2017-03-06 Mon

"Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together!" - Mark Twain

We all are well aware of the fact that, humans have created the most magnificent civilization throughout the history for his survival. Due to this, urbanisation took place and resulted into the manifestation of cities. One such city is Benares, which is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world and is also known as the city of Lord Vishwanath (Shiva).

Benares, also known as Kashi, originated from the kingdom of Kashi, its reference can be found throughout the literature. Till 1194 it was the part of Bhumihar Kingdom and became a part of British East India Company in 1775 AD. It has been the home to the Kings of Varanasi since 18th century AD.

Like many other kingdoms, Benares was also established as a Princely State in 1911. A series of Court fee stamp were issued by the State to collect the taxes, these stamps are also called revenue stamps. This pale green stamp was printed in 1940-48 for the payment of the state government fees and act as a legal document to prove taxes has been paid.

Before Company’s rule, Benares was ruled by the Zamindars of Awadh during Mughal period. But when Mughal power declined they declared themselves as Maharajas of Benares. But as we know it, the state eventually was ceded by the British and after Independence the last ruler of Benares signed the Instrument of Accession and became a part of Indian Union.

To know more about Court Fees stamp click here.