Woman from Arunachal Pradesh
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | INDIPEX 97 |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 15, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 500000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1576 Stamp Number IN 1634 Yvert et Tellier IN 1346 Stanley Gibbons IN 1741 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Elephants | Logos | Mammals | Philatelic Exhibitions | Suits and Costumes | Women | |
Table of Contents
Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition Commemorative Stamp Series
Overview:
Indepex ’97 was a significant event organized by the Department of Posts to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence. This World Philatelic Exhibition, held from 15-22 December 1997 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, was a grand showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage and philatelic history.
Stamp Series:
The series of stamps issued to commemorate Indepex ’97 highlights various aspects of India’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage, reflecting the diversity and unity of the nation.
- Logo of Indepex ’97 (Released on 5th October 1996):
- Design: This stamp features the official logo of Indepex ’97, which depicts a caparisoned elephant. The elephant is a symbol of traditional Indian hospitality and represents the grandeur and warmth with which guests are welcomed in India.
- Centers of Cultural and Tourism (Released on 6th June 1997):
- Design: This set of four stamps showcases prominent historical and cultural sites in India:
- Ruins of Nalanda University: One of the world’s oldest universities, symbolizing India’s ancient educational prowess.
- Stupa of Vaishali: A significant Buddhist monument, representing the spiritual heritage of India.
- Kushinagar: The place where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana, highlighting India’s deep spiritual roots.
- Giant Bodhi Trees of Bodh Gaya: The site where Buddha attained enlightenment, symbolizing peace and knowledge.
- Design: This set of four stamps showcases prominent historical and cultural sites in India:
- Beaches of India (Released on 11th August 1997):
- Design: This set celebrates the scenic beauty of India’s coastline by featuring four famous beaches:
- Gopalpur-on-Sea: A serene beach in Odisha known for its tranquility.
- Kovalam: A popular tourist destination in Kerala, famous for its picturesque views and lighthouse.
- Bogmalo: A beach in Goa known for its clear waters and peaceful ambiance.
- Anjuna: Another Goan beach, famous for its vibrant culture and flea markets.
- Design: This set celebrates the scenic beauty of India’s coastline by featuring four famous beaches:
- Indian Rural Women (Focus of the Current Issue):
- Design: This stamp series highlights the traditional attire, jewelry, and roles of rural women from different regions of India. The stamps represent the cross-cultural diversity and unity of Indian society through the depiction of rural women from:
- Ladakh: The stamp features a woman wearing traditional headgear studded with semiprecious stones, symbolizing the unique craftsmanship and hardy lifestyle of the region.
- Kerala: This stamp shows a rural woman engaged in paddy field work, representing the high literacy rate and the active participation of women in agriculture and cottage industries.
- Arunachal Pradesh: The stamp captures the vibrant ethnic culture of the North-East, showcasing the rich and varied dress and jewelry of the rural women in this region.
- Gujarat: The stamp depicts the colorful attire and traditional jewelry of rural women, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Western India.
- Design: This stamp series highlights the traditional attire, jewelry, and roles of rural women from different regions of India. The stamps represent the cross-cultural diversity and unity of Indian society through the depiction of rural women from:
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Unity in Diversity: The stamps in this series celebrate the rich cultural diversity of India, while also highlighting the underlying unity that binds the nation together. Each stamp tells a story of a region’s unique cultural practices, yet collectively, they represent the shared values and traditions of Indian society.
- Empowerment and Contribution of Rural Women: By focusing on rural women, the series acknowledges their significant contribution to the economy, culture, and traditions of India. These women, through their diverse roles in agriculture, handicrafts, and household work, are the backbone of rural India.
Commemoration of Indepex ’97:
- Significance of the Event: Indepex ’97 was not just a philatelic exhibition but a celebration of 50 years of India’s independence. The stamps issued for this event serve as a reminder of India’s journey as a nation and its rich cultural legacy.
- Legacy: The stamps from the Indepex ’97 series continue to be valuable collectibles, representing India’s philatelic history and the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its diverse heritage.
This series of stamps, with its vibrant depictions and cultural significance, serves as a testament to India’s rich and varied traditions, making it a prized collection for philatelists and cultural enthusiasts alike.