Bharata Natyam, a classical dance form from South India, developed into its current form approximately two hundred years ago. Its poses evoke the sculptural art from the 10th century A.D. onwards, while its thematic and musical content was enriched by the musicians of the Tanjore courts during the 18th and 19th centuries. Primarily a solo […]
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Mir Anees (1803-1874), one of the most illustrious Urdu poets, was born into a family renowned for their contributions to Urdu poetry. His ancestors migrated from Iran to India during Shahjahan’s reign and were honored upon their arrival. Encouraged by his father, Mir Khaliq, Mir Anees began writing ‘Marsia,’ a genre of elegiac poetry that […]
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Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) is remembered as a luminous figure in Indian history. Born to Manakoji Shinde and Sushila, Ahilyabai received her education at home, heavily influenced by her mother’s deep religiosity. At the age of nine, she married Khande Rao Holkar. Demonstrating her keen interest in state affairs, she often accompanied her father-in-law, Malhar Rao […]
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Namibia is a vast territory abundant in diamonds and precious metals. In the late 19th century, Germany colonized Namibia, ruling until the end of World War I. Following the war, Namibia was designated a mandated territory of the League of Nations, entrusted to the Union of South Africa until Namibians could achieve self-governance. However, South […]
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Saint Arunagirinathar holds a cherished place among Tamil-speaking people, renowned for the significant events of his life, the excellence of his literary works, his profound knowledge, and his esteemed spiritual status. Though no authentic biographical records exist, traditions and his own writings suggest he was born in Tamil Nadu around six centuries ago. Initially leading […]
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The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) commenced on August 1, 1975. This year-long initiative, undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with All India Radio (AIR), aims to broadcast instructional television programs via satellite. The Satellite Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-F), provided by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), facilitates these […]
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The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), established in July 1950 with headquarters in India, is an International Non-Governmental Organisation sponsored by the Government of India. Its mission is to stimulate and promote the development and application of the science and techniques of irrigation, drainage, flood control, and river training. The Commission comprises National […]
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Michelangelo Buonarroti, born in Florence in 1475, stands as one of the greatest artists in history, displaying mastery across multiple disciplines including sculpture, painting, architecture, engineering, and poetry. While he began his career primarily as a sculptor, he demonstrated equal brilliance in painting and architecture, showcasing magnificent skill and prodigious originality in each medium. His […]
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The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of India, commemorating its centenary in 1975, holds a distinguished history of dedicated service to women and society at large. Since its inception in 1875, with the establishment of its first branch in Bombay, the YWCA has maintained an ethos of inclusivity, welcoming women from all backgrounds as members […]
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On May 24, 1975, India Post issued a 25 paise stamp to commemorate the 4th Centenary of the "Ram Charit Manas," the monumental epic composed by the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century. Written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, this work was revolutionary because it made the sacred story of the Ramayana accessible to the masses, moving beyond the traditional Sanskrit used by scholars of the time. The stamp celebrates the profound spiritual and cultural impact of a text that has shaped the moral and social fabric of northern India for four centuries. By emphasizing devotion (Bhakti) and the ideal of Ram Rajya (a just and righteous kingdom), the Ram Charit Manas became much more than a literary work; it became a daily guide for millions. Its verses, particularly the Chaupais, are widely recited in households and during the famous Ramleela performances, cementing its place as one of the most influential pieces of devotional literature in world history. This commemorative issue honors the literary genius of Tulsidas and the enduring legacy of an epic that continues to inspire art, music, and philosophy. For collectors, the stamp represents a tribute to India's rich linguistic heritage and the power of literature to unite and uplift society across generations.
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