History of firstPOSTAGE STAMP

The first postage stamp and its history.

 On 21 November 1947, the first postage stamp of independent India was issued by Nashik Press. The tricolor, Jai Hind slogan, and the date of independence were printed on it.

 Before independence, postage stamps used to have British pictures. This first postage stamp of independent India was worth three and a half annas! At the time of 1947, the currency was the prevailing currency. It should be known that then including sixteen annas is considered one rupee. At that time 64 paise was considered in sixteen annas. Accordingly, the first postage stamp of three and a half annas was 14 paise. It was used only for sending mail within the country. Since this stamp was issued a few days earlier than the other two stamps, it has the distinction of being the first postage stamp of independent India.

24 days after the issue of this first stamp, or rather, exactly four months after the date of independence, on 15 December 1947, the other two postage stamps were also issued for sale.