Centres of Culture and Tourism Sites Block of 4
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | INDIPEX 97 |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | June 6, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 29 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Printing Process | Offset Lithography |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1549-1552 Stamp Number IN 1631a Yvert et Tellier IN 1322-1325 Stanley Gibbons IN 1713a |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Magazines | Philately | Seals(Emblems) |
The Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition was organized by the Department of Posts to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence.
Held from 15 to 22 December 1997 at Pragati Maidan, the exhibition showcased India’s rich heritage through a special stamp series featuring four historic Buddhist and cultural centers:
- Nalanda
- Bodh Gaya
- Vaishali
- Kushinagar
These commemorative stamps highlighted India’s ancient learning, spirituality, and cultural legacy.
Nalanda Stamp: Ancient University of the World
The first stamp in the series depicts the ruins of Nalanda, home to the famous Nalanda University.
Importance of Nalanda
- Flourished from the 5th to 11th century AD
- Considered one of the oldest universities in the world
- Renowned center of Buddhist learning
- Attracted scholars from across Asia
- Gautama Buddha is believed to have preached there
The stamp honors Nalanda as a global symbol of knowledge and education.
Bodhgaya Stamp: Place of Enlightenment
The stamp on Bodh Gaya features the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Gautama Buddha.
Key Highlights
- Sacred Bodhi Tree
- Mahabodhi Temple with its towering spire
- Temple walls decorated with scenes from Buddhist teachings
- Believed to stand on the site of an original temple built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE
This stamp represents spiritual awakening and the global significance of Bodh Gaya.
Vaishali Stamp: One of the Earliest Republics
The stamp of Vaishali portrays the famous Ashokan pillar and the stupa of Vaishali.
Historical Importance
- Ancient capital of the Licchavi Republic
- Considered one of the earliest republics in world history
- Site of the last prayer meeting of Gautama Buddha
- Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar to mark the sacred spot
This stamp celebrates democratic heritage and Buddhist history.
Kushinagar Stamp: Place of Mahaparinirvana
The fourth stamp completes the series with Kushinagar.
Significance of Kushinagar
- Place where Gautama Buddha passed away
- Site where he attained Mahaparinirvana
- Stamp features the sacred stupa of Kushinagar
This stamp symbolizes peace, liberation, and spiritual completion.
Indepex ’97 Logo Stamp
A special logo was created for Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition and released earlier on 5 October 1996.
Design Meaning
The logo features a caparisoned elephant, representing:
- Traditional Indian welcome
- Peace
- Prosperity
- Goodwill
Significance of the Stamp Series
This special set of four stamps was the first in a series released to promote Indepex ’97 and celebrate India’s cultural richness.
It highlighted:
- Ancient universities
- Buddhist pilgrimage sites
- Democratic traditions
- Spiritual heritage
- India’s global historical importance
Commemorative Issue
The Department of Posts issued this memorable stamp series to showcase India’s timeless legacy through philately and honor the success of Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition.
First Day Cover
