Early Mail Cart

The India National Philatelic Exhibition (INPEX-75), organized by the Posts and Telegraphs Department, is scheduled to take place from December 25 to 31 in Calcutta, marking the second such event after the inaugural exhibition held in New Delhi in 1970. India has also hosted two International Philatelic Exhibitions (INDIPEX) in 1954 and 1973, along with several Regional Exhibitions across various postal circles.

These philatelic exhibitions play a crucial role in raising awareness about the educational and fascinating hobby of stamp collecting. They have inspired people of all ages, particularly the younger generation, to engage in this hobby. The upcoming exhibition, with a capacity of 1,000 frames, will showcase rare and exceptional collections from across the country, covering a wide range of themes such as Indian Classics, proofs and essay stamps, Indian stamps used abroad, Indian States, Air Mails, Postal stationary, Literature, and stamps from other countries.

The thematic section of INPEX-75 will feature captivating themes like animals, flowers, trees, aviation, and space flights. In commemoration of the event, the P & T Department is pleased to release two special stamps on December 25, 1975. One stamp will depict the Indian Bishop Mark, denominated at Rs. 2, showcasing a unique historical artifact from the early days of postal services. The other stamp, valued at 25 Paise, will feature an early Mail Cart, symbolizing the rapid transportation of mail across various terrains.

The Indian Bishop Mark, named after Col. Henry Bishop, the Postmaster General of Great Britain in 1661, is known for its simple design consisting of a circle divided horizontally, with the upper half indicating the date of the month and the lower half displaying the abbreviated name of the month. These marks were used in various locations, including Calcutta, making them exceptionally rare. The stamp featuring the Indian Bishop Mark bears the earliest known example of such a mark, used in a letter sent from Calcutta to Dacca in 1775.

The image of an early Mail Cart, drawn by one or more horses, has been chosen as the motif for the 25 Paise stamp, depicting the rapid transportation of mail during earlier times. The stamp design is made possible by the 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.