3054) Hemchandra Vikramaditya (or Hemu), Bharat/India: India Post has issued a postage stamp of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) honouring the last Hindu Emperor of Bharat/India: Date of Stamp issue: 07.10.2023:
Samrat Hemchandra Vikramaditya or Hemu was the last Hindu Emperor of India.
Being a member of an ordinary family, he did extraordinary and brilliant deeds in the history of India. Through his ideas and visions, he made tremendous efforts to make his country, Bharat a powerful nation.
He was a capable administrator, a military genius, an able politician and a far-sighted statesman. In true sense, he was the follower of the great Hindu King Prithvi Raj Chauhan who fought bravely in the battlefield and sacrificed his life for the country.
Hemu, was one of the greatest freedom fighters in the annals of Indian history, who fought against the foreign rulers.
Hemu was born in 1501, in a village Machheri, three miles away from Rajgarh in the region of Alwar (Rajasthan) in Dhusar Brahmin (Bhargava) family.
His father Puran Das was a Purohit and a religious person. Saint Puran Das took Sanyas and migrated to Vrindavan to live with famous saint Harivansh of the Vallabha Sampradai Sect.
The family shifted to Qutabpur, a village of Dhusar Brahmins, in Rewari (Haryana) for better prospects. Hemu was brought-up and educated there.
He studied Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic. During his childhood he was fond of wrestling and horse-riding.
Based at Rewari, which was on main route of traders from Iran, Iraq to Delhi, Hemu started supplying cereals to Sher Shah’s army. Later on, he took up supply of saltpeter (gunpowder) to his army.
After Shershah Suri’s passed away on 22.05.1545 A.D., Jalal Khan, the younger son of the former, assumed the title of Islam Shah and became the ruler.
Islam Shah recognised the capability and the administrative skills of Hemu and therefore made him his personal advisor.
In 1550 AD, Hemu accompanied Islam Shah to Punjab when he was deputed along with other high officers to receive Mirza Kamran, the second son of Babar in the fort of Rohtas.
Hemu was soon promoted as the Chief of intelligence (or Daroga-ai-Dak Chauki) i.e. Superintendent of Posts.
In 1552 and 1553, Hemu held positions as Governor of Punjab and Delhi state also.
In November 1554 Islam Shah passed away and his 12 years old son Firoz Khan became the ruler, who was killed within three days by Adil Shah Suri.
His original name was Mubrez Khan or Mubarak Khan. The new king Adil Shah was an indolent, pleasure-seeker, drunkard and debauch. He faced revolts on all sides.
Adil Shah looked to Hemu as Chief Advisor and practically entrusted all his work to him. Hemu now became the Prime Minister and Chief of the Afghan Army.
Most of the Afghan governors revolted against Adil Shah and refused to pay the taxes. Hemu went to various states in North India to crush these uprisings. Hemu fought 22 battles and won all of them.
Battles took place between Hemu and Ibrahim who was a claimant for the Sultanate and the former was always victorious.
Sultan Mohammad, who had assumed the title of King in Bengal, was also defeated.
When Humayun returned to India to recover his lost throne, Adil Shah sent Hemu Northwards to oppose him, retiring himself to Chunar. When Humayun met with fatal accident on 26.01.1556 AD, Hemu remained in the field to prevent Akbar from taking effective possession of his father’s kingdom.
Hemu consolidated his army and went from Gwalior to Agra. He defeated lskandar Khan Uzbeg, Governor of Agra. He occupied Agra with its huge treasure and equipments, and proceeded towards Delhi.
Tardi Beg Khan, the Mughal Governor of Delhi, was frightened and immediately sent a dispatch to Akbar and Bairam Khan and demanded adequate reinforcements for the defence of the capital.
Bairam Khan sent his ablest Commander Pir Mohammad Sherwani with a big army.
In Delhi, the battle was fought at Tuglakabad in which Hemu defeated the Mughals. Hemu won Delhi after a day’s battle on 06.10.1556 AD. Nearly 3000 soldiers died in the battle.
Tardi Beg fled away. Hemu entered Delhi victoriously under a royal canopy. He occupied Delhi and declared his independent status. He had his coronation or "Rajyabhishek" at Purana Qila in the presence of all the Afghans and Rajput commanders with all religious ceremonies.
He issued coins in his name and assumed the historic name ‘Vikramaditya’ (or Raja Bikramjit).
He reorganised the army and made certain appointments, without removing any Afghan. He also made significant reforms in the mercantile system. He dismissed all the corrupt officers and also paid attention towards protection of cow and totally prohibited cow’s slaughter.
Though Hemchandra Vikrmaditya ruled for only 29 days, yet it was a historical event in the history of India.
He re-established the Hindu Kingdom after centuries of foreign rule.
Historian R.C. Majumdar called it, “a unique episode in the history of India during the Muslim rule.”
On the news of the fall of Delhi from Akbar’s control, the Mughal army at Kalanaur lost heart and many commanders refused to fight Hemu. They advised Akbar to retreat to Kabul, where he would be safer. However, Bairam Khan refused and insisted him to fight with Hemu.
The battle between Hemu and Mughals was finally fought at Panipat on 05.11.1556 AD. Hemu was captured in an unconscious, almost dead state.
Bairam Khan desired Akbar to earn the title of Ghazi by flashing his sword on the captive. The forces of Akbar conquered the Sarkar of Alwar which was the home of Hemu.
The vengeance of the Mughals continued. The clan of Dhusar Bhargavas were hounded, brutally beheaded and pyramid of their skulls were built throughout the region.
Such a painting of Akbar’s time is on display in National Archives, New Delhi whose replica can be seen in the War Museum at Panipat.
This spelt the end of one of the glorious periods of the Indian History. No praise can be too great for Hemu’s bold endeavour to re-establish indigenous rule at Delhi after more than 350 years of foreign domination.
This Commemorative Postage Stamp has been issued by India Post on Hemchandra Vikramaditya who was an epitome of valour and courage.
The Stamp:
The 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) postage stamp shows Hemchandra Vikramaditya seated on his throne. The turmoil during his reign and the constant fighting/battles he fought are symbolically depicted in the background.
The First Day Cover (FDC) is titled Hemchandra Vikramaditya (in both Hindi and English). He is seen seated on his throne at centre bottom. of the FDC. The special cancellation postmark/handstamp is of New Delhi Head Office and the date of cancellation is - "07.10.2023".
TECHNICAL DATA:
Issuer: India Post
Date of Stamp issue: 07.10.2023
Denomination of Stamp: 500 p (or Rs.5/-)
No. of Stamps Printed: 302,800
Printing Process: Wet Offset
Printer: Security Printing Press, Hyderabad.
Links:
Posts on G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi on this Blog:
1) G20 Leader's Summit, New Delhi 2023, Bharat/India: India Post has issued a Souvenir Sheet (SS) of two stamps of 2000 Paise (or Rs.20/-) each commemorating the G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi: Date of Souvenir Sheet issue: 26.07.2023
2) G20 Leader's Summit, New Delhi 2023, Bharat/India: India Government Mint (IGM) Kolkata has released a combo of Rs.100/- and Rs.75/- Quaternary Silver Coin set commemorating the G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi: Date/Year of Coin set issue: 2023
Posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
1) Did you Know Series (71): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" (Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence: A set of four coins in the denominations of Rs.2, 5, 10 and 20 issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai
2) Did You Know Series (74): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" ("Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence"): A set of six coins in the denominations of Rs.5, 10 and 20 totalling Rs.75 issued by the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, together with a Special Cover issued by the Hyderabad Postal Circle of India Post
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: A Presentation Pack of Indian Postage Stamps prepared by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi comprising of : i) A First Day Cover: ii) the two Stamps of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) and iii) the Information Brochure (IB): Year of Presentation Pack issue: 2023
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: "Special Edition - 2022-2023": India Government Mint (IGM) Hyderabad has issued two Presentation Packs in Coin Cards in the denominations of Rs.20/-, Rs.10/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.2/- and Re 1/- with the AKAM logo on the Reverse: Year of Presentation Packs issue: 2023
5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Bharat/India celebrates 75th Year of Independence: A set of five Coins in the denominations of Re.1/-, Rs.2/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.10/- and Rs.20/- released by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2023
6) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Bharat/India celebrates 75th Year of Independence: A set of five Coins in the denominations of Re.1/-, Rs.2/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.10/- and Rs.20/- released by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2023
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
1) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
2) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "WOMEN's POWER: EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
3) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: 11) "WOMEN'S POWER: CONSERVING NATIONAL HERITAGE": A SPECIAL COVER RELEASED ON 12.02.2023
4) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: DEFENDING OUR NATION": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023
5) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "DIVYANG: PRIDE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 13.03.2023
6) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "PUPPETRY: INDIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
7) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "BIRSA MUNDA": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
8) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "GOVIND GURU": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
9) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS -2023 (FOXTAIL MILLETS, FINGER MILLETS, PEARL MILLETS, SORGHUM MILLETS, BARNYARD MILLETS, LITTLE MILLET"): A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
10) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "OUR FREEDOM STRUGGLE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023
11) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition"), held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "NATURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
12) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "ACHIEVEMENTS AT 75 YEARS": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
13) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philatey Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "UTI ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED (UTI AMC)": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
14) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INDIA POSTS IN SERVICE OF THE NATION": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023
15) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: India Post has issued a 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) postage stamp highlighting the initatives taken by the Government of India (GOA) under the programme: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 11.02.2023
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
1) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: i) "FREEDOM STRUGGLE"
2) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: ii) "IDEAS@75
3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's history: iii) "RESOLVE@75"
4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: Am initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: iv) "ACTIONS@75"
5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An intiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: v) "ACHIEVEMENTS@75"
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
i) "Bikaneri Bhujia", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
ii) "Makrana Marble", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iii) "Blue Pottery of Jaipur", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
iv) "Thewa Art Work", Rajasthan, India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
v) "Kathputlis of Rajasthan", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers (SCs) on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vi) "Molela Clay Work & Pokran Pottery", (Rajasthan) Postal Circle of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
vii) "Kota Doria", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
viii) "Sanganeri & Bagru Hand Block Print", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021
Links to Special Covers issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Postal Covers/Booklet issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle (2021-2022):
Links to Special Covers issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle recently:
Links to Special Covers issued by Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Odisha Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the North East Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the West Bengal Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle:
Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Haryana Postal Circle:
Links to posts on Special Covers issued by Kerala Postal Circle:
IPKF Operations, Sri Lanka:
Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues:
Other posts on the Indian Armed Forces on this Blog:
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
Links to Posts on Our Solar System:
1) Did You Know Series (34): World Stamp Show NY 2016, being held at Javits Centre, New York from 28.05.2016 to 04.06.2016
2) The Solar System: A set of eight Stamps of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) denomination each, depicting the eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune & Uranus, brought out by India Post on 20.03.2018
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
Some posts on Banks on this Blog:
Links to posts on stamps on six Hill Forts of Rajasthan (UNESCO World Heritage Sites):
Links to some posts on the Forts of Maharashtra:
Special Stamp Packs/Books:
India Post Stamps on Special Mugs:
Permanent Pictorial Cancellations:
Links to Posts on Indian Post-Cards:
Commemorative Stationeries:
Registered Post Envelopes:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2023:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2022:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2021:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2020:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2019:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2018:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2017:
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2016
Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2011:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2010:
List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:
List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2006:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2005:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2004:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1996:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1964:
List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1961:
Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:
Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:
Other Postage stamps from Thailand:
Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):
Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey:
Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:
Postage Stamps from Guernsey/Alderney Island:
Postage Stamps from Great Britain/UK:
Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:
Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post:
Postage Stamps from Romania:
Postage Stamps from Kyrgyzstan:
Postage stamps from Tokelau:
Postage stamps from Israel:
Postage Stamps from Norway:
Postage Stamps from Correos (Spanish Post):
Postage Stamps from Armenia:
International Philately Exhibitions :
Links to posts on my Alma Mater - La Martiniere College, Lucknow:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very nice and informative."
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
Delete"A VERY nice article about emperor Himu. Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative post."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
Delete