St. Thomas
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 2, 1964 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | INR 0.15 |
| Quantity | 3,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 14 x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Reddish purple |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 379 Stamp Number IN 394 Yvert et Tellier IN 180 Stanley Gibbons IN 493 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Religion | Saints | Statues |
The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is commemorating Saint Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ, by issuing a special postage stamp on December 2, 1964. This date coincides with the arrival of His Holiness Pope Paul VI in India. Saint Thomas, also known as Didymus, is renowned for introducing Christianity into India. Historical accounts suggest that he arrived in India around 52 A.D., taking the northwestern route and preaching the Christian faith along the southern coast.
Several ancient monuments in Southern India are associated with Saint Thomas, including St. Thomas Mount, where it is believed he met his death, and the San Thome Cathedral in Madras, built on the site where he was buried.
The stamp, honoring Saint Thomas, is valued at 15 Paise and features a depiction of his silver bust located in the Ortona Cathedral in Italy. This stamp serves as a tribute to Saint Thomas on the occasion of His Holiness Pope Paul VI’s first visit to India, where he attended the 38th International Eucharistic Congress in Bombay.