Lighthouses of India

Sentinels of Maritime Navigation

A lighthouse is a tower or structure designed to emit light through a system of lamps and lenses to guide ships at sea or on inland waterways. For centuries, lighthouses have served as vital aids to navigation, marking dangerous coastlines, reefs, shoals, and safe harbour entrances, and in some cases even assisting aerial navigation. In ancient times, they were the lifeline of maritime trade and sea travel. Although modern electronic navigation systems have reduced their operational importance, lighthouses continue to stand as enduring symbols of maritime heritage.

India, with a vast coastline of 7,516.6 kilometres, is home to many historic lighthouses. Some of these have transcended their navigational role to become iconic landmarks closely associated with the identity of the towns and cities where they stand. Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) are notable examples.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) Lighthouse

Alleppey was a major port of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, founded in 1772 by the visionary Prime Minister Raja Kesava Das during the reign of Sri Rama Rajah Bahadur. The port rapidly developed into a significant maritime hub, attracting vessels from Indian and European ports.

The idea of constructing a modern lighthouse for Alleppey was first proposed in 1840, but actual work commenced only in 1860 under Hugh Crawford, the Commercial Agent to the Travancore State and Port Officer of Alleppey. He designed the lighthouse tower in the shape of the Queen’s pawn of a chessboard, symbolizing the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” The present lighthouse tower was completed in 1862 during the reign of Rama Varma Maharaja.

The lighthouse was equipped with nine catadioptric lenses and nine coconut oil wick lamps with polished reflectors, providing a range of 17 nautical miles. The lighting apparatus was supplied by M/s J. Milne and Sons, Scotland. This system served the port for nearly a century before being electrified in 1960 using equipment supplied by M/s B.B.T., France.

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Lighthouse

Mahabalipuram was an important port town of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled South India from Kancheepuram. A lighthouse was first erected here in 1887 as part of the development of the Madras Port, to warn ships approaching from the south about the dangers posed by the Tripasore Reef near Mahabalipuram.

The present lighthouse, a 26-metre-high circular granite tower, was completed in 1900. The lighting apparatus was supplied by M/s Chance Brothers, Birmingham. A revolving optic of the second order, using a 55 mm petroleum vapour burner, was commissioned on 31 March 1901, enabling the light to reach a distance of 24 nautical miles. The lighthouse was electrified in 1994, and later the light source was upgraded to a metal halide lamp.

Philatelic Commemoration

Recognizing the historical and navigational significance of these iconic structures, the Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps featuring the Alleppey (Alappuzha) Lighthouse and the Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) Lighthouse. These stamps celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage and honour the lighthouses that have guided sailors safely along its coasts for generations.