Rampur Raza Library

The MS of Rampur Raza Library is now available at Mangalore Philatelic Bureau, the stamps are yet to arrive.

Prides of Karnataka thru’ Philately - HAMPI Stone Chariot

HAMPI in Bellary, Northern Karnataka, India is the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It continues to be an important religious centre and the Group of Monuments at Hampi are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There were many important sites at and near Hampi. One among them is VITTALA TEMPLE, which is most extravagant Architectural showpiece of Hampi. The temple is built in the form of a sprawling campus. The presiding deity of the temple is Vittala, a form of Vishnu.

The highlight of Vittala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi. The fact is a shrine built in the form of a temple chariot. The stone shrine was built with many giant granite blocks with the joints smartly hidden in the carvings and decorative features. The chariot is built on a rectangular platform and all around this platform is carved with mythical battle scenes. The four giant wheels were attached with axis shafts and brakes. Floral motifs decorate the wheels. The stone chariot represents the sparkling creativity of the artistes of the 15th century.

The India Post, commemorated the Heritage site by:

• Releasing a 70p stamp on 15th March 1967
• Releasing the pictorial cancellation of the Stone Chariot on 2nd Jan 1978

Contributed by K.Sridhar, Life Member. DKPNA.

New commemorative Coins - Bhagat Singh and Louis Braille.

India Government Mint, Kolkata has made arrangements for the sale of Commemorative Coins in Proof & Uncirculated varieties on the occasion "BIRTH CENTENARY OF SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH" and "BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LOUIS BRAILLE".

Birth Centenary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh ( 2 coin set - Rs 100 + Rs 5 ) Proof and Unciculated Variety.Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille ( 2 coin set - Rs 100 + Rs 2 ) Proof and Unciculated Variety.Booking Period 10 Jul 2009 to 31 Oct 2009.

Members can contact Secretary for any other details.

New Release

Stamps on 50 years of Indian Oil released on 30th June and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration which is released on 4th July is now available at Mangalore Philatelic Bureau. But the FDC and Brochure are yet to arrive.

Bangalore Butterfly Park

A Special cover on The Bangalore Butterfly Park with a pictorial cancellation of a Butterfly was released on 13-Mar-2007, the second day of the three day District Level Philatelic Exhibition - PHILEX 2007 held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, Central College Campus from 12-Mar-2007 to 14-Mar-2007.

The Bangalore Butterfly Park, the first of its kind in India was set up in November 2006 in Bannerghatta. The mission of this Park is to foster an appreciation of butterflies and other invertebrates while educating the public about the need for conservation of threatened habitats around the world.

Contributed by K.Sridhar, (krishnaraosridhar@yahoo.com) Life Member. DKPNA.