India 89 : Bombay GPO

India 89 Bombay GPO

Technical Data

Stamp Set INDIA - 89 world Philatelic Exhibition
Date of Issue October 9, 1988
Denomination Rs. 5
Quantity 1,500,000
Perforation comb 13½ x 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1185

Stamp Number IN 1247

Yvert et Tellier IN 995

Stanley Gibbons IN 1334

Themes Buildings | Philatelic Exhibitions | Post Offices

India 89 World Stamp Exhibition, New Delhi (20-29 January 1989)

Overview:

  • Event: India 89 World Philatelic Exhibition
  • Dates: 20th to 29th January, 1989
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Organized by: Department of Posts, Government of India
  • Purpose: To herald the exhibition, the Department is issuing a series of postage stamps.

Stamps Series:

  1. First Set:
    • Theme: Logo of the exhibition
    • Stamps: Two stamps
  2. Second Set:
    • Theme: Historic monuments of Delhi
    • Stamps: Four stamps
  3. Third Set:
    • Theme: Postal buildings
    • Stamps: Two stamps depicting Bombay G.P.O. and Bangalore G.P.O.

Bombay G.P.O.:

  • History:
  • Established: Postmaster appointed in 1787
  • Initial Location: Opened in 1794 near Apollo Pier in the Fort area
  • Subsequent Moves: Moved to the present CTO building in 1869, then to its current building in 1913
  • Early Reference: Possible establishment of a Post Office in 1688 by the East India Company
  • Significance: An area for historical research to confirm the early existence of a Post Office

Bangalore G.P.O.:

  • History:
  • Established: 1800 as the Imperial Post Office, elevated to Head Post Office in 1854
  • Initial Location: Constructed near Cubban Park
  • Current Building:
    • Design: Six-storeyed with a basement
    • Location: Junction of Raj Bhavan Road and Dr. Ambedkar Veedhi
    • Architecture: Mixture of traditional and modern design with fine chiselled stone masonry, pillars, corridors, and cement lattice work
    • Features: Three domes, an imposing counter hall with a height of 28 feet, and a wooden chandelier
    • Size: Plinth area of 1,90,711 sq. ft. and carpet area of 1,10,043 sq. ft.
    • Inauguration: By the Prime Minister of India on 15th November 1985
    • Significance: A major landmark in Bangalore

World Post Day:

  • Commemoration: The set of stamps is issued on World Post Day and marked by a special cancellation.

The stamps and the historical details they commemorate underscore the importance of postal services in India’s communication network and heritage.