Indian Convention States Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Indian Convention States Stamps
The Indian Convention States refer to a collection of princely states in South Asia that entered into postal agreements with the British Indian administration, primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These states, while internally autonomous, utilized the British postal system while often issuing their own distinctive stamps, which typically bore inscriptions in English alongside local Indian languages. This unique postal arrangement existed until the political integration of these states into independent India following 1947, leading to the cessation of their separate postal administrations. The stamps from these states provide a fascinating study in the intersection of local sovereignty and imperial postal infrastructure within the Indian subcontinent.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1864 – 1950
- Languages:
- English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- British India
Stamp Catalogs
Indian Convention States stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Indian Convention States Stamp Series
Chamba State Issues (1886-1948)
Early issues of Chamba State, often featuring the state's crest or local motifs, overprinted on British Indian stamps or as definitive issues.
Gwalior State Issues (1885-1949)
Stamps of Gwalior, known for their distinctive designs often depicting local rulers or symbols, initially using British Indian stamps overprinted 'GWALIOR'.
Jind State Issues (1884-1948)
Jind State stamps, characterized by their 'JIND' overprints on British Indian stamps, and later by their own definitive issues with local inscriptions.
Indian Convention States Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Indian Convention States stamps varies widely. Common overprints on low-value British Indian stamps are generally inexpensive. However, rare errors, specific printings, high values, and stamps from less common states or early definitive issues can command significant prices. Condition is paramount, with unused, unhinged examples being most valuable.
How to Identify Indian Convention States Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Indian Convention States stamps:
- 1 Look for inscriptions in English alongside local Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Urdu, Gurmukhi).
- 2 Identify overprints on British Indian stamps, often indicating the specific Convention State (e.g., 'GWALIOR', 'JIND', 'NABHA').
- 3 Examine the design for local rulers, state crests, or unique cultural motifs.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Indian Convention States stamps?
Indian Convention States stamps were issued by various princely states in British India that had postal agreements (conventions) with the British Indian administration. These states often used British Indian stamps overprinted with their own names or issued their own distinctive stamps, which were valid within their territories and the broader British Indian postal system.
Are Indian Convention States stamps valuable?
The value of Indian Convention States stamps can range from a few dollars for common issues to several thousands for rare varieties, errors, or high-denomination stamps from certain states. Factors like rarity, condition, specific state of origin, and whether it's an overprint or a definitive issue significantly influence their value.
How can I identify Indian Convention States stamps?
To identify Indian Convention States stamps, look for dual inscriptions (English and local Indian languages), overprints of state names on British Indian stamps, and unique designs reflecting the specific princely state. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to catalog entries and learn more about its origin and characteristics.
Which catalogs list Indian Convention States stamps?
Major stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons all list stamps from the Indian Convention States. Stanley Gibbons, in particular, has comprehensive listings for British Commonwealth and Indian subcontinent stamps, often providing detailed information on these issues.
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