Rajasthan Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Rajasthan (India) Stamps
Rajasthan, located in the northwestern region of India, possesses a complex postal history rooted in the princely states that preceded its formation as a modern Indian state. Before integration into the Indian Union, the region's numerous Rajput states issued their own provisional stamps, often featuring local scripts and imagery alongside British Indian postal markings. Following the political integration of these states in the late 1940s and early 1950s, postal services were unified under the Republic of India, leading to the issuance of stamps reflecting national themes and utilizing Hindi and English. The transition involved the absorption of various local postal systems into the centralized Indian postal administration.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- South Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1950 – 1950
- Languages:
- Hindi, English
- Currency:
- INR
- Parent issuer:
- India
Stamp Catalogs
Rajasthan (India) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Rajasthan (India) Stamp Series
Indian Union Integration Issues (1950)
Stamps issued briefly after the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, often overprinting existing Indian stamps or featuring transitional designs.
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Rajasthan (India) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps specifically issued by the unified Rajasthan state are rare, as its postal existence was very brief. Most 'Rajasthan' philately refers to the princely states that later formed Rajasthan. Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprints, and rarity of the princely state issues.
How to Identify Rajasthan (India) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Rajasthan (India) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'INDIA POSTAGE' or 'भारत डाक' alongside 'RAJASTHAN' overprints or specific designs from 1950.
- 2 Distinguish from stamps of the individual princely states of Rajasthan, which have distinct local scripts and rulers' portraits.
- 3 Check for watermarks and perforation details, which can help differentiate genuine issues from forgeries or reprints.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rajasthan stamps?
Rajasthan stamps refer to the brief period in 1950 when the newly formed state of Rajasthan, after the integration of numerous princely states into the Indian Union, had a transitional postal administration. This period saw the use of Indian stamps, sometimes with specific overprints, before full integration into the national Indian postal system. Philatelically, 'Rajasthan' often also encompasses the stamps of the many princely states that later formed the modern state of Rajasthan.
Are Rajasthan stamps valuable?
The stamps specifically issued under the 'Rajasthan' name in 1950 are relatively scarce due to their very short period of use, and can be moderately valuable, ranging from a few dollars to hundreds for rare varieties or covers. However, the stamps of the individual princely states that comprised Rajasthan (like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mewar, etc.) can vary widely in value, with some rare issues fetching thousands of dollars, while common ones are inexpensive. Condition and authenticity are crucial for value.
How can I identify Rajasthan stamps?
Identifying Rajasthan stamps from 1950 involves looking for 'INDIA POSTAGE' or 'भारत डाक' along with any specific 'RAJASTHAN' overprints or designs. For the earlier princely state stamps, identification requires recognizing the specific state's name (often in local scripts), ruler's portrait, or unique emblems. A stamp identifier app can be an invaluable tool for quickly recognizing these stamps by scanning them, providing details on their origin and potential value.
Which catalogs list Rajasthan stamps?
Rajasthan stamps, both the 1950 issues and the earlier princely state issues, are listed in major international stamp catalogs. Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps are excellent resources. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for collectors.
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