stamps issued in 2000

december

India's tradition in jewellery is more than 5000 years old. The Department of Posts issues a set of 6 stamps on Indian gems and jewellery under the series of stamps issued to launch Indepex Asiana -2000, XIV Asian International Exhibition, the Department's tribute to 50 years of the Republic of India, and the New Millennium.

By 3000 BC India was the principal production centre for jewellery making. Lapislazuli, turquoise, coral, camelian, jasper and a variety of semiprecious stones were imported into the Indus valley cities of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Kalibangan where they were cut, shaped and re-exported to destinations beyond India's maritime boundaries. The first stamp in the series portrays a bead necklace from Indus Valley of Ancient India.

The Natyashastra classifies ornaments into four types: avedhya - that which is worn by piercing a part of the body, including ear-ornaments (kundala); bandhaniya -that which is tied up like girdles (sronisutra) and armbands (angada); praksepya -that which is worn like anklets (nupura); and aropya - that which is put around, for example, chains (hema-sutra) and necklaces (hara). The second stamp in the series portrays a necklace with such intricate craftsmanship in gold from Taxila.

In the Mughalperiod 'meenakari' or enameling, a unique combination of gems, enamel pigments and precious metals became increasingly popular. Some of the fine examples of Mughal aesthetic detailing are seen in the items of jewellery made for the nobles, such as Sarpech, a turban ornament shown in the series.

The "navaratna" concept with nine gems in uncut form studded in amulets, was believed to symbolise the relationship between man, the planets and their reigning deities, and hence functioned as mediums between human and Divine. Navaratna jewels were commonly made in the form of rings, pendants, bangles and necklaces, and incorporated ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, topaz, diamond, sapphire, zircon and cat's eye.

Jewellery has always been associated with rituals for women in India. The 5th stamp in the series depicts a 'tali' (19th century AD), a marriage necklace from South India. There is a ritual of tying of 'Mangalsutra' on the wedding day (Bridal).

Worship and propitiation of the elements was absorbed in the jewellery design and ornaments in ancient times are seen to function as a canvas for myths and legends. The last stamp in the series depicts a 'kanthla' necklace (181h century AD) from Rajasthan, forming part of "temple jewellery".

India's maritime heritage dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3000 B.C.). The discovery of Lothal port and dock (circa 2400-1900 B.C.) bear testimony to this. After the landing of Vasco da Gama in Calicut in 1498 A.D., the Portuguese slowly gained influence and started interfering in the trade. Mohammed Kunjali Marakkar, the first Admiral of Calicut who offered to the Zamorin his sword, ships and services, dedicated his entire energies in fighting the foreign domination of Indian seas. He was the first of the four Kunjalis who played a heroic part in the Naval wars with the Portuguese. The most famous of the Marakkars was Kunjali IV, who fought the Portuguese more fiercely than his predecessors and with far greater success. However, the initial successes appear to have made him arrogant to the extent of ignoring the authority of the Zamorin. The Portuguese clinched a deal with Zamorin to suppress the 'rebel' Admiral, and in 1600 jointly laid siege of his fort, bringing to an end the long tradition of the legendary Marakkars. Kunjali IV who surrendered to the Zamorin was executed in Goa. The stamp design shows the war-paroe, a small craft used by the Kunjalis, which, manned by just 30-40 men each, could be rowed through lagoons and narrow waters.
 

Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan

Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan (1888-1972), one among the great exponents of the Sarod, was a torchbearer of the glorious musical legacy of Gwalior. The present day sarod is the improvised and modified form of old rabab which was first introduced in India by the Afghans who came here from Kabul and settled in many places of Northern India. Hafiz Ali Khan was born in a family of musicians, particularly famed for their mastery of the sarod. Hafiz Ali Khan was given training in music by his father Ustad Nanhe Khan from the age of 6 years and continued it for 13 years. After the death of his father, he did not lose courage but with hard rigorous practice he perfected his art and soon earned the title of "Aftabe Sarod". After different training stints, he returned to Gwalior and became the court musician of Maharaja Madhav Rao Sindhia. He has trained many disciples, amongst them is his son Ustad Amjad Ali Khan of world - wide fame. He was awarded the title of 'Padma Bhushan' in 1960 by the President of India. The house where Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan used to live in Gwalior has now been converted into 'Sarod Ghar' -a museum for musical heritage, and stands as a testament to the glorious contribution made by him to the world of music.

A set of commemorative stamps on four historical personalities of India has been issued by the Department of Posts.

Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan (1162-1192 A.D.) ruled from Delhi at a crucial juncture of India's history. Known for his bravery, chivalry and kindness, he has been immortalised in Prithvirajaraso, an epic poem composed by one of his associates Chand Bardai. The manner in which he wooed and won Sanyogita, daughter of King Jayachandra of Kannauj has made him a romantic hero. The forces of Muhammed Ghuri regrouped themselves and a battle took place at Tarain in 1192, in which Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated and taken prisoner.

Raja Bhamashah (1542-1598 A.D., approx.) was the childhood friend, colleague and adviser of Maharana Pratap, the legendary hero of Mewar (Rajasthan). Bhamashilh's loyal support was pivotal to the career of the Mallarana, right from the time his coronation. Courageous and possessing exemplary military skills, Bhamashah played crucial roles in the numerous military exercises of Mewar against the mighty Mughal army, including the famous battle of Haldi Ghati. Modern historians describe him as the "Uplifter of Mewar".

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra ( 1740-1798 A.D.) was an enlightened king of Manipur who left his mark on history by successfully resisting the Burmese invasions, eliminating dissensions within the state, generating a cultural renaissance and leading Manipur to over-all prosperity. Gifted with native intelligence, Bhagyachandra realized during the early years of his reign itself that possible invasion from the Burmese side was a major threat to the stability of Manipur. Bhagyachandra consolidated the relations between the peoples of the hills and the plains, thus unifying and integrating the state of Manipur. Under his patronage, 'Raas Leela' and 'Nata Sankirtan' emerged as classical disciplines and triggered a cultural renaissance in Manipur. His spiritual leanings led to his being called, 'Rajarshi', meaning 'King who was also an ascetic'.

General Zorawar Singh (1786-1841 A.D.) was a Dogra warrior who joined the army of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Kashmir as a Sepoy and rose on account of his soldierly qualities and military acumen to become the Governor of Kishtwar and earned the title 'Wazir'. Ladakh was annexed for the first time in history by Zorawar Singh in 1834. After Ladakh he campaigned in Baltistan among the three states of Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza. The techniques of mountain warfare employed by him are considered text book examples of military science even today. In 1841, he set out on an ambitious expedition into Tibet, over-running Rudak and Gor. Fighting the numerically stronger Tibetan troops in extremely inclement whether conditions, General Zorawar Singh laid down his life in the battlefield. For his military skills, inspiring leadership and administrative acumen, General Zorawar Singh has been named 'Little Nepolean of India' by some historians.
 

January 2001.