Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (1904-1948) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | August 6, 1976 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 25 p |
| Quantity | 3000000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Grey blue |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 684 Stamp Number IN 728 Yvert et Tellier IN 488 Stanley Gibbons IN 818 |
| Themes | Authors | Commemoration | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Women | |
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, a renowned Hindi poetess known for her patriotic fervor and lyrical prowess, was born in 1904 in Nihalpur village, now part of Allahabad. She reportedly composed her first couplet at the age of six. Her poetry gained prominence when it was published in the fiery Hindi weekly ‘Karmaveer’ in 1920-21.
Married to Thakur Lakshman Singh of Khandwa in 1919, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan abandoned her studies in 1920 to join the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. The couple actively participated in the national struggle, collecting funds for the Satyagraha movement and engaging in the “Flag Satyagraha” from Nagpur. Subhadra became the first woman satyagrahi to court arrest, marking the beginning of numerous confrontations with colonial rulers. Her political activism fueled her poetic spirit, resulting in inspiring works like “Senani ka Swagat,” “Veeron ka Kaisa ho Vasant,” and the widely recited “Jhansi ki Rani.”
Her first collection of verses, “Mukul,” won the first ‘Seksaria Prize’ in 1931, followed by another award for her short story collection “Bikhare Moti” in 1933. She also wrote children’s poetry and other short story collections, including “Unmadini” (1934) and the posthumously published “Seedhe-Sade Chitra.” Despite her activism and literary fame, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was known for her gentle and humane nature, as reflected in her lyrics and the memories of her family and friends.
Her tragic death in an automobile accident near Seoni in Madhya Pradesh on February 15, 1948, was a significant loss to Indian literature, politics, and womanhood. G.M. Muktibodh, a prominent Hindi poet and critic, praised her ability to intertwine national ideals with personal relationships, highlighting her unique contribution to nationalistic poetry.
In honor of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative postage stamp, celebrating her legacy as a poet, political activist, and inspiring figure in Indian history.