Romesh Chunder Dutt
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Personality Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | September 27, 1973 |
| Denomination | 20 nP |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | Comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 574 Stamp Number IN 590 Yvert et Tellier IN 376 Stanley Gibbons IN 694 |
| Themes | Authors | Commemoration | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men |
Romesh Chunder Dutt epitomized the aspirations of the educated Indian intelligentsia of the 19th century, excelling as a civil servant, political leader, economist, historian, and writer. Born into a family renowned for academic excellence on August 17, 1848, Dutt’s brilliance shone early, leading to his success in the Indian Civil Service Examination in 1868 and subsequent admission to the Bar in England.
His tenure as a civil servant garnered widespread acclaim, but it was his post-retirement years that marked the zenith of his career. Whether serving as the President of the Indian National Congress, Revenue Minister of the State of Baroda, lecturer in Indian History at the University of London, or member of the Decentralisation Commission, Dutt made significant contributions to public life and scholarship. Notably, he authored valuable works on Indian history and civilization, alongside crafting fine novels in Bengali.
Among his monumental achievements are “India under Early British Rule, 1757-1837” and the “Economic History of India in the Victorian Age,” which provided groundbreaking analyses of various socio-economic issues plaguing India. Dutt’s meticulous research shed light on the poverty of cultivators, recurring famines, land tax burdens, decline of indigenous industries, and the impact of foreign capital, among other critical topics.
In the realm of Indian history, Dutt’s magnum opus, the “History of Civilization in Ancient India,” stands as a testament to his scholarly prowess. Additionally, his extensive body of work includes papers, articles, pamphlets, and addresses, reflecting his deep engagement with contemporary issues and historical scholarship.
Dutt’s untimely demise at the age of 61 in 1909 marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. The issuance of a commemorative postage stamp by the P & T Department serves as a fitting tribute to this great son of India, recognizing his multifaceted contributions to the nation’s intellectual and political landscape.