Woman from Kerala
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | INDIPEX 97 |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 15, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 11 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1579 Stamp Number IN 1637 Yvert et Tellier IN 1349 Stanley Gibbons IN 1744 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Elephants | Logos | Mammals | Philatelic Exhibitions | Suits and Costumes | Women |
Table of Contents
Indepex ’97 World Philatelic Exhibition Commemorative Stamp Series
The Department of Posts organized Indepex ’97, a World Philatelic Exhibition, to coincide with the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence. The event was held from December 15-22, 1997, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. To mark this occasion, a series of special postage stamps were released, each highlighting different aspects of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Highlights of the Indepex ’97 Stamp Series:
- Indepex ’97 Logo (Released on October 5, 1996):
- Design: The stamp features a caparisoned elephant, a symbol of the traditional Indian welcome, reflecting the nation’s hospitality and cultural vibrancy.
- Cultural and Tourism Centers (Released on June 6, 1997):
- Design: This set of four stamps showcases significant cultural and historical sites:
- Ruins of Nalanda University: A revered ancient center of learning.
- Stupa of Vaishali: A key Buddhist site symbolizing India’s spiritual heritage.
- Kushinagar: The site where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana.
- Bodhi Trees of Bodh Gaya: The sacred place of Buddha’s enlightenment.
- Design: This set of four stamps showcases significant cultural and historical sites:
- Beaches of India (Released on August 11, 1997):
- Design: This set celebrates India’s stunning coastline with depictions of:
- Gopalpur-on-Sea: A serene beach in Odisha.
- Kovalam: A world-renowned beach in Kerala.
- Bogmalo: A picturesque beach in Goa.
- Anjuna: A vibrant beach in Goa, famous for its lively atmosphere.
- Design: This set celebrates India’s stunning coastline with depictions of:
- Indian Rural Women:
- Theme: This series honors the traditional roles and cultural significance of rural women from various regions of India, emphasizing the nation’s diversity and unity.
- Ladakh: The stamp depicts a woman with a traditional headgear adorned with semiprecious stones, highlighting the unique craftsmanship of the region. The women are known for their resilience, primarily engaged in household work and cattle rearing.
- Kerala: This stamp shows a rural woman working in the paddy fields, symbolizing the state’s high literacy rate and the significant role women play in agriculture and handicrafts.
- Arunachal Pradesh: The stamp captures the vibrant ethnic culture of the North-East, with women wearing rich and varied dresses and jewelry, showcasing the region’s cultural traditions.
- Gujarat: Featuring the colorful attire and traditional jewelry of rural women in western India, this stamp represents the region’s unique cultural identity.
- Theme: This series honors the traditional roles and cultural significance of rural women from various regions of India, emphasizing the nation’s diversity and unity.
Significance:
- Cultural Representation: The stamps provide a window into India’s cultural diversity, particularly the distinct traditions and attire of rural women across the country. The series reflects the unity in diversity that is central to Indian society.
- Role of Rural Women: By focusing on rural women, these stamps pay tribute to their vital contributions to India’s cultural and social fabric. They highlight the beauty, simplicity, and grace of women who are the backbone of India’s rural economy.
- Golden Jubilee Celebration: The Indepex ’97 exhibition and the commemorative stamps were part of India’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, symbolizing the nation’s rich heritage, progress, and the importance of preserving its cultural legacy.
These stamps, through their artistic depictions, serve as a tribute to India’s diverse and vibrant heritage, making them a valuable part of the country’s philatelic history.