“Udan Khatola” – First Indian Hot Air Balloon
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Bicentenary of Manned Flight |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 21, 1983 |
| Denomination | Rs. 1 |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 969 Stamp Number IN 1036 Yvert et Tellier IN 784 Stanley Gibbons IN 1104 |
| Themes | Air Balloons | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Aviation |
The bicentennial of man’s first flight commemorates a pivotal moment in the history of aviation. Balloons, pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, marked the beginning of mankind’s journey into the skies.
Joseph and Jacques Etienne Montgolfier, French paper manufacturers, discovered that a fabric bag filled with hot air would rise. On June 5, 1783, they launched the first unmanned balloon flight in history, demonstrating the feasibility of human flight. Subsequent experiments, including sending a sheep, a rooster, and a duck aloft as the first air passengers, further showcased the potential of balloons.
On September 19, 1783, a larger balloon was launched at Versailles, marking the first manned flight with Jean-Francois Laurent, Marquis d’Arlandes, sailing over Paris for approximately 5.5 miles in about 23 minutes. This historic achievement revolutionized transportation and scientific exploration.
Balloons have since played a crucial role in various fields, including meteorology, wartime reconnaissance, and even mail transportation. Their versatility and utility have paved the way for advancements in aviation, ultimately contributing to human exploration beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
In India, ballooning dates back to the late 19th century, with notable flights by individuals like Joseph Lynn and Percival Spencer. However, hot air ballooning gained momentum in the 20th century, particularly with the founding of the Ballooning Club of India by Shri Vishwa Bandhu Gupta in 1970.
The Indian Balloon team, under Shri Gupta’s leadership, made significant strides by participating in the World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Nantes, France, in 1983. This event underscored India’s growing presence in the global aviation community and highlighted the nation’s rich history and contributions to ballooning.
To commemorate this historic occasion, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is issuing a set of two stamps, paying tribute to the bicentennial of man’s first flight and celebrating the enduring legacy of ballooning in human exploration and discovery.