Tucked away in the heart of central India, the former princely state of Nandgaon issued some of the most elusive and intriguing postage stamps in Indian philatelic history. Though modest in scale and lacking the elaborate designs seen in larger states, Nandgaon’s stamps are cherished by collectors for their simplicity, rarity, and distinctive production features—especially their issuance without gum.
What Were the Indian Feudatory States?
Before India gained independence in 1947, the subcontinent was a patchwork of over 560 princely states, many of which maintained a degree of autonomy under British rule. Unlike the Convention States, which used overprinted British Indian stamps under formal agreements, the Feudatory States operated their own independent postal systems and issued distinctive stamps often printed locally, and in small numbers.
Nandgaon was one such Feudatory State. It existed in what is now Chhattisgarh, and its postal history is a niche but rewarding area of study for specialists in classic Indian philately.
A Brief Look at Nandgaon
Nandgaon was a relatively minor state, historically ruled by a hereditary line of chiefs. The territory was absorbed into independent India after 1947 and now forms part of the modern Indian postal network using standard Indian stamps since integration.
What sets Nandgaon apart in philatelic circles, however, is its short-lived and sparsely documented stamp-issuing period.
Stamps of Nandgaon: Key Characteristics
Timeframe of Issue
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The stamps were issued in the late 19th century, though exact dates are debated due to the lack of centralized records.
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Production was extremely limited and local in nature.
Design and Printing
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Most Nandgaon stamps feature simple typographic designs with minimal ornamentation.
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Inscriptions typically include “Nandgaon State Postage”, sometimes in English or a mixture of English and Hindi.
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Values were expressed in local currency units such as pies or annas.
No Gum
One of the most distinctive and defining characteristics of Nandgaon stamps is that they were issued without gum. This was not a printing error but rather a deliberate choice possibly due to local climate conditions, cost limitations, or simplicity in production methods.
This un-gummed nature makes mint-condition stamps from Nandgaon particularly fragile, and collectors often struggle to find examples that are well-preserved and free from faults.
list of the Issued stamps
- 1.01.1891 Raja Mahant Balram Das, 1883-1897. Imperf.
- 1.01.1893 Printed in sheets of 16 (4 x 4). Imperf
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- (a) Stamps printed wide apart (8 to 10 mm) without wavy lines between them. Thin, toned wove paper
- (b) Stamps printed closer together (4 to 7 mm) with wavy lines between them. Thin, white wove paper (1894)
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Usage and Rarity
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Stamps were used within the boundaries of the state for local mail delivery.
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Postal covers and used examples with genuine cancellations are exceptionally rare and highly prized.
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The absence of detailed records makes it difficult to ascertain exact quantities printed or full issue lists.
Cataloguing and Authentication
Because of their obscurity and limited documentation, Nandgaon stamps are not always featured in mainstream philatelic catalogues. When they are included—such as in specialized India catalogues or the Robson Lowe and E.A. Smythies works on Indian states—they often appear with minimal detail.
Collecting Tips:
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Beware of forgeries or reprints, especially for high-value classic Indian States stamps.
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Use UV light and paper texture analysis to verify authenticity.
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Always seek expert opinions when purchasing rare covers or high-denomination examples.
Transition to Indian Postal Service
After India’s independence in 1947, all Feudatory States, including Nandgaon, were gradually integrated into the Indian Union. By the early 1950s, Nandgaon ceased issuing its own stamps and fully adopted the national Indian postal system.
Today, Nandgaon’s legacy lives on through its humble yet historically valuable stamp issues—a quiet testament to the complexity and richness of India’s philatelic past.