Jaipur 1911-1928 Chariot of Surya

The ‘Suryavanshi’ Kachhawa rulers of Jaipur honoured the Sun God in their official emblem and through philately with these iconic postal stamps featuring ‘The Chariot of the Sun’. The first adhesive postage stamps for Jaipur State were issued on July 14, 1904, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II (1880-1922), showcasing the state’s insignia with the Sun God’s chariot and the motto “Yato Dharma Stato Jaya.” The sun, depicted in a chariot drawn by seven horses, likely symbolizes the seven days of the week or the seven rays of sunlight.

The Sun Chariot design is richly detailed, reflecting the region’s artistic heritage. These stamps were initially released in 1904 and were used for official purposes, bearing inscriptions in both English and Hindi. The series is highly prized by philatelists for its cultural significance, rarity, and interesting depiction of ancient Indian mythology intertwined with the state’s history.