Tercentenary of Calcutta: Ganga – The River Of Life
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Centenary Series Tercentenary of Calcutta |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 28, 1990 |
| Denomination | Rs. 6 |
| Quantity | 1500000 |
| Perforation | Comb 14 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1283 Stamp Number IN 1342 Yvert et Tellier IN 1081B Stanley Gibbons IN 1433 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Rivers | Sailing Ships | Ships | |
Commemorative Stamp Set: Calcutta Tercentenary
Design Elements
- Shaheed Minar: A central image of the 152 ft. high tower, highlighting its historical significance.
- River Ganga: Depiction of the Ganga, symbolizing its role in the city’s development.
- Historic Villages: Illustrations of the three original villages – Sutanati, Gobindpur, and Kalikata.
- Historical Figures: Small portraits of Jacob Charnock, Satyendranath Tagore, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
- Cultural Symbols: Elements representing Calcutta’s rich cultural heritage, such as traditional Bengali art and motifs.
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Founding of Calcutta: Marks the arrival of Jacob Charnock in 1690 and the merging of the three villages.
- Colonial Capital: Reflects Calcutta’s status as the capital of British India and its central role in the freedom struggle.
- National Anthem: Commemorates the adoption of the first National Anthem by Satyendranath Tagore and the later adoption of “Bande Mataram” by Bankim Chandra.
- Struggle for Freedom: Highlights the city’s contribution to the Indian freedom movement, with Shaheed Minar as a symbol of protest and unity.
- Economic Development: Acknowledges the Ganga’s vital role in trade, commerce, and the city’s growth over 300 years.
Usage
- Educational Tool: Useful for teaching the history and cultural significance of Calcutta in schools and universities.
- Cultural Celebrations: Can be used during events marking the city’s tercentenary, such as exhibitions, seminars, and public lectures.
- Philatelic Collections: Valuable for stamp collectors interested in historical and cultural themes.
- Public Awareness: Helps in raising awareness about the historical importance of Calcutta and its role in India’s history.
Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set
- Preservation of Heritage: Ensures the historical narrative of Calcutta’s founding and growth is preserved and celebrated.
- Promotion of Cultural Identity: Highlights the unique cultural and historical identity of Calcutta, fostering a sense of pride among its residents.
- Recognition of Contributions: Acknowledges the city’s pivotal role in the freedom struggle and its ongoing significance in modern India.
Example of the Stamp Design
- Front: One stamp featuring Shaheed Minar with a backdrop of protest rallies, including an illustration of Rabindranath Tagore addressing a crowd. Another stamp depicting the River Ganga with historical images of trade ships and the merging villages.
- Back: Brief descriptions of the historical significance of Shaheed Minar and the River Ganga, along with biographical notes on key historical figures like Jacob Charnock, Satyendranath Tagore, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
The Commemorative Stamp Set Might Include:
- Significance: Emphasizes Calcutta’s historical journey from a small village to a major city, its role in the freedom movement, and its cultural and economic contributions to India over 300 years.