3986) Ahilya Bai Holkar, Bharat/India: 300th Birth Anniversary (1725-2025): A 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) postage stamp issued by Bhartiya Dak/India Post commemorating the milestone: Date/Year of stamp issue: 31.05.2025:
Ahilya Bai Holkar:
Born in 1725 in Chondi, Maharashtra, Ahilya Bai Holkar is one of the most revered figures in Indian history, known for her
leadership and contributions to the cultural and economic
development of her kingdom.
As queen of Malwa from 1767 to 1795, her reign
marked a golden era of prosperity, justice, and artistic growth.
Ahilya Bai was born into a humble family of the Deshmukh clan. Her father, Mankoji Shinde, served as a village
headman, enabling her to receive a good education and develop an
early interest in governance. At the age of 19, she married
Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the Holkar
dynasty.
Widowed in 1754 with a young daughter after her husband’s death in battle, Ahilya Bai showed remarkable strength.
Her composure impressed her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar,
who recognised her leadership potential and began mentoring
her in administration and public affairs.
Following Malhar Rao’s death in 1766, Ahilya Bai became the de facto ruler of Malwa.
Formally ascending the throne in
1767, she faced political instability and threats from rival
states and the British East India Company. Though her rise was
unprecedented for a woman in a male-dominated society, she quickly
proved her capabilities.
Ahilya Bai ensured
fair governance and prioritised the welfare of her subjects. Her just rule earned her widespread
admiration and solidified her place as a beloved monarch.
She
handled affairs of state with wisdom, maintained peace, and promoted
inclusive justice.
Under her leadership, Malwa prospered both economically and culturally. She invested in infrastructure,
commissioning roads, forts, and temples that boosted trade and
connectivity.
Her architectural contributions include the Maheshwar Fort
and temples built along the banks of the Narmada River, many
of which still stand today.
Ahilya Bai was a
great patron of the arts.
She encouraged music, dance, and literature, fostering cultural growth. Her
court became a hub for scholars and artists, sparking a cultural
renaissance.
Known for her love of poetry, she often took part in literary
gatherings and supported creative expression.
Her commitment to
social welfare was evident in the institutions she established, including hospitals and
schools that promoted healthcare and education.
She believed in
the transformative power of education, especially for women,
and her efforts laid a foundation for future progress in this
area.
A deeply spiritual leader who followed Hindu principles, Ahilya Bai also practised religious tolerance. She
welcomed scholars and religious leaders from various faiths to her court,
promoting dialogue and unity among her diverse subjects. Her
policies strengthened social harmony and reflected her inclusive
vision.
Among her most notable contributions was the construction of temples and ghats along the Narmada River. She
believed that spiritual access should be open to all, regardless of
caste or creed. Her initiatives to provide clean drinking water and support
agriculture further demonstrated her care for everyday needs.
Despite
challenges, including the growing influence of the British East India Company, Ahilya Bai navigated
political tensions with diplomacy and strategic alliances. Her ability to
protect her kingdom while preserving its independence was a testament
to her political acumen.
Ahilya Bai Holkar passed away on 13 August 1795. Her death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian history,
but her legacy lived on.
She is remembered as a visionary
ruler who embodied courage, wisdom, and compassion. Her reign not
only transformed Malwa but also challenged the limitations
placed on women in leadership.
In modern India,
Ahilya Bai is celebrated as a symbol of empowerment. Her story continues to inspire generations
of women striving for recognition and equality.
Ahilya Bai Holkar’s reign stands as a powerful example of visionary leadership, cultural renaissance, and social
commitment.
She broke barriers and redefined the role of women in
Indian public life. Her contributions remain deeply etched in the
nation’s memory, and her name continues to evoke respect and admiration.
The Postage Stamp:
The Department of Posts has released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the 300th Birth Anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar.
The Postage Stamp
The First Day Cover (FDC)
International Philately Exhibitions:
5) Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand: Organised from 27.11.2023 to 02.12.2023: Bhartiya Dak/India Post participated in the Philatelic Exhibition
6) World Philatelic Exhibition, PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY: India Post perticipated with Six Special Covers in the Exhibition held from 17th to 22nd Fenruary 2025
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
8) Specialised World Stamp Exhibition - EFIRO - Romania 16-19 April 2024, Bharat/India: Four Special Covers presented in the Exhibition by Bhartiya Dak/India Post featuring - Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Taj Mahal and the Indian Peacock: Date of Special Covers issue: 2024
Greetings:
1) "Greetings", Bhartiya/India Postage Stamps, Bharat/India: Two sets of Stamps issued on "Greetings (4 Stamps - 2007) and "Season's Greetings" (2 Stamps - 2016)
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) POST CARDS:
1) HEADGEARS OF INDIA, Augmented Reality (AR) Postcards, Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a set of 16 Post Cards which are AR enabled: Post Card set issued by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi: Year of Postcards issue: 2025
World Earth Day:
1) 50th Anniversary of World's Earth Day, Vatican City: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Roma" on behalf of Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico Vaticano": Date of Coin issue: 16.10.2020
2) "One Earth, Republic of Fiji: A $1 (One Dollar) 1-oz Silver BU Coin depicts the concept: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2022
3) World Earth Day - 22.04.2025, Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a set of six post cards on World Earth Day to highlight that we have one Earth only and we need to protect all our resourcesz: Date/Year of Post Cards issued: 22.04.2025
4) "Earth Day - Crystal of the Mineral Zepter Quartz", HP Mostar (Mostar), Bosnia and Herzegovina: HP Mostar has issued a postage stamp of 1.20 BAM featuring the Crystal: Datew/Year of Stamp issue: 16.05.2025
5) World Earth Day - 22.04.2025, Bharat/India: Special Cancellation Postal Stationary issued by Bhartiya Dak/India Post - a Inland letter, a postcard and an envelope which depict three of India's towering personalities: Date/Year of issue: 22.04.2025
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 2025:
Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2024:
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:
Links to posts on my Alma Mater - La Martiniere College, Lucknow:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful post 👍"
Thank you so much Trikha sahab.
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