Indian Perfumes : Agarwood (Scented Stamp)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 15, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 800,000 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Sh. Bharati Mirchandani Sh. Pallab Bose |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3593A Stamp Number IN 3161 Yvert et Tellier IN 3273 Stanley Gibbons IN 3671 |
| Themes | Perfumes | Plants (Flora) |
The Timeless Art of Indian Perfumery
Perfume, in its essence, is a scented blend of essential oils, fixatives, and solvents, crafted to impart a pleasant fragrance to the body, surroundings, and even food. The very word “perfume” traces its roots to the Latin term “per fumus”, meaning “through smoke”, signifying its early use in incense and ritual offerings.
The history of perfumery in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE), where the art of extracting and blending fragrances was already well developed. References to distillation of perfume are found in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which describe the making of aromatic oils and essences. In Vedic tradition, perfumes were believed to attract divine energies and repel darkness or evil spirits. Saints and spiritual seekers adorned themselves with fragrant oils to enhance their meditative focus and purity of mind.
During the Mughal era, Indian ittars (natural oil-based perfumes) reached new heights of refinement. Mughal nobles and royalty were among the most passionate connoisseurs of perfume, turning scent into a fine art that blended spirituality, luxury, and sophistication.
Agarwood – The Precious Essence of the East
Agarwood, also known as Oud, is one of the most luxurious and rare perfumes in the world. It possesses a bittersweet, woody, and balsamic aroma that is both rich and meditative. This exotic fragrance originates from the resinous heartwood of trees belonging to the Aquilaria genus. When the wood becomes infected with a particular type of mold, it produces a dark, fragrant resin that gives agarwood its characteristic deep scent.
The Indian subcontinent has long been recognized as a major source of agarwood. Over centuries, its perfume oil has been extracted and treasured across Asia and the Middle East. Today, plantations in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Thailand, and Vietnam continue this ancient tradition.
The oil obtained from agarwood’s first distillation is considered the highest quality, while subsequent distillations yield different grades of oil. The warm, smoky, and balsamic fragrance of agarwood is prized for its calming and inspiring qualities, often used in meditation, high-end perfumery, and sacred ceremonies.
A Symbol of Elegance and Tradition
Agarwood stands as a symbol of nature’s refinement and rarity, uniting artistry, tradition, and spirituality. Its enchanting fragrance continues to captivate the senses, making it an eternal treasure in the world of perfumery.