Indian Postal Department - Stamps on Musicians

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:29

I could not find a thread on this.So thought of starting a Post Office HALL OF FAME

Saint Tyagaraja

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:31

Diskhitar

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:32

Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:34

VD Paluskar

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:36

Shyama Sastri

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 17:37

Allauddin Khan

to be continued...

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 27 Aug 2010, 19:31

Thanks Thimma, I am adding my bit.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 27 Aug 2010, 19:54

Oh, these are such beautiful stamps! Thank you, thimma and cienu!

MaheshS · Post by **MaheshS** » 27 Aug 2010, 19:58

Coolji, the old thread is http://rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=120

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:09

.
PLEASE SEE THIS SITE FOR ALL INDIAN STAMPS ON MUSIC:-

http://www.indiapicks.com/stamps/Music/Music_Main.htm

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:24

I wonder why the Postal department can't have a uniform standard in the issue of special stamps. Some are in "P" and others are in "Re" denomination. Why? Does it signify a value on those musicians? Why not issue all those in usual postal rate denominations (rather than the regular dull ones)? That way it will register with all people who use the stamps for daily use. These special stamps will only be used by the philately aficionados and stored in their desk drawers without seeing the light of the day.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:30

Kji/cienu/PB: Can anyone just walk into a post-office in India and request to purchase these stamps, or, are they merely collector's items?

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:33

rshankar wrote:Kji/cienu/PB: Can anyone just walk into a post-office in India and request to purchase these stamps, or, are they merely collector's items?

Special or commemorative stamps are sold through philatelic bureaux attached to General/Head Post Offices, or through philatelic counters in major post offices for a period of six months from the date of issue. After that the remaining stamps are sold through regular postal counters.

Old stamps can be had from philatelic dealers or collectors, of course, at a premium. The rate will depend on the usual market forces.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:38

mahakavi:
As a policy, the Postal Department issues special and commemorative stamps in the denomination of the then prevailing ordinary postage rate. If higher denomination stamps are issued, they are tied either to registered post charges or airmail charges. Occasionally, stamps are also issued at speed post rate.

thanjavooran · Post by **thanjavooran** » 27 Aug 2010, 20:46

Excellent! Many thanks to M/s Manikuthimma, cienu and Pratyaksham Bala

Thanjavooran 27 08 2010

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 27 Aug 2010, 21:08

Thanks Pratyaksham Bala
I did not know the source from where my son had picked them up. I saw it in his folders and decided to put up.
Cienu
Thanks for that one too. I am still reeling under the effect of the previous upload of MSS with the Tanpura.

ragam-talam · Post by **ragam-talam** » 27 Aug 2010, 21:40

I thought there was an earlier thread for music stamps?

smala · Post by **smala** » 27 Aug 2010, 22:06

mankuthimma wrote:Thanks Pratyaksham Bala
I did not know the source from where my son had picked them up. I saw it in his folders and decided to put up.
Cienu
Thanks for that one too. I am still reeling under the effect of the previous upload of MSS with the Tanpura.

Where was this upload - since you upload in different threads to enhance various discussions could you additionally create a Master Upload file in the General section, with a section for uploads under your name w/ date - that way tracking will be easier on those who do not always get to browse all the threads. Your uploads are invaluable. Thanks a lot.

prashant · Post by **prashant** » 27 Aug 2010, 23:06

Most of these stamps and first day covers can be had on eBay for relatively nominal prices. I was lucky to find a mint-condition Thyagaraja first-day cover and booklet with a Ramcharitmanas stamp franked at Tiruvaiyyaru. It hangs on my living room wall right under a painting of the trinity. The Ariyakudi first day cover is also very beautiful.

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 28 Aug 2010, 06:59

Putting up the stamps here was an upload .

I did not upload the stamps anywhere else.
As for the other suggestion , there is a simpler way. I will keep a folder dedicated to uploads here .One can keep refreshing that link and keep peeping in there.
One more thing. I am not sure if everyone knows this here.
Create a free mediafire account of your own . Log into your account and When you hit such links given by others , you will see a box
" Save to my account ? ". Say Yes
And the track will now be copied to your account .You can download when you are free.It works beautifully.

Just today I received a hard disc from Dubai for perusing and it has a folder .

Tracks from Kulkarni

So many were there which I had forgotten about. I was touched.Just like when SujiRam mentioned also.

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 28 Aug 2010, 08:29

Thanks Cooji for the upload of stamps on musicians.I invite our forum members to read the series of Stamps on musicians which is regularly appearing in the Sruti magazine. It is a well researched article giving all details of the stamps, date of release, place and the life history of the musician or composer with all minute details. It is a highly commendable effort by Mr.Sankaranarayanan

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 11:05

.
A Commemorative stamp on Kumaraguruparar Swamigal was issued on Jun 27, 2010. Here is the First Day Cover:-

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 11:17

CRama wrote:Thanks Cooji for the upload of stamps on musicians.I invite our forum members to read the series of Stamps on musicians which is regularly appearing in the Sruti magazine. It is a well researched article giving all details of the stamps, date of release, place and the life history of the musician or composer with all minute details. It is a highly commendable effort by Mr.Sankaranarayanan

is there a link?

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 30 Aug 2010, 20:27

PB:
The Postal department goofed in spelling Kumaraguruparar's name in Devanagari script. They write it as à¤•à¥à¤®à¤¾à¤°à¤—à¥à¤°à¥à¤ªà¤°à¤°à¥ instead of à¤•à¥à¤®à¤°à¤—à¥à¤°à¥à¤ªà¤°à¤°à¥ (à®•à¯à®®à®°à®•à¯à®°à¯à®ªà®°à®°à¯). Miscommunication between ThamizhnADu government and New Delhi.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 20:42

mahakavi:
Even 'swamigaL' is written in Hindi as 'swamigal'.
The Department of Posts comes under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, headed by a Minister who hails from Tamil Nadu.

kssr · Post by **kssr** » 30 Aug 2010, 21:08

Pratyaksham Bala wrote: The Department of Posts comes under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, headed by a Minister who hails from Tamil Nadu.

He is busy with 3G allotment, consequent financial deals, evading scandal and CAG enquiry in 2G allotment and such important matters. You are talking petty stuff like swamigal and swamigaL. It would not make much difference to the "powers" even if it is "kal"

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 21:40

Last year, only one postage stamp relating to Carnatic Music had been issued by the Indian Postal Department. It was a Rs.5 stamp on 'Venkataramana Bhagavathar' issued on 27th December 2009. Unfortunately, in Hindi his name is written as 'Venkatramana bhagvAthAr'.

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:04

Anyone has the pic of the commemorative stamp issued for Ustad Bismillah Khan?

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:11

Great site here with collection of pics of stamps and first day covers - including musicians, one for Bharatanatyam.
(May not be complete, it seems to be kamat's private collection)

Click on each to enlarge.

http://www.kamat.com/database/pictures/philately/

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:21

I wish this thread could be renamed musicians on stamps

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:29

"musicians on stamps" could be taken to mean that they sang about stamps

Instead, how about "Stamps honoring musicians"?

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:42

shyama-priya wrote: one for Bharatanatyam.

Which is the one for bharatanATyam? I do not think of Sri Uday Shankar as a bharatanATyam dancer.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:51

shyama-priya wrote:Anyone has the pic of the commemorative stamp issued for Ustad Bismillah Khan?

A commemorative stamp of Rs.5 on Bismillah Khan was issued by the Indian Postal Department on Aug 21, 2008:-

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 30 Aug 2010, 22:52

mahakavi wrote:"musicians on stamps" could be taken to mean that they sang about stamps
Instead, how about "Stamps honoring musicians"?

I'd settle for that

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:05

Thank you, Sri P. Bala.

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:23

On Bharatanatyam, I was looking at a few sites on philately - so may have it mixed up. Will check.
In the meantime, Uday Shankar is here,

for his promotion of less known _Indian _dance_ art forms.
http://www.kamat.com/database/pictures/ ... y/s286.htm

Beautiful stamp collection - with info - sites :

http://www.philaindia.info/kerala%20on%20stamps.htm
This is a lovely representation of the varied aspects of the state.

http://hubpages.com/hub/STAMP-COLLECTIN ... E-INDIA-39

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:29

rshankar wrote:Which is the one for bharatanATyam? I do not think of Sri Uday Shankar as a bharatanATyam dancer.

Here is a stamp on Bharatanatyam issued in 1975:-

SET OF SIX INDIAN STAMPS ON DANCES
issued on 20th October 1975 depicting six dance forms of India -- Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi and Manipuri. Information on these can be had at:-
http://www.indiapicks.com/stamps/Cultur ... s_Main.htm

COMPLETE LIST OF INDIAN STAMPS (WITH ILLUSTRATIONS) ISSUED FROM 1947 TO 2008:-
http://www.indiapicks.com/stamps/Gallery/H/G1947.htm

FOR ALL INDIAN STAMPS ISSUED IN 2009:-
http://stampsofindia.com/lists/stamps/2009stamps.htm

FOR ALL INDIAN STAMPS ISSUED IN 2010 UPTO DATE:-
http://stampsofindia.com/lists/stamps/2010stamps.htm

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:31

Thank you, Sri P. Bala - I saw it quickly - yes, that's the one though had it confused with Kamat's private collection..

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:42

shyama-priya - you are welcome!

smala · Post by **smala** » 30 Aug 2010, 23:51

Hope they update the 1975 release on the *then* *recognized* Indian Classical Dance List - Mohiniyattam and Sattriya (Vaishnava, Assam origin) have since been added to the *recognized* list to total eight.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 31 Aug 2010, 00:41

shyama-priya wrote:Hope they update the 1975 release on the *then* *recognized* Indian Classical Dance List - Mohiniyattam and Sattriya (Vaishnava, Assam origin) have since been added to the *recognized* list to total eight.

Indian Postal Department would be happy to issue postage stamps on Mohinattam and Sattriya. But, a formal application should be made to the Postal Department preferably by the Government of Kerala (for a stamp on Mohiniattam) and Government of Assam (for a stamp on Sattriya).
The State Governments may be urged by any local institution interested in these dance forms to take up the matter. For example, for Mohiniattam, Kerala Kalamandalam or any other similar body may do the needful.
For Sattriya a similar action may be taken through some other appropriate institution.

The entire procedure is very simple.

Best of luck.

smala · Post by **smala** » 31 Aug 2010, 03:07

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll communicate this to the Mohiniyattam - Gotipua - Sattriya groups to urge their institutions to approach their respective state govts. --what department would that be - cultural affairs?

It does seem simple but it means someone from the organization has to write to the State Govt. hope their letter doesn't get buried and then hope the Govt. folks won't sit on it for months - not quite so simple knowing how paper chases are done in India.

In the case of Gotipua (considered "folk", not on the classical dance list) - it is a small, fairly remote village and one organization that is actively preserving the art form but they are small fry. I would love to see them get better recognition. Also, the seraikela-chau.

vs_manjunath · Post by **vs_manjunath** » 31 Aug 2010, 04:34

Coolji/other contributors- Invariably, the first day cover issued along with the release of these stamps also provides very authentic info. reg the musicians. It will be interesting, if this info can be scanned and provided to all rasikas.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 31 Aug 2010, 11:37

First day cover on MS.

smala · Post by **smala** » 31 Aug 2010, 13:11

thank you, cienu, for the upload and sharing.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 31 Aug 2010, 13:42

.
UNIQUE POSTAGE STAMP - SRI SHYAMA SHASTRI - Refer Post #5

Sri Shyama Shastri postage stamp issued on 21st December 1985 is unique â€“
the portrait of Sri Shyama Shastri illustrated in the stamp was drawn by Carnatic Musician Sri S. Rajam Iyer,
who was also a well-known Painter!

vs_manjunath · Post by **vs_manjunath** » 31 Aug 2010, 14:48

Must be from S Rajam- Not from Rajam Iyer.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 31 Aug 2010, 15:01

.
Sri S. Rajam Iyer aka S.Rajam.

Sri S. Rajam Iyer used to sign his paintings as 'S.Rajam'.

Sri S. Rajam Iyer was not only a musician, but also a composer, painter, photographer,
writer and an actor!

He studied art at Madras Arts School for five years, and
he was using the sfumato technique of painting with several thin layers.
His paintings are well-known, especially the Sangeeta Trimurti portraits.

He learnt music from Sri Papanasam Sivan. As a musician, he had learnt to sing
in all the 72 melakartha ragas. And, it is believed, he was the only one
to have sung all the kirthanas of Sri Muthusami Dikshithar.
Many of his sishyas did shine in the carnatic world -- MSS and MLV included.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 31 Aug 2010, 17:31

cienu - LOVELY - than you!

Sri PB - do you know if there was one on Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale?

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 31 Aug 2010, 17:45

There are two stamps!
One is a 60 (Paise) Commemorative Stamp was issued on Danceuse Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale on 27th December 1987.

The stamp can also be located at this site:-
(Scroll down to 27th December 1987)
http://www.indiapicks.com/stamps/Gallery/H/G1987.htm

Please see the next post for the Rs.50 definitive stamp.