Indore

From Indrapur to a Modern City

Indore State was an important princely state in Central India. Founded by the ancestors of present-day landowners in the region, its territory extended from the banks of the Narmada River to the borders of Rajputana, with its headquarters initially located at the village of Kampel. Over time, its rulers were conferred various titles — Chaudhari during Mughal rule, Mandloi under the Peshwas, and Raja Rao by the Holkars.

Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, regarded as the founder of Indore, was the Chief Zamindar (landlord) of the region. During a visit to the temple of Indreshwar near the banks of the Saraswati River, he found the area secure and strategically favourable. He subsequently constructed the fort of Shree Sansthan Bada Rawala at the site. The settlement was named Indrapur after Lord Indreshwar, and over time, the name evolved into Indore.

In later years, Malhar Rao Holkar was appointed Subedar of Indore and laid the foundation of Holkar rule in the region. He was succeeded by his illustrious daughter, Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled from Maheshwar and became renowned for her administrative ability and patronage of temples and public works across India.

Following defeat at the hands of the British, the capital of the Holkars shifted permanently to Indore. After India’s Independence, the princely state acceded to the Indian Union, and today Indore forms an integral part of Madhya Pradesh.

Philatelic Significance

Indore also occupies a notable place in India’s postal history. The state issued its own postage stamps from 1885 to 1906, after which the postal service was taken over by the British India Post Office. These stamps bore denominations in annas and reflected the administrative identity of the princely state.

Today, the stamps of Indore are valued by philatelists for their historical importance and as reminders of the state’s legacy in Central India.

Commemorative Stamp

To honour the historical and philatelic legacy of Indore State, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp celebrates the state’s contribution to India’s rich heritage, particularly its role in governance, cultural development, and the evolution of postal services during the princely era.