452) Butterflies of India (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016:

452) Butterflies of India (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016:

Derivation of the term “butterfly”:

Butterflies flitting from flower to flower, sipping nectar or just chasing each other have always been the object of a human being’s admiration.

The word “butterfly” has originated from the “Yellow Brimstone” butterfly’s first flight at the first signs of Spring, which reminded the pastoral community of yore of freshly churned butter.

Similarly, the names by which these insects are commonly called reflect some aspect of the insect’s morph or characteristic behaviour. The Gaudy Baron, the Painted Lady, the Orange Tip, Common Jezebel and such other names are but an indication of how far the imagination of the man or woman soared, who first named them.

Butterflies & Moths – a distinction:

Butterflies, along with Moths, belong to an order of insect called “Lepidoptera” – insects bearing scales on their wings. The setting and position of these scales result in giving the insects the various colours and wing patterns we see. The difference between the Butterfly and the Moth is simple.

Butterflies have clubbed antennae and, in the resting posture, always fold their wings facing each other and hold them high over their backs. The antennae of the Moths are filiform and, at rest, their wings fold over their bodies in a roof-like manner.

Origins of butterflies – Religious beliefs:

Different views are held as to the origin of butterflies.

Christian belief was that they came into existence from the tear drops shed by Virgin Mary.

Hindu mythology mentions that when Lord Brahma, the Creator, watched a butterfly larva emerge from an egg, undergo various stages of moult, pupate and finally emerge as a beautiful winged insect, it gave the creator the idea of perfecting life by constant reincarnation.

Several species of butterflies found in India:

There are more than 1450 species of butterflies in India, out of which 962 species are found in the North-Eastern region.

Food & eating habits:

Nectar is the major food butterflies live on, along with other food sources. Butterflies are often seen in the late mornings sitting on a damp patch or decaying matter to supplement their diet either from the salts of the Earth or from decaying matter, drinking the sap of injured trees, juices of fruits, feeding on bird droppings etc.

Threat from predators – means adopted for protection:

Fragile as they are, butterflies have little or no means of protection from predators like birds, lizards etc. The colours of their wings, their shape and the unpleasant taste they acquire because of the particular food plants the larvae feed on, are their only means of protection. Others are marked with brilliant spots which scare away their tormentors.

Attracting mates:

The sense of smell is greatly developed in butterflies. The faculty of smell serves them well in selecting and locating their mates. One kind, the Danaid butterflies, have noticeable black pockets on their hind-wings. These pockets contain specialised scent scales known as “androconia” which are peculiar to males. Each scale has a small gland at its base which produces an aphrodisiac to excite the female during courtship. Each species has its own characteristic smell. It is also believed that visual signals play an important role in mating.

Migration:

Butterflies are known to undertake a two-way migration – from one region of the planet Earth to another. The most striking example of this is the American Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The commute from Northern Canada down to Mexico and return to their Canadian haunts after a sojourn. It takes three generations of Monarch butterflies to complete the entire journey. Similar migratory movements in Indian butterflies are also seen.

Threat from Collectors & Scientists:

The colour and form of butterflies have created an international demand by collectors. Every year millions of butterflies are caught and sold around the globe to scientists studying various aspects of lepidopteron disciplines, butterfly collectors, manufacturers of curios and wall hangings, decorators, zoos and butterfly gardens. This demand for butterflies extends to almost all the 200,000 species or so that inhabit the world.

Habitat Conservation:

The destruction of butterfly habitats, resulting in the loss of food plants is affecting their population. Conservation is an interlinked process and conservation of forests and other vegetation will not only protect water and other natural resources but also these “flying beauties”.
The individual Post Cards: 

Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) (Boisduval):

The Orange Oakleaf is a nymphalid butterfly, found in tropical Asia from India to Japan.

It is a common butterfly of the Himalayan region, ascending upto 8,000 feet. Jungle recesses, shady nullahs and clearings are its favourite haunts.

The wingspan of the butterfly ranges from 85 to 110 mm. Much pursued by birds, when in danger, the Orange Oakleaf flies erratically, soon dropping down into the foliage and occupying a stationary pose with wings closed. With wings closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins and is a spectacular and commonly cited example of camouflage. The insect sits touching the hind-wing tails to the twig, making it resemble a dead and dry leaf

 The dead and dry leaf-like brownish colour of the underside of its wings and the flashy bright of the upper-side has a double role to play in protecting it from its enemies. It dazes the predator as the butterfly suddenly takes off.

It is attracted to tree sap and over-ripe fruit and is also known to mud-puddle.

Gaudy Baron (Euthalia lubentina) (Cramer):

This is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia and South-east Asia. It is distributed from the lower foot-hills of the Himalayas from Haridwar to Sikkim, Gangetic Plain, Bhutan, Assam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. It is commonly seen in Peninsular India, Southward from Mumbai and in North-east India.

A frequent visitor of damp patches and ripe fruits. It is found in wet forest areas. The larvae feed on various parasitic loranthus plants.

Southern Birdwing (Troides minos):

The Southern Birdwing is a large and striking swallowtail butterfly endemic to Peninsular India. With a wingspan of 140 – 190 mm, it is the largest butterfly of India, found in Southern India.

The species is more common in the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot with a high degree of endemism in many taxa. Active during early morning hours when both sexes feed in the forest on Lantana and diverse food-plants. A determined flier, it is known to cover very large distances before settling. The only food source is nectar. It also visits gardens and orchards and sips from domestic plants such as Mussaenda, Ixora and Lantana.

The Clipper (Parthenos Sylvia):

The Clipper is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South and South-east Asia, mostly in forested areas. The Clipper is a fast flying butterfly and has a habit of flying with its wings flapping stiffly between the horizontal. It may glide between spurts of flapping. Its Range is – the Western Ghats, Bangladesh, Assam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and South-east Asia (Malaya, Philippines and New Guinea.

Baronet (Euthalia nais) (Forster):

It is a species of Nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia. It is widely found in India and Sri Lanka.

In India, its distribution ranges from Lower Himalayas to Southern India. It is a denizen of the drier forests of Central, Western & Southern India. It flies close to the ground and often settles down with its wings open. Sal and Tendu (Ebony) trees form the food-plants of the larvae.

Common Indian Crow (Euploea core):

This is a common butterfly found in South Asia and Australia. In India, it is also sometimes referred to as the “Common Indian Crow”. It belongs to the crows and tigers sub-family Danaiae (Danaini tribe). It is a glossy black, medium-sized 85 – 95 mm butterfly with rows of white spots on the margins of its wings. Euploea core is a slow, steady flier.

Due to its unpalatability it is usually observed gliding through the air with a minimum of effort. The common crow is the most common representative of its genus Euploea.

Like the tigers (genus Danaus), the crows are inedible and thus mimicked by other Indian butterflies.

Indian Tortoiseshell (Aglais Cashmirensis) (Kollar):

Very common in the North-west Himalayas throughout the year, primarily in the Himalayas.

It has a wing-span of 52 – 63 mm. Often seen basking in the sun with wings spread wide open. Larvae feed on nettles.

Yamfly (Loxura atymnus) (Cramer):

It is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia. It is found across India and is commonly seen in the Western Ghats. It is especially numerous in the monsoon season in damp forest patches.

It is a denizen of the wetter parts of India, it keeps especially to the bamboo jungle. As a rule it never moves outside the limits of the jungle, and is absent amidst human habitation. The caterpillars are always attended to by red ants. Larval food is leaves of Yam and “Chobchini”.

Leopard Lacewing (Cethosia cyane):

This is a species of heliconiine butterfly found from India to Southern China (Southern Yunnan) and Indochina. Its range has expanded in the last few decades and its arrival in the Southern part of the Malay Peninsula, including Singapore, is relatively recent.

Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus) (Linnaeus):

It is a wide-spread species of nymphalid butterfly and common throughout India, during monsoon months.

Males are blackish with distinctive white spots that are fringed in blue. Females are in multiple forms that include male like forms while others closely resemble the toxic butterflies Danaus chrysippus and Danaus plexippus.

 They are well known for polymorphism and mimicry. The female mimics the plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus which is repulsive to taste and hence avoided by birds and other predators. She can, however, easily be differentiated from the Plain Tiger by the presence of a prominent black spot on the anterior margin on the upper-side of the hind wings and two prominent spots on their underside. Larva feeds on plants belonging to the Fig family and Common Purselane or Kulfa.

Indian Purple Leaf Blue (Amblypodia anita) sometimes called “Leaf Blue”:

The Purple Leaf Blue is a species of Lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia. It is found in Sri Lanka, India to Peninsular Malaya and Southern China, and in the Andamans. Its flight is not particularly strong and it is extremely easy to approach.

Yellow Gorgon (Meandrusa payeni) (Boisduval):

This is a species of swallowtail found in parts of South Asia and south-east Asia. It belongs to the Hooked Swallowtails genus – Meandrusa, of the family Papilionidae.

The butterfly is found in India from Sikkim to Assam, North Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia.

Common Sergeant (Athyma perius):

This is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia and South-east Asia. The Athyma perius male has black wings with a series of white markings, while the female is a blackish brown. The under-side of the wings are ochre yellow with the white markings as on the upper-side but heavily margined and defined with black. The antennae are black and there is a spot of ochre between the eyes.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui or Cynthia cardui) (Linnaeus):

This butterfly belongs to a sub-genus of the genus Vanessa in the family Nymphalidae. It is a migratory species widely distributed all over India. Seen in open places like gardens, fields and roadside. It is almost global in distribution.

It is a large butterfly (wing span 5-9 cm) identified by the black and white corners of its mainly deep orange, black-spotted wings.

Larvae feed on Artemisia or wormseed plant, Blumea or Nimurdi.

Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis) (Drury):

This is a medium sized pierid butterfly found in many areas of South and South-east Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

The wingspan of both males and females ranges from 6.5 cm to 8.5 cm. They are generally found all over India except in the desert tracts and upto an altitude of 7,000 feet in the hills. It is also commonly seen in gardens. Females fly high among the foliage searching for larval food plants to lay eggs. Males visit flowers and are sometimes seen drinking from wet patches. Larval food plants are mostly tree parasites like Loranthus.

It has a bright colouration to indicate the fact that it is unpalatable due to toxins accumulated by the larvae from the host plants. Like other unpalatable butterflies, the Common Jezebel is mimicked by Prioneris sita, the Painted Sawtooth.

Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha):

This is a species of swallowtail found in the Western Ghats of India.

With a wingspan of 9.0 cm – 10 cm the Malabar Banded Peacock is a small member of the family PAPLIONIDAE. The butterfly is black with iridescent greenish blue areas. Hind wings have tails. The name comes from the Malabar Coast in South-west India.

(Parts II and III are under preparation & will be put up shortly) 

 

Links to posts on Indian Post-Cards:

1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India

2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)

3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle   

6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015. 

7) Himalayan Lakes: Chanratal, Roop Kund, Sela, Tsangu and Tsomo Riri: A set of five post cards issued by India Post in 2015 

8)  Incredible India: (Part I) A set of 48 Post Cards issued by India Post in 2015
9) Incredible India: (Part II) A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
10)   Incredible India: (Part III): A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
 11) Olympic Events: A set of 12 Post cards issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 11.07.2016  

12) "Orchids": A set of 12 postcards issued by the Karnataka Postal Cicle of India Post, with designs inspired by 6 Stamps on Orchids issued by India Post on 21.10.1991 and 6 Stamps issued on 08.08.2016 

13) Legendary Women (of India): A set of 10 Post-cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

14) Sundarban (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

15) Sundarban (Part II): A set of 48 Post cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

16) Sundarban (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

17) Football Legendaries: A set of 18 Postcards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

18) Wild India - Mammals: Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

19) Wild India - Mammals (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

20) Wild India - Mammals Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

21) Butterflies of India (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

22) Butterflies of India (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

23) Butterflies of India (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

24) Beetles: A set of five stylised Post Cards issued by the Chennai Postal Circle of India Post
  
Maximum or Maxim Cards: 

1) Did You Know series (33): 1) Maxim or Maximum Cards 2) A set of 5 Maximum Cards issued by the Department of Posts, India to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Establishment of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad 

2) Orchids: A set of six Maxim or Maximum Cards issued by the Karnatala Postal Circle, India Post on 08.08.2016

3) Exotic Birds: A set of six Maxim Cards issued by India Post on 05.12.2016 

4) Nature: India: A set of six Maxim Cards issued by India Post on 25.01.2017 

5) Headgears of India: A set of 16 Maxim Cards issued by Chennai Postal Circle of India Post on 10.02.2017 

"My Stamps" Albums:

1) "Ajanta & Ellora Caves": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita and Rajeev

 2) "Ghats of Varanasi": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita

3) "Sun Temple, Konark": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

4) "Fairy Queen": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

5) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 
  
 6) "Port Blair Island": "My Stamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev

 Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2017:

1) Splendour of India: Happy New Year: A set of 12 Stamps issued by India Post on 01.01.2017

2) 350th Prakash Utsav: Guru Gobind Singh Ji: A commemorative Stamp of Rs.10/- brought out by India Post on 05.01.2017

3) India-Portugal: Joint Issue: A set of two Stamps commemorating the Dandiya and Pauliteiros Dances issued by India Post on 07.01.2017 

4) Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (or MGR) Birth Centenary : A Commeorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 17.01.2017 

5) Nature: India: A set of six commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 25.01.2017 

6) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): A commemorative stamp of Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 30.01.2017 

7) Headgears of India: A set of 16 stamps issued by India Post on 10.02.2017 

8) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment  (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017 

9) Centenary of Ramjas College: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 13.02.2017 

10) Ladybird Beetle: A set of four Stamps brought out by India Post on 23.02.2017 

11) Yogada Satsang Society of India Centennial Celebrations: A 00 Paise or Rs./ stamp issued by India Post on 07.03.2017

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:

1)  Special India Post Cover  carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016

2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme

3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016 

4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016 

5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016 

6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post 

7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post. 

8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016 

9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

10) PUNPEX - 16  held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016 

12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post 

13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai 

14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India 

15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016 

16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016 

17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016 

18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post. 

19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016 

20) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Birth Centenary celebrations : A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi, India Post on 15.02.2016

21) Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued on 17.02.2016 by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi 

22) National Science Centre Delhi: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi , Department of Posts, India on 16.02.2016 

23) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Vasantrao Srinivassa Sinai Dempo: A Rs.5/- Stamp issued by  India Post on 04.03.2016 

24) 150th Anniversary of the Allahabad High Court : Commemorative Stamps & Coins issued by the Department of Posts, India & India Government Mint, Mumbai respectively 

25) National Archives of India (Part 1): 125th Anniversary Celebrations: Commemorative Stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 13.03.2016 

26) The Gilgit Record (Manuscripts): National Archives of India (Part 2) A 30 paise Stamp issued in 1979,  by the Department of Posts, India. 

27) "A Minor Rock Edict" of Samrat ashok found in Gujarra , Distt. Datia M.P. : A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region, MP Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India

28) "Batesara Group of Temples": A Special Cover issued by Indore Region, M.P. Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India 

29) "India-UN Women HeForShe Programme": Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post  

30) Fire Services of India: A Rs. 5/- Stamp issued by the department of posts, india to honour the "Fire Services of India" 

31) Govardhanram Tripathi: Commemorative Rs.5/ Stamps brought out in his honour by the Department of Posts, India. 

32) The "Everlasting Flame international Programme 2016": A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, Department of Posts, India. 

33) "Ahimsa Ball": Commemorating the 10th Installation Ceremony of the Ball: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 26.04.2016 

34) "BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 14-16 April 2016, held at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle on 14.04.2016 

35) "25th Shukla Day Coin and Philately Fair" held from 22-24.04.2016 at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 22.04.2016 

36) "Indian Coast Guard Air Station Chennai Silver Jubilee": A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 07.03.2016 

37) Swami Chidananda: A Rs.5/- Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 21.05.2016, celebrating his Birth Centenary. 

38) "Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016 

39) Tata Power: Commemorating the centenary of the establishment of The Company by India Post, by issuing Rs.5/- stamps on 10.06.16 

 40) "Surya Namaskar": The theme of second International Day of Yoga: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 21.06.2016

41) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Jharkhand: DEOPEX:2016: A Special Cover issued by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

42) "Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar": DEOPEX-2016: A Special Cover issued on him by Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

43) "Philatelic Seminar, Jaipur": A Special Cover issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle, India Post on 28.02.2016 

44) "Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme - 2016": A Spcial Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 03.05.2016 

45) The Indian Institute of Architects: Commemorating the Centenary year of the Institute by issuing a Special Cover by Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 12.05.2016  

46) Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 (INAS 300): A Special Cover issued on the Induction of MiG-29Ks and de-induction of Sea Harriers in the Squadron, by the Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 11.05.2016 

47) State Trading Corporation : Celebrating 60 Glorious Years: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, India Post on 18.05.2016 

48) Christ Church Fort Teppakullam, Tirichirappalli: 250th Anniversary Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle, India Post on 17.05.2016 

49) "BSE" (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange): Commemorating the 140th Year of its establishment: A Rs.5/- commemorative stamp brought out by India Post on 09.07.2016 

50) "VIKAS PARV - CHHAU DANCE": A Special Cover issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle on 17.06.16 

51) 65th Plenary of the North Eastern Council held on 26-27 May 2016 at Shillong: A Special Cover brought out by the NE Postal Circle of India Post, on 03.06.2016 

52) Platinum Jubilee of the First Philatelic Bureau set up in Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 21.06.2016 

53) Chennai Book Fair: A Special Cover issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 01.06.2016

54) Chennai Book Fair (Part II) A.K. Chettiar : One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

55) Chennai Book Fair (Part III): T.Janakiraman: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

56) Chennai Book Fair (Part IV): P.V. Akilandam: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

57) Chennai Book Fair (Part V): D. Jayakanthan: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

58) Chennai Book Fair : (Part VI): Pudhumaipithan: One of Six Eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

59) Chennai Book Fair: (Part VII): Va Ramasamy: One of six eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

60) Tadoba Andhari National Park: Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on "International Tiger Day" at Nagpur on 29.07.2016 

61) Tara Mata Temple Shimla: Famous Temples of Himachaal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover issued by HP Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

62) Bagla Mukhi Temple, Bankhandi, Kangra: Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover released by the H.P. Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016  

63) Chintpurni Temple , Chintpurni Una, HP: Famous temples of Himachal {radesh Sries: A Special Cover released by H.P.Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

64) Ter-Centenary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: A Special Cover brought out by Delhi P0stal Circle of Indiapost on 20.06.2016 

65) "Rio 2016" Summer Olympics: Commemorative Stamps and booklets issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.08.2016

66) "Orchids": A set of 6 Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post on 08.08.2016  

67) Indian Metal Crafts: A set of six Stamps issued by India Post on 26.08.2016 

68) Independence Day - Tourism in India: A Rs. 25/- Commemorative Stamp issued by India Post on 15.08.2016 

69) "Kargil Diwas" - A Special Cover brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 26.07.2016 

70) Jagadguru Shri Shivrathri Rajendra Swamy : A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out on his Birth Centenary on 27.08.2016 

71) Lady Hardinge Medical College: Commemorating the Centenary of establishment of LHMC by issue of Rs.5/- stamps by India Post on 23.09.2016 

72) Swachh Bharat Mission: Second set of Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 02.10.2016

73) Induction of C-130: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise issued by India Post on 06.10.2016 

74) Central Water and Power Research Station, (CWPRS) Pune: A commemorative Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post commemorating the Centenary Celabrations of establishment of the CWPRS

75) Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur: A Special Cover brought out by Chhattisgarh Postal Circle, India Post on 26.06.2016 

76) Jagadish Chandra Bose (Great Scientist): A Special Cover brought out by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 15.02. 2016 

77) "Near Threatened Birds": (Series I): Stamps issued by India Post to create awareness about four Near Threatened (NT) Bird species on 17.10.2016 

78) "Varanasi City": A set of Commemorative Stamps brought out by India Post on 24.10.2016

79) National Unity Day (or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Salute to the Unifier of India: A Commemorative postage stamp brought out on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by India Post on 31.10.2016 

80) 50 Years of Haryana: A Commemorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 01.11.2016 

81) Mahseer: A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region of the Department of Posts, in coordination with the Forest Department Madhya Pradesh on 09.09.2016 

82) Third Battalion:The Garhwal Rifles: A Commemorative postage stamp issued to celebrate the Centenary of the Battalion's Raising day in 1916. Stamp issued by India Post on 19.11.2016 

83) "Picnic": The theme of Children's day 2016: Two commemorative stamps brought out by Indiapost in the denominations of 1500 Paise or Rs.15/- each on 14.11.2016 

84) Nobel Prize Winners of India: A Special Cover brought out by Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post in co-ordination with the Philatelic Society of India and St. Xavier's School, Jaipur on 21.10.2016 

85) Chilika Lake: A Special Cover issued by the Odisha Postal Circle of India Post at the National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment - 30.09.2016 to 02.12.2016 on 30.09.2016 

86) Exotic Birds: A set of six Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 05.12.16 

87) Akshardham Temple and Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A set of two stamps issued by India Post on 07.12.2016 

88) AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): A Rs. 5/- commemorative stamp issued on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of establishment of AIIMs on 03.12.16

89) Season's Greetings: A set of two Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 23.12.2016 

90) Samrat Vikramadittya: A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out by India Post on 22.12.2016 

91) 150 Years of setting up of the first building of Hardayal Heritage Public Library in 1866: Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 26.12.16 

92) Personality Series: Bihar: A set of 8 Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 26.12.2016 

93) Deendayal Upadhyaya: Birth centenary commemoration (1916-2016) A Commemorative stamp of Rs.10/- issued on him by India Post on 29.12.16 

94) Legendary Singers of India: A set of 10 stamps issued by India Post on 30.12.2016 

95) State Bank of Mysore (SBM): A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 16.12.2016 

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:

1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.

2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission

3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"

4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"

5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins" 

6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps

7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"

8) Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala

9) Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)

10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World  

11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India 

12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps

13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps 

14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India 

15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India

16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India. 

17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution" 

18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India 

19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India 

22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.

23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.  

24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post. 

25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post. 

28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post. 

29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post 

30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post 

32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post  

34) Gaiety Theatre Complex, Shimla: A Commemorative 500 Paise Stamp issued by India Post on 20.06.2014 

35) Commemorating 150 Years of the Kuka Movement: A commemorative Stamp brought out by India Post on 24.12.2014

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013: 

1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.

2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

3) INS Vikramaditya: Celebrating the induction of the Aircraft Carrier into the Indian Navy: A Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 04.12.2013

4) 50 Years of Nagaland: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 01.12.2013 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:

1) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part I) - Warli Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012

2) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part II) - Shekhaati Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2011:

1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.

2) Commemorating 100 Years of the Establishment of the ICMR: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 08.11.2011 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2010:

1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

2) Crafts Museum, New Delhi: A set of two Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 21.12.2010 

3) Lalit Kala Akademi: A Rs.5/- stamp brought out by India Post on 31.12.2010 

4) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2010

5) Central Bank of India: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- celebrating the Centenary of the establishment of the Bank brought out by India Post on 23.12.2010 

List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:

1) The Silent Valley: Commemorating the Silver Jubilee (25 Years) of setting up the Silent Valley National Park by issue of a stamp on 15.11.2009 

2) Pterospernum acerifolium (or Muchkunda): A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 06.03.2009 

3) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2009 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008: 

1) Centenary of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Commemorative Stamps brought out by Indiapost in 2008

2) Standard Chartered Bank: Commemorating 150 Years of Banking in India: A Rs.5/- Commemorative Postage Stamp issued depicting the SCB Mumbai Heritage Building 

3) "Aldabra Giant Tortoise": A commemorative postage stamp brought out by India Post in 2008 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:

1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post  

2) International Day of Disabled Persons (Since renamed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities): A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 03.12.2007 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts  in 2005:

 1) Celebrating 200 years of exciting heritage of State Bank of India

List of Commemorative Stamps issued  posts in 1964:
 
1) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose & the INA: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 23.01.1964

Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:

1) Three Series of original Indian stamps which depict : Inauguration of New Delhi (1931), First Independent India postage stamps (1947) and Republic of India Inauguration (1950)

 Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:

1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)

2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)  

3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)

4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales

Other Postage stamps from Thailand:

5) "Nang Yai" (or Shadow Play Puppets"): International Letter Writing Week - 2008: Commemorative Postage Stamps issued by Thailand Post on 04.10.2008

Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):

1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"

2) Forever Stamps: The Hindu Festival of Lights - Diwali (2016) 

Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey: 

1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie 

Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:

1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau

Postage Stamps from Great Britain/UK: 

1) Celebrating the Centenary of Agatha Christie's first Crime Novel and 40th Anniversary of her passing away by issue of a set of 6 stamps by Royal Mail, UK

 2) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two sets of stamps - commemorating iconic Albums and Live Tours
 
Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:

1) Working Dogs in Government Service: A sheetlet showing six dogs issued by Hongkong Post in June 2012

Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post: 

1) ICC Cricket World Cup - 2015 14 Commemorative Stamps issued with the theme "Have A Ball"

International Philately Exhibitions :

1) World Stamp Show New York 2016

2) Thailand 2016 - FIAP 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition 10-15 August 2016

3) PHILATAIPEI 2016: World Stamp Championship Exhibition 21.10.2016 to 26.10.2016

4) National Postal Week: 09 to 15.10.2016