Indian Breed Dogs on Indian Stamps

Indian breed dogs are no less than their counterparts from other countries. The story highlights the glory of such Indian breed dogs.

Indian Breed Dogs

The hobby of stamp collection is known as Philately. The word 'Philately' was originated by amalgamation of two Greek words 'Philos' which means 'Love' and 'Ateles' which stands for 'Tax free'. Philately is termed as ‘King of Hobbies and Hobby of Kings’.

Philatelists i.e. stamp collectors were traditionally collecting stamps for a specific country or region. But with passage of time it became difficult to collect all the stamps even for a single country. This constraint gave birth of a new stream in conventional philately. It is called ‘Thematic’ or ‘Topical’ philately wherein a philatelist selects a theme / topic as per his/her choice and collects philatelic materials accordingly.

For Topical Philately, the topic of collection can be as wild as one can imagine. Some of the popular themes are Gandhi, music, painting, lighthouse, ship, railways, etc. The list can be endless. Wildlife can be a theme. Some philatelists collect items only on carnivores, while some prefer herbivores. There are collectors who are interested in reptiles and some focus on insects. Similarly, ‘Domestic animals’ as a theme is quite popular. Even within domestic animal, a few specializes on Cats, some on Dogs. Canine Philatelists collects postage stamps and allied materials on dogs. There are many countries in the world who have issued postage stamps on dog.

Autographed by Ms. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Hon'ble Member of Indian Parliament

Dog’s unconditional loyalty and natural instinct to protect the masters have made dog’s best companion of human beings and Indian breed dogs are no exception. Dog is man’s best friend that has been proved by Indian breed dogs time and again.

Since ages, various breeds of dogs are found in Indian subcontinent. Several breeds have grown through the process of evolution depending upon geographical spread and socio-economic strata of their masters. Indian canines were grown in close association of human as companion for outdoor activities like hunting, guarding, protection of herds etc. They were never meant for show piece or trophy possession at home. In the true sense of term, they were neither ‘cute’ nor ‘cuddly’. Their sole purpose was action and agility, with lethal combination of lightning speed and superb maneuvering capability.

Autographed by Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Animal Rights Activist and Environmentalist

Major P K S Chari, Post master General (1955 - 1957), Tamilnadu Telecom Circle was an ardent dog lover. During his tenure he wanted that India Post should issue postage stamp on Indian breed dogs. However, it took more than 50 years to make it a reality. The very first commemorative stamp of the year 2005 was on dog. On 9th Jan 2005, Department of Post, Government of India had issued a set of four stamps on 'India: Breeds of Dogs'. To be precise the series was exclusively on breeds of Indian dogs. These stamps were formally released by Dayanidhi Maran, the then Union Minister for Communication and Information at Kennel Club of India (KCI), Chennai.

Murasoli Maran was father of Dayanidhi Maran

Out of several Indian breed dogs, four kinds - Himalayan Sheep Dogs, Rampur Hound Dogs, Mudhol Hound Dogs and Rajapalayam Dogs were depicted in four individual postage stamps. 

These four stamps are se-tenant stamps which means adjacent stamps in a row or strip are different. 'Se-tenant' is a French word which stands for 'joined or holding together'. These stamps were designed by Suresh Kumar. A total of 3 million stamps were printed by Photogravure process at India Security Press, Nasik, Maharashtra.

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Himalayan Sheep Dogs

As the name suggests, this breed was originated and found in the Himalayan region of Eastern Nepal to Ladak of Jammu and Kashmir. Possibly they may be distant cousin of Kinnaur Sheep dog of Tibet. They are some sort close to Indian Mastiff and Tibetan Mastiff. The name also indicates that traditionally they were employed for guarding the livestock herds because of their natural instinct of sheepherding. They are excellent guard dog for herds of cattle. Himalayan Sheep Dogs are ferocious, extremely loyal and hardworking but due to its stubborn nature, imparting training is a difficult task. Though they obey their masters, they can be hard on the unknown persons. It is locally called Bhotia Kukur or Gaddi.

Himalayan Sheep Dogs

Their physical characteristics are pointed muzzle, black nose, small and dropped ears (triangular shaped with tip end drooping) with thick and bushy tail which is upturned. Their eyes are luminous and dark rimmed. Himalayan Sheep dogs have thick coarse overcoat and thick smooth undercoat. The color of coats is either black or brown with white patches all over body, legs and ears.

Rampur Hound Dogs

Rampur is a place in Northern India of former Rohilkhand of Uttar Pradesh (presently located between New Delhi and Bareilly) wherefrom this variety of dog has come. Even today, a mela is held at Rampur every year wherein Rampur Hound Dogs are exhibited. The best dog is declared 'Rustam e Rampur'.

According to history, Ahmad Ali Khan, Nawab of Rampur State (1794 to 1840) wanted a new line of hunting dogs for his shikar trips. So he created these dogs by selective breeding between Tazi dogs of Afghanistan and English Grey Hounds. The new breed was named by him as Rampur Hound. The new breed has in its blood the combined characteristics of ferocity of Afghan origin and obedience of English ancestors.

Rampur Hound Dog

They are brave, ferocious and loyal. In the good old days of Maharajas (till 1947), they were mainly employed as companion for hunting. In hunting expeditions, they would not spared even ferocious carnivores like Tiger, Lion, and Leopard etc. On the other hand, they are so joyful that at times it becomes difficult for their masters to control them.

Their physical characteristics are long wide head which is flat between two ears and having elongated and tapering little upward curved tail. Their eyes are brown to dark amber. Rampur Hound dogs have short yet firm coat. Because of the lack of thick coat they need soft bed to relax else they are prone to bed sore. It is a Sight Hound variety with long legs and streamlined back like a Grey Hound, thus well built for speed and endurance.

Two major factors have contributed in the decline of this Indian breed. Firstly their patrons, the Maharajas have gone and secondly hunting has been banned, for which they were specifically created.

Mudhol Hound Dogs

Mudhol was a princely state which is now a part of North Karnataka (Bagalkot district). The genesis of this Mudhol Hound variety is credited to Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol (1884-1937) of the Mudhol State.   He had created this variety of dog by selective breeding for hunting purpose. Their origin is presumed from Persian Saluki or Tazi of Afghanistan.

Mudhol Hound Dog

Not only the Maharaja of Mudhol had trained and employed this variety of dogs for his hunting purpose but also the former king of Kolhapur, Maharashtra had kept these dogs for similar purpose. Their equal ability to hunt in dry arid zone as well as in marshy places had earned them a place in hunting journeys. Presently, Mudhol Hound dogs are found in Maharashtra and Deccan Plateau.

As the days of kings have gone, they are found with rural tribal folks who keep them for hunting and security. There they are known as Karwani dogs. Irony is that the Maharaja of Mudhol had picked up the hounds called ‘Beda’ used by local tribes for hunting purpose to create Mudhol Hound!

In 2009, the Canine Research and Information Centre (Mudhol Hound) was established in Thimmapur village in Bagalkot, Karnataka. The objective was to protect and promote the variety of Mudhol Hound. Mudhol Hound has been registered in the league of International breeds. Mudhol Hound Dogs are also known as Caravan Hound and one feathered variety is called Pashmi. They are extremely loyal, sensitive but not a friendly breed.

Times of India, Dated 15 Feb, 2021

Their physical characteristics are long, lean head which is broad between two ears with tapered muzzle, a protruded nose and long tapering tail. Baring Albino, it is available in all possible colors. Overall body structure is narrow and bony which is fit for swift maneuver. It is a sight hound variety. 

Times of India, Dated 28 Feb, 2021

Mudhol Hound is the first Indian breed to serve the Indian Army. A new battalion, called Mudhol battalion, has been formed with Mudhol dogs in Indian Army. Indeed a matter of great pride to recover its lost glory.

Rajapalayam Dogs

Rajapalayam is a small town in the Virudunagar district in Tamil Nadu, wherefrom this variety of breed was originated. It is Indian sight hound which was groomed and maintained by Nayakar dynasty of Tamil Nadu. They were engaged in Carnatic Wars and Polygar War against British Cavalry. Thus it is also known as Poligar Hound. It is understood that there were Rajapalayam dogs in the 18th century Pudukkottai regiment. Besides being engaged in battles, they were used in hunting small games like hares, wild boars etc. and also for security purposes.

Rajapalayam Dog

Once upon a time they were prized possession of Royal families of South India. By nature, they are loyal and affectionate to their owners. It is a one master dog.  Though Rajapalayam breed is Sight Hound, with proper training they can be developed as Scent Hound as well. It is gentle in nature and can be termed as friendly.

In Nineteen Eighties a dog breeding center was commissioned in at Saidapet, Chennai, Tamilnadu for exclusive breeding of Indian breed dogs. Rajapalayam was one of the varieties.

Their physical characteristics have a few similarities with Great Danes. The distinctive features are brown eyes and pink nose. It has whip tail and upper lips are loosely hanging.

Rajapalayam dogs are found in black or brown colors. Some are found with spots on the coats. However, a Rajapalaym with pure white coat, pink nose and golden eyes is a matter of pride of owner. Its gait is graceful and royal which to some extent can be compared with the trotting of majestic horses.

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Besides, there are other useful Indian breed dog viz. Tripuri dogs in Lushai Hills, Assam; Bhotia dogs from Himachal Pradesh & Uttaranchal, the Combai, the Jonangi, the Kanni etc. A good public awareness is necessary to protect and to conserve such pure Indian breeds of dogs who have served us side by side since ages. Along with proper conservation program, issuance of commemorative stamps from time to time helps a lot in creation of awareness among common people. Hope someday another set of Indian postage stamps will be issued featuring some of them for the interest of philatelists as well as dog lovers.

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The published article titled ‘Stuck on you’ is enclosed. There is little editing and addition in the original manuscript. This has been printed in the latest edition (Oct-Dec 2016 issue) of Buddy Life magazine (www.buddylifemagazine.com), a widely circulated magazine of dog lovers.

Cover of the magazine

Incidentally, this is my 5th published article on philately:
1. “Philately – the King of Hobbies & IndianOil in the history of Stamps”(in English and Hindi version) – Cover story of IndianOil News Mar 2004 Vol XXXXI No. 3, the in-house monthly magazine of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
2. “স্ট্যাম্প জমানোর হবি” Hobby of stamp collection (in Bengali) – published in Sunday Bartaman 4th Sept 2005 the Bengali daily from Kolkata, West Bengal
3. “ডাক টিকিটের গন্ধ বিচার” Daak tikiter gandho bichar Or Perfumed stamps (in Bengali) – Published in Sunday edition of Bartaman 28th Jan 2007, the daily newspaper published from Kolkata, West Bengal
4. “স্ট্যাম্প জমানো” Stamp Jamano Or Stamp collection (in Bengali) – published in Saptahik Bartaman 3rd Dec 2011, the weekly magazine published from Kolkata, West Bengal
5. “Stuck on you” (in English) – Published in Buddy Life (www.buddylifemagazine.com) Volume 4 Issue 5, Oct – Dec 2016

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for the sharing of knowledge of Philately with philatelist fraternity. No commercial angle, whatsoever, is involved.

Under no circumstances I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.