Indian Bishop Mark, 1775
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | INPEX '75 National Philatelic Exhibition, Calcutta |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 25, 1975 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 664 Stamp Number IN 710 Yvert et Tellier IN 467 Stanley Gibbons IN 797 |
| Themes | Philatelic Exhibitions | Postal History | Postal Services |
The India National Philatelic Exhibition (INPEX-75), organized by the Posts and Telegraphs Department, is set to take place from December 25 to 31 in Calcutta, marking the second edition of its kind after the inaugural event held in New Delhi in 1970. India has also hosted two International Philatelic Exhibitions (INDIPEX) in 1954 and 1973, along with a series of Regional Exhibitions in various postal circles.
These philatelic exhibitions have played a significant role in raising awareness about the educational and fascinating hobby of stamp collecting. They have inspired people, especially from the younger generations, to take up this hobby. The upcoming exhibition, with a capacity of 1,000 frames, will showcase rare and outstanding collections from the country, covering various themes such as Indian Classics, proofs and essay stamps, Indian stamps used abroad, Indian States, Air Mails, Indian Collections, Postal stationary, Literature, and stamps from other countries.
The Thematic Section of the exhibition will feature eye-catching themes like animals, flowers, trees, aviation, and space flights. On the occasion of INPEX-75, the P & T Department is pleased to release two special stamps on December 25, 1975. These stamps will depict:
- The Indian Bishop Mark in the denomination of Rs. 2/-
- An early Mail Cart in the denomination of 25 Paise.
To highlight the historical significance of postal services in India, special attention has been given to reproducing early postmarks used in the country, including on stamps, first-day cancellations, and special cancellations. The Indian Bishop Mark, named after Col. Henry Bishop, the Postmaster General of Great Britain in 1661, is featured on the Rs. 2/- stamp. This mark, known for its simple design, is extremely rare, with examples dating back to April 1661 in London GPO and later used in places like Dublin, Quebec, and Calcutta. The stamp also showcases an early Mail Cart, drawn by horses, symbolizing the rapid transportation of mail across various terrains.
The material for the stamp featuring the Indian Bishop Mark is courtesy of Mr. Hanimond Giles. Overall, INPEX-75 promises to be an exciting event for philatelists and stamp enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of postage stamps and postal services in India.