2017-09-14 Thu

French colonial stamps issued from 1840 to 1940 are known for their high production values and varied topics. The French colony in India consisted of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanaon, Mahe, and Chandernagor. France also had extraterritorial rights for many trading posts in some Indian cities.

Their territory covered an area of almost 200 square miles with a population of about 330,000. After India became an independent nation in 1947, France started to give back the lodges and territories to India. On 1st November 1954, India took de facto possession of the pending French territories.

A 3-rupee Temple of Chidambaram airmail stamp was issued by French India in 1948. It was sold at the Paris post office on 7th -8th July 1948 but was not issued in the colony. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Tamil Nadu currently.

The unissued airmail stamp in mint never-hinged condition has a market value of $10. It is popular among collectors of religion on stamps, French colony issues, and Indian stamps.