Karphilex 2017 – Philatelic exhibition in Bengaluru

Karnataka Philatelic Society is organizing a philatelic exhibition at Bengaluru from 14th July 2017 to 16th July 2017 with the support of Karnataka Postal Circle.

International Philatelist Dr Sita Bhateja, Karphilex 2017 Chief Patron and Dr Charles Lobo and Karnataka Philatelic Society President Chaitanya Dev at the inauguration of the Karphilex 2017 organised by Karnataka Philatelic Society in Bengaluru on July 14, 2017.

The Karnataka Philatelic Society (KPS) in association wtih Department of Posts and local philatelists are conducting this exhibition to offer a chance to the public to view rare stamps and key exhibits covering thematic collections and postal history. The event will be interspersed with seminars, quizzes, selfies with stamps, stamp sale booths and other programmes.

One of the interesting exhibits showcases an early postal system of the 17th century in the Mysore region, called “Mysore Anche”. Mysuru Anche Mysuru Anche was an important milestone in the postal history of India. It followed earlier communication management efforts from Alauddin Khilji, Sher Shah Suri and the Mughals, who designed the systems of “horse daks” and “postal runners”. Emperor Akbar had post houses built at intervals of about 10 miles on key routes with replacement horses at each point.

The British did not have a well- organised communication system when they began their dominance. Lord Clive introduced a regular postal system around 1766. But quite some time before the system introduced by the British, Mysuru Anche was among the earliest measures introduced by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar who assumed the throne in 1672. The system may also have been a remarkable means of collecting intelligence, as the network staff were confidential agents of the kingdom. Over time it grew to have post offices beyond Mysuru and Bengaluru to Tumakuru, Shivamogga and also became a good source of revenue.

special cover released on 14th July-2017

New Special cover issued on Learn Kannada Speak Kannada during Karphilex-2017 at Bengaluru, 14th July-2017.

Kannada is one of the ancient languages of India. It is a prominent Dravidian language. In 2008 the Government of India awarded Kannada, the status of classical language. Kannada is a verbal language of 49 letters that are divided into vowels, consonants and yogavahas (neither vowel nor consonant). Kannada letters and digits originate from the Brahmi script of Ashoka period. The phases in evolution of Kannada script can be observed from the period of Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalakyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar Empire until the period of Mysore kings. Until recently Halmidi inscription (450-500 AD) was considered as the oldest inscription of Kannada, but recently the Archaeological Survey of India has found an inscription older than Halmidi at Talugunda, near Shiralakoppa in Shikaripura taluk of Shimoga District, Karnataka dating back to 370-450AD. After a number of studies, the Department has declared these findings as the earliest Kannada inscription. These new findings have further enhanced the eminence of Kannada.( text description taken from back side of cover). Cover approval No: KTK/57/2017.

New Special cover issued on Karnataka’s sporting Legends-14th July-2017

New Special cover issued on Karnataka’s sporting Legends during Karphilex-2017-14th July-2017, featuring Anil Kumble (Cricket), Pankaj Advani ( Billiads & Snooker) and Prakash Padukone ( Badminton).