Princess Suriratna (Queen Heo as Indian Princess)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India Korea Joint Issue |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | July 30, 2019 |
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | 13½ x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Sankha Samanta Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3534 Stamp Number IN 3124 Yvert et Tellier IN 3219 Stanley Gibbons IN 3614 |
| Themes | Famous people | Joint Issues | Princesses | Royalty | Women |
The Indian Princess Who Became Queen Heo of Korea
An Ancient Bond Between India and Korea
The story of Princess Suriratna, who later became Queen Heo Hwang-ok of Korea, stands as a living testament to the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Long before the establishment of modern diplomatic relations, the two civilizations were connected through shared values, maritime exchanges, and spiritual traditions.
According to Samguk Yusa (The Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms), written in the 13th century, Princess Suriratna hailed from the ancient kingdom of Ayuta, believed to be Ayodhya in India. In 48 AD, at the age of sixteen, she embarked on a legendary voyage across the ocean to the Korean peninsula, where she married King Kim-Suro, the founder of the Gaya Kingdom.
The Journey and the Legend of the Pasa Stone Pagoda
The princess’s journey from Ayodhya to Korea was not merely a royal expedition but a voyage of faith and destiny. Her ship carried a sacred relic — the Pasa Stone Pagoda — believed to have divine powers to calm the turbulent seas. Upon her safe arrival in Korea, Princess Suriratna was welcomed with great honor and soon married King Kim-Suro, thus becoming Queen Heo Hwang-ok, the first queen of Gaya.
After her marriage, Queen Heo gave birth to ten sons and two daughters. Two of her sons adopted their mother’s surname “Heo,” becoming the ancestors of the Gimhae Heo clan, one of Korea’s most prominent lineages. The Pasa Stone Pagoda, which she brought with her, was initially enshrined at Hogyesa Temple and later moved to Queen Heo’s Royal Tomb in Gimhae, where it is preserved with reverence even today.
A Symbol of Shared Heritage
Queen Heo’s story symbolizes one of the earliest recorded examples of cultural and civilizational exchange between India and Korea. It reflects an age-old bond founded on mutual respect, migration, and spiritual connectivity. In modern times, the legend has been commemorated through the construction of a Memorial of Queen Heo Hwang-ok in Ayodhya, honoring the princess who carried the spirit of India to the Korean shores.
This tale continues to inspire generations in both countries, serving as a reminder that India and Korea share not only diplomatic and economic partnerships but also ancient emotional and cultural roots.
India–Korea Relations: From Ancient Ties to Modern Friendship
While Princess Suriratna’s story marks the beginning of Indo-Korean relations, formal consular relations between India and the Republic of Korea were established in 1962 and elevated to Ambassador-level in 1973. Over the decades, this relationship has grown into a Special Strategic Partnership, encompassing cooperation in trade, technology, culture, defence, and people-to-people exchanges.
The friendship between the two nations continues to flourish, strengthened by historical connections like that of Princess Suriratna and King Kim-Suro. The shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange carries forward the legacy of their union.
Philatelic Tribute by the Department of Posts
In recognition of this extraordinary link between India and Korea, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring Princess Suriratna (Queen Heo Hwang-ok). The stamp not only celebrates her enduring legacy but also highlights the timeless bridge of friendship, love, and cultural harmony that connects India and Korea — a bond that began over two thousand years ago and continues to shine brightly today.