Long Palanquin
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Means of Transport |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | March 25, 2017 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 3,000 |
| Perforation | 13 |
| Printer | India Security Press, Nashik |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3127 Yvert et Tellier IN 2818 Stanley Gibbons IN 3281 |
| Themes | Transport |
Introduction
The Long Palanquin is a traditional mode of human-carried transport that played a significant role in India’s early travel system. Distinguished by its elongated structure, it provided ample space and enhanced comfort, symbolising both utility and elegance in pre-modern transportation.
Design and Features
The Long Palanquin was crafted to offer greater seating or reclining room compared to other palanquins. Its notable characteristics included:
- An extended wooden frame, longer than the standard palanquin
- Spacious interior, allowing the rider to sit or lie comfortably
- Decorative canopy or curtains for shade, protection and privacy
- Strong poles on either side, enabling multiple bearers to carry the structure with balance
Its well-proportioned design ensured a smooth, dignified and comfortable journey.
Usage and Purpose
The Long Palanquin was designed to serve individuals who required greater comfort during travel. It was primarily used for:
- Longer journeys within towns or between nearby villages
- Transport of nobles, royal family members and respected dignitaries
- Ceremonial occasions and religious processions
The additional space made it suitable for carrying personal belongings or attendants, highlighting its practicality.
Cultural Significance
Beyond transportation, the Long Palanquin held cultural and social value. It represented:
- Prestige and elevated social standing of the rider
- Hospitality and respect when used to welcome or honour guests
- Elegance and tradition in royal and aristocratic lifestyles
The palanquin is often depicted in traditional paintings, folk literature, and heritage museums, reflecting its historical importance.
Decline and Legacy
With the advent of modern vehicles such as rickshaws, carts and later motor transport, the use of Long Palanquins gradually faded. Today, they are rarely used except in:
- Wedding ceremonies, particularly in rural and culturally rooted communities
- Heritage and cultural performances
- Tourism displays and museum exhibitions
Although no longer a part of daily life, the Long Palanquin remains a symbol of grace, tradition and India’s rich cultural past.
Conclusion
The Long Palanquin stands as a reminder of India’s refined heritage of travel. Its extended, comfortable and beautifully crafted structure reflects a time when journeys were not merely about mobility, but about dignity, culture and honour. Today, it continues to evoke nostalgia for the elegance and charm of traditional Indian transportation.