Inauguration of Republic of India

On 26th January 1950, India became a Sovereign Republic, unveiling its constitution and formally withdrawing from the British Commonwealth. To commemorate this occasion, the Indian Postal authorities issued a set of four stamps celebrating the inauguration of the Republic of India.

The set reflected various aspects of the nascent republic. The 2 Anna stamps showed rejoicing crowds with the tricolour flags. The 3-and-a-half anna stamp had a quill, inkwell, and verses, highlighting the nation’s rich heritage and the importance of education. The 4 anna stamp was dedicated to the country’s farmers, showing corn ears and a plough. The 12-anna stamp had a charkha, a tribute to the ideals of self-reliance and Swadeshi.

The stamps were designed by D.J. Keymer & Co. and printed at the Security Printing Press, Nashik using offset lithography.