Contact form

Name

Email *

Message *

Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) - Golden Jubilee

Commemorative Cover of Golden Jubilee of PPSI

Since 1974, the Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) has been dedicated to a unique mission: uniting philatelists from around the world who share a specialized interest in the petroleum industry. This journey began as a humble initiative to connect collectors and enthusiasts, while creating an invaluable collection of petroleum-themed stamps issued globally.

In its early years, PPSI collaborated with ‘Les Amis du Pétrole’ (The Friends of Petroleum), an international organization headquartered in Paris, France. This organization collected various petroleum-related memorabilia, including philatelic materials. However, over time, Les Amis du Pétrole ceased operations, and PPSI became primary advocate for petroleum philately.

PPSI's goal is to bring together petroleum philatelists worldwide, transcending geographic boundaries to create a common platform for collecting, studying, documenting, and celebrating the evolution of the petroleum industry. The society members’ topical collection covers all aspects of the petroleum, oil, natural gas, and petrochemical industries, as reflected in postage stamps and allied materials. Petroleum stamps depict critical elements of the industry, such as prospecting, exploration, production, refining, storage, multimodal transportation, research and development, retail marketing, and the vital role of end-users.

Congratulation from the President, PPSI

The task of collecting, validating, and cataloguing petroleum stamps worldwide is monumental. The numbers are far greater, representing a wide array of themes and historical moments within the industry.

According to data compiled by Petroleum Stamps of the World (PSW), over 7,400 petroleum-themed stamps from 280 countries have been meticulously catalogued. Among these, 6,136 stamps are considered primary issues, while the remaining are listed as variants. Stamps classified as variants include those with slight differences from primary issues, such as variations in perforation, watermark, over-print, tête-bêche formats, colour etc.

As per available records, the earliest petroleum-themed postage stamp was issued by Newfoundland on June 24, 1897. It is a large island within the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, off the eastern coast of the North American mainland.

The decade of 1960s saw a significant increase in petroleum stamps, with over 1,000 such stamps issued worldwide. Another notable period was from 2000 to 2009, during which 1,294 petroleum-themed stamps were released globally.

Source: Petro-Philatelist, Vol. 45, No. 3, Whole No. 178, Autumn 2024

To give an idea of this diversity, here are examples of number of petroleum stamps issued (including variants), so far, by top 10 countries around the globe:

Source: Petro-Philatelist, Vol. 45, No. 3, Whole No. 178, Autumn 2024


The global petroleum industry is commonly divided into three major categories based on business activities:

1. Upstream – Encompasses prospecting, exploration, drilling, and production of crude petroleum oil and natural gas.
2. Midstream – Involves the transportation and storage of crude petroleum oil and natural gas.
3. Downstream – Focuses on refining, petrochemical processing, and marketing activities.

Petroleum stamps are most frequently themed around drilling operations, covering onshore, semi-submersible, offshore, deep-water, and ultra-deep-water drilling. To date, 2,386 stamps have been issued on upstream activities, with 1,767 specifically depicting drilling.

Company logos also feature prominently, with 1,201 petroleum stamps showcasing the logos of oil companies. Additionally, various influential figures—from scientists and geologists to researchers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and business leaders—have been honored on petroleum stamps, reflecting the industry’s broad impact.

Source: Petro-Philatelist, Vol. 45, No. 3, Whole No. 178, Autumn 2024

The exact count (still counting) of petroleum stamps released globally is left to the imagination of our readers, underscoring the vastness and intrigue of this specialized field of philately.

President, PPSI Speaks

The Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) is a study unit of the respected American Topical Association and an Affiliate (No. 170) of the American Philatelic Society since 1988. This partnership has fostered a mutually enriching relationship, benefiting members across all three organizations. Currently, PPSI has around 1,000 registered members from nearly 50 countries, a diverse group representing a broad range of regions, cultures, and roles within the petroleum industry. Some members come from oil-rich nations, while others represent countries heavily dependent on petroleum imports, yet all are united by a shared passion for petroleum-themed philately. It has members from all continents barring Africa and Australasia.

Among PPSI’s members there are seasoned professionals in petroleum, including engineers, esteemed geologists, and downstream business experts, as well as newcomers to the field, drawn together by the unique allure of petroleum philately. This diversity exemplifies “unity in diversity,” with each member contributing to the rich tapestry of PPSI through their collections, expertise, and enthusiasm.

PPSI Leadership

The Board of PPSI includes:

  • Anthony Curiale – President, USA
  • Steve Fraser – Vice-President and Editor of Petroleum Stamps of the World (PSW) Catalog and PPSI website, U.K.
  • Michael Hauck - Vice President and Editor of Petro-Philatelist, Germany
  • Hugo Vargas – Treasurer, U.K.

Editor introducing the author through Petro-Philatelist.

Milestones of PPSI

PPSI has achieved several noteworthy milestones:

1. Certification Committee Milestone – The publication of the 100th Certification Committee Report.

2. 9th Edition of the Petroleum Stamps of the World (PSW) Catalog – A sought-after resource for collectors worldwide.

3. The Petro-Philatelist – This award-winning quarterly newsletter is cherished by readers globally for its engaging content and industry insights.

In a fortuitous turn of events, PPSI's golden jubilee coincided with the release of its Certificate Committee's landmark 100th report.

Petro-Philatelist carried a story on Indian Oil Ltd.'s refinery at Panipat, penned by the author.

In 2024, PPSI celebrated its remarkable 50th anniversary (1974-2024) in the realm of petroleum philately. To commemorate this milestone, a special cover was issued on August 27, 2024, designed by the renowned cachet artist Chris Lazaroff of Simpsonville, S.C., known for his unique passion for attending first-day stamp ceremonies. Lazaroff attended his first in 1982 at the APS Stampshow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and impressively marked his 50th state at the Yellowstone National Park dedication in 2016.

The 50th Anniversary Cover of PPSI

The exclusive cacheted cover is adorned with striking imagery: oil rigs and jack pumps set against a world map to symbolize the global network of petroleum. The cover features a historic 4-cent U.S. postage stamp commemorating the centennial of America’s first commercial oil well, drilled by Edwin Drake near Titusville, Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1859. 

Source: Internet

While issuing this stamp on August 27, 1959, Postmaster General Arthur Summerfield had commented: 

“The American people have great reason to be indebted to this industry. It has supplied most of the power that has made the American standard of living possible.”

(Source: Internet)

A total of 115,715,000 of these stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. PPSI’s anniversary cover which was cancelled in Titusville, resonates the legacy of petroleum philately.

At the heart of the Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) lies a philosophy grounded in shared passion, global connection, and unwavering dedication to petroleum philately. For over five decades, PPSI has served as a unifying force, drawing together enthusiasts and professionals worldwide who appreciate the rich stories captured in petroleum-themed stamps. As PPSI looks to the future, it remains committed to inspiring, educating, and celebrating the remarkable legacy of the petroleum industry through the unique lens of philately.

Webliography:

  1. https://www.ppsi.org.uk/files/pswcountryselect.php
  2. https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/2016/june/cachetmaker-lazaroff-50-ceremonies-50-states.html

Disclaimer:

The noble objective of this blog, is to promote the hobby of philately through images of stamps, a few pictures and related narration. The scans, featured in this blogpost are mine while others (sourced from internet) are properties of their respective owners. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. 

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for sharing of knowledge of philately with philatelist fraternity of the world. No commercial or political angle, whatsoever, is involved. This is not a historical document. Apologies in advance, should there be any inadvertent error. Under no circumstances, I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

*************



Thursday, 10 October 2024

Amitabh Bachchan - Autograph

 




Eighty-two years is merely a number, representing the revolutions Amitabh Bachchan has made around the Sun as a mortal on Earth. Born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad (now known as Prayagraj), he is the son of the renowned Hindi poet Dr. Harivansh Rai Srivastav (November 27, 1907 – January 18, 2003). Dr. Rai adopted the pen name 'Bachchan,' meaning ‘child’, which eventually replaced their family name.

(Father and son; Source: Internet)

Teji Bachchan aka Tejwant Kaur, the second wife of Dr. Harivansh (his first wife was Shyama, whom he married in 1926, died of tuberculosis in 1936) was mother of Amitabh.

Source: Internet

On November 27, 2003, a commemorative postage stamp of INR 5 was issued by India Post on birth anniversary of Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Total 0.4 million stamps were printed at Calcutta Security Printers Ltd. The stamp and the First Day Cover were designed by renowned artist Sankha Samanta and the cancellation design was credited to Alka Sharma. 'Madhushala', a collection of Hindi verses, composed by him during his college days, is an asset for Hindi literature. This has been translated in several languages.



Amitabh Bachchan is affectionately known as Big B in the Indian film industry. Amitabh's journey to stardom is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Surprisingly, it was his voice that first resonated in cinema rather than his image. He lent his iconic baritone as the narrator in the Bengali film ‘Bhuban Shome’ (1969), directed by the esteemed Mrinal Sen. His acting debut came in the same year 1969 with ‘Saat Hindustani’, where he portrayed one of the seven protagonists. 

The First Day Cover, autographed by him, was cancelled at his birth-place - Lucknow

Amitabh's compelling performances in classic films, particularly in Zanjeer (1973), established him as the "Angry Young Man" of Indian cinema, propelling him to stardom after a series of setbacks. His fan base extends globally, reaching audiences in Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and the United States etc. He has captivated audiences both in India and around the world for over five decades, appearing in more than two hundred films. This incredible achievement earned him the title of "One-Man Industry", at one point in his career.

In addition to his film career, Amitabh has made a significant impact on television, notably as the host of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, the Indian adaptation of the global hit 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' He also had a brief foray into Indian politics.

Another autographed First Day Cover, cancelled at Delhi

Throughout his illustrious career, Amitabh has received numerous accolades from both Indian and international film festivals, including four National Film Awards for Best Actor and sixteen Filmfare Awards. In 2007, he was honored with the Legion of Honour by the Government of France, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Happy Birthday, Amitabh Bachchan! 

Your incredible talent and larger-than-life presence have inspired countless hearts across the globe. May this year bring you as much joy and fulfilment as you’ve given to the world through your unforgettable performances. 

Enjoy your special day!

Disclaimer:

The noble objective of this blog, is to promote the hobby of philately through images of stamps, a few pictures and related narration. The scans featured in this blogpost are mine while others (sourced from internet) are the properties of their respective owners. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. 

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for sharing of knowledge of philately with philatelist fraternity of the world. No commercial or political angle, whatsoever, is involved. This is not a historical document. Apologies in advance, should there be any inadvertent mistake or error. Under no circumstances, I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

***********





Monday, 16 September 2024

Engineers India Limited (EIL)

Commemorative postage stamp of EIL (March 27, 2015)

India achieved independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. In the decade that followed (1947-1957), the newly formed Indian government undertook strenuous efforts to stabilize and advance the economy. Various sectors, from agriculture to heavy engineering, were targeted to foster self-reliance. The petroleum sector was no exception. At that time, Indian market was dominated by multinational corporations such as ESSO, Caltex, Burmah-Shell, etc. There was no domestic oil company to meet the demand of petroleum products of the country. Recognizing the strategic importance of the oil industry to national security, Indian government sought to dismantle the monopolistic control of these foreign entities. Consequently, significant attention was directed toward developing the Indian petroleum sector.

First Day Cover of EIL

In 1955, Keshav Dev Malviya, then the Petroleum Minister and often regarded as the father of the Indian petroleum industry, established the Oil and Gas Division within the Geological Survey of India. This division was soon reorganized into the Oil and Natural Gas Directorate under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Scientific Research. On August 14, 1956, it was elevated to the status of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission. Later it became Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.

In August 1958, the Government of India founded Indian Refineries Limited to oversee the construction of oil refineries and pipelines in independent India. Firoz Gandhi was appointed as the first Chairman of Indian Refineries Limited, serving from 1958 to 1960.

On February 18, 1959, Oil India Private Limited was incorporated, and by 1961, it had become a joint venture between the Government of India and Burmah Oil Company Limited.

The Information Brochure of EIL postage stamp

Another significant development occurred on June 30, 1959, with the incorporation of Indian Oil Company Limited under the Companies Act of 1956. This entity was tasked with marketing petroleum products to be produced by the refineries under construction by Indian Refineries Limited, in Guwahati and Barauni. S. Nijalingappa served as its first Chairman from 1959 to 1962, and B. Arora was its first Managing Director.

To streamline operations and enhance efficiency, Indian Refineries Limited was dissolved and merged with Indian Oil Company Limited in September 1964, forming Indian Oil Corporation Limited. This merger marked the birth of a fully Indian company, aimed at integrating the supply chain and optimising management practices with refining operations. P. A. Gopalakrishnan was appointed the first Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., serving from 1964 to 1966.

In the happening era of Indian hydrocarbon sector, the Government of India emphasized the development of domestic engineering services for the petroleum sector. 

On June 27, 1964, the Government of India and Bechtel International Corporation (BIC), USA, signed a Memorandum of Agreement. This was followed by a Formation Agreement on November 20, 1964. On March 15, 1965, under the Companies Act, a private limited company named Engineers India Private Limited was established.

In the year 1996, the government of India divested approximately 6% of its shareholding in the company. By May 1967, all agreements—including the Memorandum of Agreement, the Formation Agreement, and a Technical Services Agreement between Engineers India Private Limited and Bechtel Overseas Corporation (BOC) were terminated by mutual consent. This decision, reached through negotiations involving the Government of India (GOI), BIC, and BOC. This resulted in Engineers India Private Limited becoming a wholly-owned enterprise of the Government of India, christened as Engineers India Ltd. (EIL). The establishment of Engineers India Ltd. was part of the Government of India’s strategy to foster technological innovation within the domestic hydrocarbon sector through a home-grown entity. 

In June 1967, Engineers India Ltd. entered into new agreements with BOC and BIC to formally release all employees from any liabilities, obligations, or duties under the terminated agreements.

Autographed by the then C&MD, EIL

In 1965, Engineers India Ltd., made significant progress, with its consultancy and engineering services for Madras Refinery Ltd. (now Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd., a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.). At that time, Madras Refinery Ltd. was a joint venture between the Government of India, AMOCO, and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).

In 1969, EIL entered into petrochemicals sector. It undertook aromatics and olefins projects of the then Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd., (presently Reliance Industries Ltd.) at Baroda (now Vadodara).

After establishing a strong foundation in engineering and consultancy for the petroleum industry, Engineers India Ltd. expanded into defense technology and high-tech space engineering in 1974. The company began undertaking projects with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

The momentum of Engineers India Ltd. continued to grow as it advanced through various successful and challenging projects in both terrestrial and space domains. In 1979, the company ventured into deep water, taking on the significant task of designing, fabricating, and supervising the erection of Bombay High North (BHN), which was India's largest offshore processing platform at that time.

Autographed by the then Director (Finance)

In 1970, Engineers India Ltd. embarked on its first international assignment, marking the beginning of its global expansion. Since then, EIL has experienced continuous growth and now operates global inspection offices in London, Milan, Shanghai, and Russia. The company has successfully implemented critical project assignments across a diverse range of locations, including Abu Dhabi (ADCO and GASCO), Algeria (SONATRACH), Bangladesh (Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation), Iran (PIDMCO), Kenya (Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd.), Kuwait (Technimont), Nigeria (Dangote Oil Refining Company), Mongolia (Mongol Refinery State Owned LLC), Oman (Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company) etc.

Engineers India Ltd. made its mark in various sectors, including the fertilizer industry in 1971 and metallurgy in 1972. By 1976, the company expanded its scope to include cross-country underground pipeline projects for transporting petroleum oil and natural gas.

In 1989, Engineers India Ltd. made a significant investment in its future by establishing its own state-of-the-art Research and Development Centre in Gurugram, Haryana. This facility represented a substantial commitment of funds, technology, and talent, further strengthening EIL’s capabilities and innovative edge.

A visit to R&D Centre of EIL

Certification Engineers International Ltd. (CEIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Engineers India Ltd. Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (RFCL) is a joint venture company among Engineers India Ltd. (EIL), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCIL). It also holds 4.37% stake in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., in Assam.

TEIL Projects Ltd., is another joint venture with Tata Projects Ltd. In international arena. Engineers India Ltd. has formed another joint venture with Jabal Dhahran of Saudi Arabia and IOT Infrastructure and Energy Ltd. of India to form Jabal EILIOT Co. Ltd. The objective is to explore the business opportunities in petroleum and infrastructure sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Training Centre of EIL, Gurugram, Haryana

As a part of celebration of glorious 50 years of service to the nation, a commemorative postage stamp of Engineers India Limited was issued by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & IT. The stamp was released by Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on March 27, 2015 during the event Urja Sangam 2015 organized by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The stamp and First Day Cover were designed by Brahm Prakash. The cancellation design was credited to Alka Sharma. A total 0.65 million stamps were printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad. 

A letter received from EIL bearing EIL stamp (used through post)

The momentum of progress by Engineers India Limited continues unabated. Today, Engineers India Limited stands as a premier design, engineering, procurement and constructions (EPC) management firm under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. Though Engineers India Limited is providing services primarily focused on petroleum and petrochemical industries in India and abroad, it has left its indelible footprints in the other sectors like infrastructure, fertilizer, solar power, biofuels, nuclear energy, water management, waste management, to quote a few. 

Ms. Vartika Shukla at an international conference of petroleum industry

Leading this prestigious organization is Ms. Vartika Shukla, who assumed the role of Chairman and Managing Director in 2021. She is the first woman to hold this position at EIL and has been with the company for 32 years.

Ms. Vartika Shukla was putting autograph on EIL First Day Cover

Ms. Shukla earned her B. Tech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1988. That same year, she joined EIL as a management trainee in the Process Division. Through her unwavering dedication, commitment, hard work, and exceptional leadership, she has ascended from her initial trainee role to the esteemed position of Chairman and Managing Director.

Proud display of collection

In recognition of her significant contributions to both the industry and to the nation, she has received several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kanpur (2021), the Woman Executive Award from PETROFED, the SCOPE Excellence Award, and the MoP&NG Innovation Award, among others. 

Autographed by Ms. Vartika Shukla

Under her able leadership, Engineers India Limited continues to march ahead. It has emerged one of the leading EPC companies in South Asia. This year (2024), this Navratna public sector undertaking is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of serving the nation. Many more miles to go for this amazing organization.


Bibliography:

https://engineersindia.com/

https://cpcl.co.in/

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/engineers-india-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-4582.cms

https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=117778

Acknowledgement: Ms. Vartika Shukla, C&MD, Engineers India Limited

**************

Disclaimer:
The noble objective of this blog, is to promote the hobby of philately through images of stamps, a few pictures and related narration. The scans of a few stamps, featured in this blogpost are mine while others (sourced from internet) are properties of their respective owners. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. 

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for sharing of knowledge of philately with philatelist fraternity of the world. No commercial or political angle, whatsoever, is involved. This is not a historical document. Under no circumstances, I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

Wednesday, 15 May 2024

What's Life Without Spices?


Indian spices on stamp

In the wonderful world of culinary arts, a spice is a product derived from natural plant sources that adds more value to food. The value addition ranges from adding aroma to better taste to enhanced appetite to improved immunity and many more. 

With right combination of spices, a bland dish may turn into a mouth-watering meal filled with aroma. The fragrance of spices makes taste buds salivate. One can have spicy food without worrying about the extra dose of calories.

Spices from Malaysia (Source: Internet)

A variety of spices are sourced from different parts of various plants. From flower to seed, bud to berry, root to bark, the endless list includes tree-sourced products. For example, cloves, a popular spice, are nothing but dried buds of the flowers. Cinnamon is the bark of the tree. Ginger, turmeric, etc. are the roots of the plants. Since time immemorial, countries from Southeast Asia have been the biggest producers and suppliers of spices in the global market.

Spice First Day Cover from Malaysia (Source Internet)


A few popular spices, much sought after around the world, are (alphabetic):

  1. Black pepper
  2. Cardamon
  3. Chilli
  4. Clove
  5. Cumin seed
  6. Ginger
  7. Mace
  8. Nutmeg
  9. Star anise
  10. Turmeric and the list goes on

The Spice Islands

A group of islands comprising Halmahera (the largest), Seram, Buru, Ambon, Ternate, and Tidore, and the Aru and Kai of Malaku (or Moluccas), are known as Spice Islands. These Indonesian islands of the Malay Archipelago lie between the islands of Celebes to the west and New Guinea to the east. The Philippines, the Philippine Sea, and the Pacific Ocean are to the north; the Arafura Sea and the island of Timor are to the south. Due to its geographical location west of New Guinea, east of Sulawesi, and northeast of Timor, the Spice Islands archipelago is part of both Asia and Oceania. In the global trade of spices, they contributed the most to spices like mace, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper etc.

Star anise from Malaysia

Sometime in the fourth century, Arabian traders introduced spices sourced from the Spice Islands to the European elites. But they kept the source of the spices a trade secret. Adventurous Portuguese traders ultimately found the Spice Islands during the sixteenth century.

Chilli from Malaysia

The dawn of the bulk spice trade in the Spice Islands dates back to the 1520s, when Portuguese traders started sourcing spices from them for the European market. Smelling big profit and huge demand by the elites, British traders entered into spice voyages in 1598.

Cardamom and other spices from Malaysia

The spice trade in the inlands included all kinds of spices of life, viz., money and greed, colonialism, suppression, slavery, slaughter and endless bloodshed. Fights between local natives and intruders, and also among different European traders were common and violent. It was a battlefield spanning several centuries among the traders and soldiers of the Dutch, British, and Portuguese for taking control of the spice business. Traders from different parts of Asia and the Middle East were also attracted, either by the flavour of spices or by the enormous profit associated with the trade. In the spice war, about 6,000 people perished.

Spice First Day Cover from Singapore (Source: Internet)

Natives of the Spice Islands had a unique tradition of planting a clove tree as soon as a child was born into the family. So the production of cloves was plentiful in the islands. When the Dutch traders saw this, they destroyed all clove trees on all islands except those are at Amboina and a few nearby islands. The result was obvious: a shortage in supply, scarcity, and a skyrocketing price of cloves in the global spice market. At that time, cloves in weight were worth more than the equivalent weight of gold. The trend was reversed over a period of time when spice plantations and supply started from other parts of the world, viz. Zanzibar, Brazil, the West Indies, etc.

Let’s talk about a few specific spices, at random.

Black pepper:

Black pepper from India

Black pepper is the most common spice traded and consumed worldwide. It is native to the South Indian Malabar Coast in the States of Kerala, Goa, and Karnataka. In the mummy of Ramesses II of Egypt, it was found that the nasal cavities were blocked with black peppercorns. One wonders, in those eras, how it reached from India to Egypt and was used in the process of mummification. In ancient Rome, Greece, etc., it was valued as black gold.

It is a dried fruit (the peppercorn) of the trailing vine plant. There are several varieties of pepper, depending upon the time of harvesting:

  1. White pepper: The red skins of the berries are removed, and then they are dried. 
  2. Green pepper: The berries are harvested before they are ripe, and then marinated or dried for a short duration of time. 
  3. Red pepper:  The berries are not plucked till they are fully ripe, then harvested, and marinated subsequently 
  4. Black pepper:  The berries are harvested much before they are ripe, and then they are dried for extended periods

It has applications as a spice in cooking foods, as a preservative, and also as a traditional medicine. It is used for the treatment of constipation, insomnia, oral abscesses, sunburn, toothaches, etc. It contains piperine, which is considered a type of antioxidant that helps to lower the risk of chronic illnesses.

In 2021, Vietnam was the largest producer of black pepper (288,167 metric tonnes), followed by Brazil (118,057 metric tonnes) and Indonesia (81,219 metric tonnes). Burkina Faso (67,983 metric tonnes) had the 4th position, and India occupied the 5th  position (64,816 metric tonnes). In that year, nine countries: Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, India, Sri Lanka (42,485 metric tonnes), China (33,133 metric tonnes), Malaysia (31,636 metric tonnes), and Tajikistan (21,269 metric tonnes) together produced more than 10,000 metric tonnes of black pepper.

Cardamom:

The queen of spices

Cardamom, the “Queen of Spices,"  is one of the rarest and most expensive spices in the world. It is made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. It is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor. Though today it is available worldwide, it originated in the Western Ghats of southern India.

Cardamom is used to add flavour to foods, confections, and alcoholic beverages. It has high consumption in Middle Eastern countries, India, Pakistan, European Union member countries, the United States, and Japan. According to preliminary research, cardamom has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, and blood sugar-lowering properties.

The global production of cardamom is approximately 35,000 metric tonnes per year. Guatemala is the top producer, followed by India. Other cardamom-producing countries are Tanzania, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, etc.

Clove:

King of spices

If there is Queen of Spices, can the “King of Spices” be left behind? Clove is popularly called the King of Spices. These are aromatic flower buds from an evergreen tree that are native to Indonesia. This tree also grows in South America and a few other countries. As a spice, it is used to add flavour to desserts and drinks. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.

Cloves are considered to have some anti-inflammatory properties, are added to mouthwashes, creams, gels, and oils, and are used to reduce toothache, dental pain, and plaque build-up.

Cumin:

Cumin is made from the dried seed of a plant known as Cuminum cyminum, which belongs to the parsley family. It is one of the most popular spices across the globe, used for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. In culinary preparations, cumin is used as a whole seed as well as in ground form. It provides a typical aroma and taste of both sweetness and bitterness.

In India, cumin has been used in cooking since ancient times. It entered Mexican and South American cuisines, courtesy of Spanish and Portuguese traders. Interestingly, excavation works in Egypt, Syria, etc. have revealed that cumin was used in the pastes to preserve the mummies! It appeared in the Bible in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Nutmeg:

Source: Internet

The irony is that nutmeg does not belong to a nut family. Nutmeg trees are native to Banda Island in eastern Indonesia. It is also cultivated in Penang Island in Malaysia, Grenada, Zanzibar and Malabar region of India. Old literatures mentions that nutmeg has entered into Indian cultivation and culinary from Indonesia.

Nutmeg is derived from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, mace is another spice made from the seed covering, the fruit cover is used to prepare jam and the oil obtained by distillation of ground nutmeg is essential oil which has high demand in pharmaceutical and perfume industry. Nutmeg butter is another product from the nut.

Indonesia is world's largest (nearly 50%) producer of nutmeg, Grenada in second largest and India occupies the third position. Other major nutmeg producer countries are Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Tanzania/Zanzibar, Cameroon and Thailand. The Netherlands contributes in the global nutmeg trade as importer and processor.

This spice is a double edged sword. If consumed in smaller quantities, it provides relief from indigestion, insomnia etc. But absorbing in larger quantities causes intoxication, hallucination, unconsciousness and ultimately loss of life. Not recommended for the children, and pregnant women.  

Believe me, at one point in time, opium was an integral part of the global spice trade. Some of the spice traders were addicted to opium, and they were in the spice business to meet their own requirements for opium.

Spices in philately:

However, this is not a story of spices but that of spicy philately. The delicious spices have literally spiced up the world of philately. Tanzania Post, on June 18, 1984, while celebrating the 20th anniversary of the revolution, issued a set of four postage stamps. One of the stamps featured clove farming in Zanzibar.

Clove from Zanzibar (Source: Internet)

Zanzibar is also known as Spice Island. It has not only played a crucial role in the route of the spice trade from sixteenth century but also produces a variety of spices, even today. 

To and fro Dar Es Salaam - Zanzibar in VIP class by catamaran services

The entry of Zanzibar into the spice production and market was credited to Portuguese and Indian traders several centuries ago. 

Catamaran is ready to sail for Zanzibar from Dar Es Salaam

The Zanzibari spice basket mainly comprises clove, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. 

Catamaran is docking at Zanzibar port (Karibu in Kswahili means Welcome)

The tourist industry of Zanzibar thrives on spice tourism, which covers spice plantations and spice markets (Darajani market) in Stone Town. 

Immigration counter at Zanzibar

A spice farm in Goa

It will not be out of point to mention that Goa, in India, has several spice farms and they do conduct spice tourism in truly Indian style.

Spices from St. Vincent (Source: Internet)

St. Vincent, under the Herbs and Spices series, issued on April 22, 1985, a set of four spice stamps, one each on pepper, sweet marjoram, nutmeg, and ginger.

Spice basket of India

Indian kings, nawabs, and emperors had been great connoisseurs of spicy foods. The cooking procedures, with spices, undertaken by the chefs or housewives are no less than the work done by the alchemists. Garam masala has been an integral part of Indian cuisine for generations. Garam masala is a traditional blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, bay leaf, cumin, mace, fennel, coriander, and nutmeg. It occupies a special place in every Indian kitchen. One can find spices even in a modest Indian kitchen. Their mixing proportion ratio delivers a special appeal to the food, the secret of which has been passed on from one generation to another. The combination of spices varies from dish to dish as well as according to the expertise and experience of the cook, whether at home or at a five-star restaurant.

Indian spice's First Day Cover

On April 29th, 2009, India Post issued a set of five diamond shaped stamps displaying typical spices. Four stamps, each worth INR 5, were issued, showing individually cardamom (ilaichi), black pepper (kali mirch), cinnamon (dalchini), and clove (laung). 

Assorted Indian Spices

The fifth stamp of face value INR 20,  featured three spices collectively, viz., turmeric (haldi), chilli (mirch), and corriander (dhaniya).

Spices from Malaysia (Source: Internet)

Malaysia Post, on March 28, 2011, issued stamps, miniature sheets, First Day Covers, and stamp booklets featuring fennel seeds, turmeric, chilli, coriander, and white pepper. 

Miniature Sheet and First Day Cover on spices from Malaysia (Source: Internet)







Spices from Singapore (Source: Internet)

Under the Spices of Singapore series, on July 15, 2011, Singapore Post issued a set of five stamps depicting cinnamon, coriander, star anise, tamarind, and turmeric.

Remotely related to spices (Source: Internet)

There are postage stamps issued on Spice Girls, but that’s a different story.


Webliography:

  1. https://library.princeton.edu/visual_materials/maps/websites/pacific/spice-islands/spice-islands-maps.html
  2. https://the-travelling-twins.com/zanzibar-spices/
  3. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/black-pepper-production-by-country
  4. https://www.britannica.com/place/Halmahera
  5. https://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/nutmeg-producing-countries.html
  6. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/spice-islands

Disclaimer:

The noble objective of this blog, is to promote the hobby of philately through images of stamps, a few pictures and related narration. The scans of a few stamps, featured in this blogpost are mine while others (sourced from internet) are properties of their respective owners. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. 

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for sharing of knowledge of philately with philatelist fraternity of the world. No commercial or political angle, whatsoever, is involved. This is not a historical document. Under no circumstances, I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

*************

The story was published in the June 2024 issue of popular philatelic e-magazine 'Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin'. Incidentally, it was the 100th issue of the publication. Scans of the relevant part of the story is given below:

Cover page

 
The index page

Page 1 of 4

Page 2 of 4

Page 3 of 4

Page 4 of 4

Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) - Golden Jubilee

Commemorative Cover of Golden Jubilee of PPSI Since 1974, the Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) has been dedicated to a uniq...