Jaipur Feudatory State Chariot and Sun Issue

India (Jaipur Feudatory State) · 1904 · 1/4 Anna

This stamp from the Indian Feudatory State of Jaipur features a two-wheeled chariot, or ratha, drawn by two horses. Above the chariot is a radiant sun with a human face, a symbol associated with the ruling Kachwaha dynasty who claimed descent from the sun god Surya. The denomination is inscribed in English at the bottom and in Nagari script within the design.

Issued under Maharaja Madho Singh II, this was the first postage stamp of Jaipur, replacing earlier revenue stamps. The princely states of India had varying degrees of autonomy and many operated their own postal systems until their integration into the Indian Union.