovpt ‘SERVICE’
and ‘NABHA STATE’ in black and black coat-of-arms
below
Patiala
Patiala, 1884, ¼ anna red-brown on buff with horizontal
ovpt ‘PUTTIALLA STATE’, with no coat
of arms
Zanzibar Overprinted Post Cards
As with
stamps and fiscals, postal stationery too were overprinted for use in Zanzibar and were covered in detail by
George T Krieger in his article Zanzibar-Overprinted Postal Stationery of India
1896-6, feely available on the net. A few Victorian postal cards from Zanzibar
are illustrated.
References
1. Manik
Jain, Encyclopaedia of Indian Postal Stationery, Philatelia, 1973
2. Col J
Dutta, British India Victorian Post Cards, Deccan Philatelist, Vol 5, No2,
2006.
3. George T
Krieger, Zanzibar-Overprinted Postal Stationery of India 1896-6, Postal
Stationery, No 332, 2003, p 116-120.
4. Edward F
Deschl, Indian States Postal Stationery Listing, Published by the author, 1994.
5. Sir
Charles Stewart-Wilson, British Indian Adhesive Stamps surcharged for Native
States, Vol I, The Philatelic Society of India, Calcutta, 1897.
6. Pratisad
Neurgaonkar, Postal Stationery of British India 1856-1947, Published by the
author, 2009.
-Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta : email - doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com
Ujjain
Simhastha Kumbh 2016
-By Vikas Singh
The churning of ocean by the Gods and the Demons yielded 14 gems: Shri, Rambha, Vish, Varuni, Amiya, Shankh,
Gajraj ,Dhanwantari, Dhanu, Dhenu, Taru, Chandramaru, Mani and Baji. The churning also yielded a jar (Kumbh) full of Amrit (nectar).Gods did not wish to share it with demons. At the instance of Lord Indra, the King of Gods, his son Jayanta tried to run away with the jar and was followed by some of the demons. During the struggle for its possession, lasting for twelve days a few drops of the nectar dropped on the rivers in four places - Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik on the earth. These are the four places where Kumbh is held at interval of 12 years. As the struggle for the possession of the nectar jar (Amrit Kumbh) lasted for twelve days, the corresponding period turned out to be twelve years on the earth for the human beings.
Kumbh at Ujjain is held when a rare
configuration of planets takes place with the Sun in the zodiac sign Aries and
Jupiter in the zodiac sign Leo. Because Jupiter is in the zodiac sign Leo
(Singh), Kumbh at Ujjain is called Simhastha. This year the Simhastha Kumbh was
from 22nd April till 21st May.
According to Skanda Purana, dip in Shipra
River is very important during the Kumbh. One gets salvation after taking a dip
in the holy Shipra river in Ujjain when the month is Vaishakh, Shukla Paksha,
Jupiter is in Leo, Sun in Aries, Moon in Libra and Swati Nakshatra,
VyatipathYog.
There were 10 Holy dip Dates during this
Simhastha
22nd
April- Chaitra Shukla, First Shahi Snan
3rd
May- Varuthini Ekadashi.
Varuthini Ekadashi, falls on the 11th lunar
day (ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waning moon in the Hindu month of
Vaishakha .On this day Vishnu, in his fifth avatar Vamana, is worshipped. The
greatness about Varuthini Ekadashi is narrated by Krishna to Yudhishthira in
the Bhavishya Purana.
6th
May- Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya
9th
May- AkshayaTritiya,
Second Shahi Snan. AkshayaTritiya falls on
the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of
Vaishakh. It is traditionally observed as the birthday of Parashurama, the
sixth incarnation of god Vishnu. The Puranic scriptures speak about how he
reclaimed the land from the sea. On this day Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesh began to
write Mahabharata. According to Hindu belief, on this day the TretaYug began
and the river Ganges, the most sacred river of India, descended to the earth
from the heaven. It was on this day that Goddess Annapurna Devi was born.
11th
May- Shankracharya Jayanti
15th
May-VrishabhSankranti.
VrishabhSankranti is the period during when
Sun moving to Vrishabhrashi (Taurus zodiac) from Mesharashi (Aries zodiac).
Sankranti is the time when Sun moves from one rashi to another. There are 12
Sankranti times in a year.
17th
May- Mohini Ekadashi
19th
May- Pradosh
20th
May- Narsingh Jayanti.
Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi is celebrated as
Narsingh Jayanti. Lord Narsingh was the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On
Narsingh Jayanti day Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narsingh, a half lion
and half man, to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu.
21st May-Vaishakh
Shukla, Third Shahi Snan
India Post set up three extension counters of
the Ujjain City PO-456006 at the Simhastha Kumbh, Ujjain. Extension counters
were opened at DuttAkhada, Mangalnath and Rudra Sagar. No special post mark was
provided at any of these extension counters. Mostly they are receiving normal
mails for onward dispatch. The main business of these extension counters was to
print and sell Simhastha My stamp. There was a fourth post office in the meal
area but it is an existing post office only.
DuttAkhada Simhastha Mela Post Office
– 456 006Bherugarh S.O. 456 003
Mangalnath Simhastha Mela
Post Office – 456 006Rudra Sagar Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006
The Dept of posts also printed My stamp with
Mahakal temple. 5000 sheets were printed. The post office extension counters
promoted this facility. Pamphlets were distributed in all major camps. 450
sheets were sold during the month long Kumbh.
My stamp with top of
Mahakal temple
Seven special covers were released during this month long
festival.
During the MP State Philatelic exhibition,
the first cover on Simhastha Kumbh was released in Indore on 7th
Feb. The Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing
information about kumbh is provided with the Special Cover.
On the occasion of first Shahi Snan on 22nd
April, a special cover was released in Ujjain by Shri M. E. Haque, Chief
Postmaster General, M. P. Circle and other dignitaries. Priced at Rs.205, 1000
covers were printed.
A Special Cover was released to commemorate
Panchkroshi Yatra of Ujjain on 1st May the first day of Panchkroshi Yatra at
Ujjain. Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing
information about Panchkroshi Yatra, Ujjain is provided with the Special Cover.
According to Avanti khand of Skanda Puran
when Lord Shiva founded Ujjain at Parvati’ s behest on the banks of the Shipra,
four gates were established to guard the city from all four directions. Four
guardian deities, Pingleshwar (East), Kayavarohareshwar (South) Durdureshwar
(North) and Bilveshwar (West) were appointed with Mahakaleshwar at the center
of the town .The gates no more exist. The temples were rebuilt during the reign
of Ranoji Shinde by his diwan SukhtankarRamchandra Baba Shenavi. In Panchkroshi
Yatra, pilgrims perform Pradakshina of Ujjain and visit all the four temples
located at these four corners covering a distance of 118 kms.According to
Chapter 26 of the Avanti khand of Skanda Purana the Yatra should commence from
the Krishna Paksha (waning period of the moon) Ekadashi of any month and end on
the Amavasya. But the Yatra during the Vaishakh month has greater significance.
During the 2016 Simhastha Kumbh the Yatra dates were 1st May (Vaisakh Krishana
PakshaEkadashi to 6th May (Vaisakh Krishana Paksha Amavasya)
The Yatra commences with pilgrims taking a
dip in the Shipra River and visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple. Then they visit
the Nagchandreshwar Mahadev (19th of the 84 Mahadev) in the Patni Bazar. After
this they go to Pingleshwar village and worship Pingleshwar Mahadev (81st of
the 84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here. On second day of the Yatra they
reach Karohan village and worship Bilveshwarmahadev (82nd of the 84 Mahadev).
They stay for the night here. On third of the Yatra they reach Ambodia village
on the banks of Gambhir River and worship Kayavarohareshwarmahadev (83rd of the
84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here.On fourth of the Yatra they reach
Jaithal village and worship Durdureshwarmahadev (84th of the 84 Mahadev). They
stay for the night here.On the fifth day the pilgrims go back again to
Pingleshwar village and worship Pingleshwar Mahadev. After this they go to
Ujjain and offer prayers once again to Nagchandreshwar Mahadev.
On the occasion of second Shahi Snan, on 9th
May, a Special Cover was released by Shri T. Murty, Member (Operations),
Department of Posts, Shri M. E. Haque, Chief Postmaster General, M. P. Circle
and other dignitaries on Ujjain Darshan. Priced at Rs.55, 1000 covers were
printed.
A Special Cover was released on 12th
May on Mahamati Shri PrannathJi by Shri Chhatrashal Pranam iNavyuvak Seva Samiti,
Ujjain.
The real name of MahamatiPrannath was Mehraj
Thakur. He was born on 26th October 1618. His father, Keshav Thakur, was a Diwan
in the state of Jamnagar. Mehraj became Diwan of Dharol. Later under the
guidance of his guru Devchandraji he travelled extensively both in India and
abroad, giving religious discourses. In Surat he established the holy shrine of
Shri Mahamangalpuri Dham. He believed in the oneness of the Muslim and Hindu
faith and established a universal religion "Nijanand Dharma". Because
of his religious and pious life he came to be known as Mahamati Shri PrannathJi
A Special Cover was released on Narsingh
Jayanti, on Kaliadeh Palace on 20th May 2016. The Special Cover was
sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing information about the palace
is provided with the Special Cover.
The Kaliadeh Palace is located on the banks
of the River Shipra .The Avanti-mahatmya of Skanda Purana has recorded a
description of the Sun temple and two tanks here- Surya Kund and Brahma Kund. A
fragmented inscription recovered from this place records building of the palace
in 1458 AD, by Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khilji. The palace is built over a mound
and gives a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The central dome of the
palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. There are several
underground chambers some of which once served as royal kitchen. Colonel Stewart records in his book “History
of Central India” that later Sultan Naseeruddin Khilji diverted the flow of
Shipra River through 52 tanks so that water cooled down considerably. Addicted
to mercury, the Sultan used to lie down intoxicated in the tanks. He is later
believed to have drowned in one of these tanks while lying down intoxicated.
Two Persian inscriptions found in one of the long corridors of the palace
record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jahangir to this palace According to
AbulFazal’sAkbarnama, Mughal emperor Akbar rested at this the palace on 25 Jan,
1599 during his Deccan military campaign. Later in 1616, Jahangir stayed with
Sir Thomas Roe in this palace. During his stay here, Jahangir used to visit
regularly saint Jadrup who had his hut in the jungles nearby. He used to travel
by boat to listen to holy discourses.The palace was destroyed in the time of
the Pindaris. In 1886 Sir Michale Filose partially restored the palace and used
it as his residence. After his death the palace again fell into ruins. It was
then restored by Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. He added many buildings such as the
court, guest house and other state offices. The Sun Temple was also restored by
the family.
On the occasion of third Shahi Snan on 21st
May a Special Cover was released in Ujjain by Preeti Agarwal, Director
Philately, Indore, and other dignitaries on ghats of Shipra.Priced at Rs.55,
1000 covers were printed.
Ghats of Shipra River
Dainik Bhaskar has also printed a limited edition, numbered
commemorative folder which has all the sevn covers and one sheet of My stamp.
Those interested in the folder can contact Vikas Singh at doonexpress@gmail.com
New issues from other Countries
New issues from other Countries
Aland
One apple as a symbol of Åland
seasons!
Apple tree is a symbol of four seasonal
changes that is why this fruit has appeared on a new original stamp by Åland
Post that is being introduced as the part of 2016 Sepac stamp issue on the
joint theme seasons. The creative graphic designer who has chosen to illustrate
the seasons from the perspective of an apple is Annika Zetterqvist.
The Åland climate is
particularly favourable for cultivating apples. Influenced by the surrounding
sea, it has a relatively mild winter and a rather late spring, which minimises
the risk of frost damage during flowering. The apple trees are at their most
beautiful in May and June.
Summers are usually sunny
and followed by long and warm autumns, so harvesting normally starts around
mid-August, lasting until the end of October. In recent years, apples as a
garden produce have significantly increased its share of the total Åland
farming produce. In 2014, apples for 4.8 million euros were sold, the bulk of
which was exported to Finland.
Graphic designer Annika
Zetterqvist’s idea behind the 2016 motif may be summarised by the words
“germinate, blossom, ripen and enjoy”, four words that appear in both the first
day cancel, on the stamp sheet and on the first day cover. Dawning on Annika as
her work progressed, the words symbolise the seasons of both nature and life.
Guernsey
Guernsey Post issued for the World Stamp Show-NY 2016 a
Commemorative Souvenir Sheet, depicting the famous Golden Guernsey Cow.
The Channel Islands, including the
beautiful small island of Guernsey, are home to famous breeds of dairy cows,
which bear their names ‒ Alderney,
Guernsey, and Jersey.
It
is generally thought that the true origins of the Guernsey breed lie in the
development of cattle that were imported to the island from the nearby French
mainland. The cattle eventually became known as Guernseys when the Royal
Guernsey Agricultural Society was formed in 1817, with the specific aim of
preserving the beauty of Guernsey cattle.
Guernseys
were first imported to the United States by two schooner captains in the 1830s
and 1840s. Impressed by the quality of the breed’s dairy products, Captain
Prince brought the first Guernseys back to his home in Boston. Three Alderneys were
brought to New York and Captain Prince’s two heifers and bull from Guernsey
became the basis of the American Guernsey herd.
Monaco
The biggest sporting event on the
planet is coming to Rio de Janeiro. It promises to be the brightest sporting
event of this year. To celebrate this event Monaco Post has prepared for
releasing a special stamp depicting different kinds of sport that will be present
at Rio Summer Olympics.
Rio de Janeiro will be the host city for the 31st Olympic Games.
These Summer Olympic Games will be the first to be held in South America. More
than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will participate in the event from 5 to
21 August 2016. The Principality of Monaco will send competitors in six
disciplines: athletics, rowing, artistic gymnastics, judo, taekwondo and
sailing.
Blogs
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Editor’s
Mail Box
My Hearty congratulations for 100th issue of Rainbow. It is your
dedicated effort and which has made it a successful era.My best wishes for this
great occasion. I pray that 100 becomes 200 and many more year after year. God
bless you .
-Surendra Kotadia - Mumbai
Philatelic Clubs & Societies
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Philatelic
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Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
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Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and
published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor:
Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/
Ananthpuri Stamp
Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic
Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Journal of the Army
Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta
SIPA Bulletin http://www.sipa.org.in/
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.
GPA News – Published by Gujarat Philatelists’
Association, Ahemadabad.
Stamps Today – Stamp &
Coin Magazine edited by Vijay Seth
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB
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Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations &
philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Courtesy -
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Krishnan – Trivandrum; Jagannath Mani - Bangalore Anuj Saxena - Dehradun,
Address for communication:
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Rainbow
Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Dehradun (
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