Soruth Stamps
Soruth is a historical region located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily within the modern state of Gujarat, India. Its postal history is intertwined with the British Raj, as it was a collection of princely states under the Kathiawar Agency, which issued their own distinctive stamps, often denominated in Indian annas or rupees.
- Issued stamps
- 1864–1949
- Region
- Asia, Indian Subcontinent
- Currency
- INR
- Languages
- Gujarati, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- British India
About Soruth stamps
The primary language appearing on these issues reflects the regional Gujarati and Kathiawari dialects, alongside English for official postal markings. The administrative transition following India's independence in 1947 led to the eventual cessation of these separate state postal services as they were integrated into the Indian postal system.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- SORUTH STATE
- SORUTH POSTAGE
- SERVICE
- SARKARI
How to identify Soruth stamps
- Look for inscriptions in Gujarati script, often alongside 'SORUTH STATE' or 'SORUTH POSTAGE'.
- Examine the printing method – early issues are lithographed, later ones typographed.
- Check for overprints like 'SERVICE' or 'SARKARI' which denote official use.
Popular series
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Early Issues (Lithographed)
1864-1879
The first stamps of Soruth, often crudely lithographed, featuring the state's emblem or local inscriptions. These are highly sought after by collectors of Indian Native States.
-
Later Issues (Typographed)
1879-1928
Later issues produced by typography, showing improved printing quality and often featuring the portrait of the ruler or the state's coat of arms. Denominations in annas and rupees.
-
Service Stamps (Official)
Various
Stamps overprinted 'SERVICE' or 'SARKARI' for official government use, often on regular definitive issues. These are distinct collecting areas.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$10,000+
Common Soruth stamps are relatively affordable, especially later issues. Early lithographed issues, particularly those with rare denominations, errors, or on cover, can fetch significant prices. Condition is paramount for value.
Catalogs. Soruth stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Soruth stamps
Soruth stamps are postage stamps issued by the princely state of Soruth (also known as Junagadh) in the Kathiawar Agency of British India, from 1864 until its integration into the Indian postal system around 1949. They are a significant part of Indian Native States philately.
The value of Soruth stamps varies widely. While many common issues are affordable, early lithographed stamps, rare denominations, errors, and stamps on original covers can be quite valuable, often ranging from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Condition plays a crucial role in determining their worth.
Soruth stamps can be identified by their inscriptions in Gujarati script, often accompanied by 'SORUTH STATE' or 'SORUTH POSTAGE' in English. Early issues are typically lithographed, while later ones are typographed. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Soruth stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under 'Indian Native States - Soruth'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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