More Landmarks In Philately

The postal system grew in popularity and more philatelic issues in the form of stamps and postal stationery came into existence. Post Card was introduced on July 1, 1879 and 1-anna revenue stamp was introduced on September 1, 1886 replacing Indian Postal Notes introduced earlier on 1st January 1883. Other services introduced were VP system and Insurance in 1877, Certificate of Posting in 1878 and all these gave scope for new collectors’ items. Issue of stamps by some of the native States led to the creation of an entirely new and fascinating field for philatelists.

One of he major landmarks in Indian Philately towards the end of the 19th Century was the formation of the Philatelic Society of India (PSI) on March 6, 1897 by a band of British Philatelists serving in high civil and military ranks in India. in January 1897, the first philatelic journal was issued under the stewardship of Charles Stewart Wilson who also served as President of the Society from 1897 – 1906. Later, Charles Wilson became Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs. PSI had initially 550 members including 50 women which speaks of the popularity of the hobby even in those early days. The Philatelic Journal of India (PJI) carried many erudite articles on the early stamps, Telegraph stamps, Fiscals, native States issues and so on.

A most beneficent and lasting result of the formation of PSI and publication of the Journal was the organized and serious study of early Indian Philatelic issues leading to the publication of a number of well-researched works. Notable among these are ‘The Postage and Telegraph Stamps of India’ by L.L.R Hansburg, a magnum opus on the 1854 lithographs, ‘Early Indian Cancellations’ and ‘India Used Abroad’ by W.W Renouf and Sir Edward Bacon’s ‘The Proofs, Essays and Reprints of the First Issued Stamps of British India, 1854-55’ which were all pioneering studies. Other major works to follow were ‘The Half Anna India 1854’ and ‘The 4-annas Lithographed Stamps of India, 1854-55’ both by Col. D.R Martin and E.A Smythies, a ‘History of the Post Office in India’ by Geoffrey Clarke, who was the Director-General of P&T, ‘The Handstruck Postage Stamps of India’ by D. Hammond Giles. The PSI celebrated its Centenary in 1997 in a befitting manner and the eminent philatelist of Mumbai, Dhirubhai Mehta continues the good work of PSI and edits the journal, PJI.

The formation of the Empire of India Philatelic Society in Mumbai in December 1941 was another significant event. Jal Cooper, the well-known authority on Philately, served as its founder-Secretary. The EIPS acquired the publication ‘India’s Stamp Journal’ (which was started in January 1937) form a Swiss dealer, Mr. Neukom of M/s Philatelic Orient in October 1940. To begin with, EIPS had some 140 members and it grew from strength to strength, Jal Cooper worked hard for he popularization of philately till his demise in August 1972. He also wrote a popular column ‘Stamp News’ in the Illustrated Weekly of India, a popular Times of India publication, in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. The good work of EIPS is now being carried on by the Veteran Philatelist V.S Dastur.