India Queen Victoria 1/2 Anna Blue, 1854

India · 1854 · 1/2 Anna

This stamp features a youthful portrait of Queen Victoria, facing left, within an ornate rectangular frame. It was printed in blue by the Calcutta Survey Office and is notable for being India's first stamp issued for nationwide use. The design is simple yet elegant, characteristic of early Victorian-era philately.

Issued in 1854, this was the first stamp of British India, replacing the earlier Scinde Dawk issues. It standardized postage across the vast territories under the control of the British East India Company, marking a significant step in the development of the subcontinent's postal system.