Stamp · India · 1948
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial — 3½ Annas
15 February 1948
- Country
- 🇮🇳 India
- Date
- 1948
- Era
- 1945–1970
- Condition
- Fine Used
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Denomination
- 3½ Annas
- Stanley Gibbons no.
- SG 305
- Scott no.
- Scott 205
- Gum / usage
- Used
About this object
Issued 16 days after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on 30 January 1948 — one of the fastest commemorative stamp issues in history. The deep black background and stark portrait convey national mourning. Four denominations were issued (1½a, 3½a, 12a, 10R).
Designed by K.S. Bhatt, the portrait is taken from the same photograph used for the 10-rupee value. First-day cancellations from Porbandar (Gandhi's birthplace) are among the most prized in Indian philately.