2016-05-05 Thu

The first official stamp of India was printed in India on 5th May 1854. The first stamps valid for postage throughout India began to be circulated since Oct 1854. Printed in India, these stamps were issued under the authority of East India Company in the interest of Indian Economy.

In 1688 the first post office of the Company Post was established at Bombay/Madras. However, the service was post paid and it resulted in chaos. Hence, the Company insisted on having the stamps in India and Indian authorities.

Nearly 30 million stamps were printed between 5th may and 29th July 1854 which were placed on sale in October 1854. The ½ anna blue coloured stamp of Queen Victoria is the first stamp issued in India and it was printed on 5th May 1854.

Issued in four values: 1/2 anna, 1 anna, 2 annas, and 4 annas, the stamps come in different colours and feature a youthful profile of Queen Victoria.

All four values were designed and printed in Calcutta, and issued without perforations or gum. Among which the 4 annas value stamp is considered to be the world's first bicoloured stamp.