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Exactly two years after independence, on August 15, 1949, India issued a set of stamps showing places / objects of tourists' interest. These included historical monuments, temples, stupas, forts, ancient sculptures, rock carvings etc. (Some of these places were later declared by UNESCO as National Heritage Sites). Many of these stamps were commemorative stamps, while others were definitive stamps. Below are some of the commemorative stamps are posted...
Bodhgaya : Site of Buddha's enlightenment Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the world. Apart from being a significant archaeological site, it is also a vital Buddhist centre. It's the site where Buddha attained enlightenment. Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds the place. It is a quiet and peaceful place. Buddhists from all over the world flock to Bodhgaya, along with non-Buddhists who come to learn about Buddhism and meditation. The best time to visit is during winter when Tibetan pilgrims come down from Dharamsala.
Bhubaneswar is the sort of city you expect to find in India - a developing, progressive city that does not forget its past. The capitol of the state of Orissa, this city of temples is set against the background of high sandstone spires. Bhubaneswar does not have the hordes of people found in the larger Indian cities.
History:
Shah jahan when comes to delhi after ruling Agra laid the foundation stone of Red Fort Delhi in 1618 and finally it's inaugration was done in 1647.The Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side. The Red Fort Delhi has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. The latter faces Chandni Chowk, the city's most crowded but diverse market. The Red Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public Audiences, where the Emperor would sit on a marbled paneled alcove, studded with gems, and hear complaints of the common people. The Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience, where private audiences were granted. This hall is made of marble, and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was studded with rubies and gems. Today, although the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the verse of Amir Khusro " If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here" reminds us of its former glory. The Rang Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours' as it is known, holds a spectacular Lotus shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. Even today, the Red Fort (Lal Qila) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire.
