The Indian National Flag Unfurled Through Philately

Sekhar Chakrabarti attempts something entirely original in The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately. An acclaimed philatelist, he combines his love for stamps with his passion for vexillological research in this book. The result is a vivid account of the journey of flags in India, brilliantly illustrated with pictures of stamps depicting flags. The pictures trace an account of the early Indian rulers, the European colonisers, the struggle for Independence, to finally arrive at the present tricolour. Chakrabarti has also covered other aspects of the flag, such as its role in the field of sports, at sea and at international forums. He has further discussed etiquettes and protocols concerning flags. All this is done with the spotlight firmly fixed on the Indian national flag. The illustrations are not simply confined to display of flags on stamps alone. There are pictures of rare first day covers (FDC), Cinderella labels, miniature sheets, sheet watermarks, autographed commemorative stamps and various other postal stationery. Eminent personalities who have contributed to the shaping of the tricolour find pride of place in the illustrations. Chakrabarti has used his own enviable collection of philatelic material to weave an engaging account of the history of flags through the medium of philately.