The General's Collection Ancient coins, stamps and first day covers

I am Rajeev Sharma, a retired Major General of the Indian Army and an avid collector of old coins, stamps, first-day covers, world currency and postal history. I believe ancient coins, like stamps and covers, offer another form of evidence that can help us reconstruct history. This blog is an attempt to display my rare ancient coins, stamp and currency collection with the aim of generating interest, sharing knowledge and understanding the history of the period these were minted or printed in.

Monday, March 29, 2021

The Long Walk Home: An Indian Army Soldier's Journey Through Italian POW Camps

On Post Card for prisoners in Italy

The letters, post cards and philately items presented here tell two stories. First, they are a testament to the arduous yet awe-inspiring journey of a soldier, Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) J.C. Sharma, whose story lives on through his successors, including me, who followed in his footprints and dedicated their lives to their country, India and its Army like his father Lt R N Sharma (my grandfather) who joined the Army during the World War I. Secondly, these rare documents dating back to the World War I and World War II not only serve as an invaluable connect with the important events from our past, but also are treasured family Mementoes.

Lt RN Sharma, commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Land Forces on 08 October 1917,

Censored letter by Captain RM Sharma, father of 2nd Lt J C Sharma, (my grandfather), dated 24 February 1919, from base office.

Record Details of Lieutenant RN Sharma from UK Army Records showing him awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for the period 1914-1918, during the World War I

2Lt JC Sharma was commissioned into the 1st Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles in 1940 and was deployed in Egypt as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade of the 4th Indian Infantry Division. From 1940-42, the unit took part in a number of operations where the Italian forces suffered heavy casualties and saw many soldiers being taken as prisoners of war (POW) and sent to prisoners' camps in India. In May 1942 it was attached to 5th Indian Infantry Division and in June 1942 employed with 2nd South African Infantry Division in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk

On 16 June 1942, he along with many others from his unit 1/6 Rajputana Rifles, were taken as POWs,

On 16th and 18th June 1942, the family received information by signals of the Controller of Military Accounts & Pensions and the Adjutant General's branch.

Signal from Controller of Military Accounts & Pensions, dated 10 August 1942, informing about him being taken POW on 16 June 1942

Signal from AG's branch, dated 15 August 1942, informing about the date of his being taken as POW as 18 June 1942

A Demi Official (DO) letter by the Commanding Officer of his unit was also received by our family.

A DO letter from the then Commanding Officer Lt Col I.R.West, dated 18 July 1942, informing our family about 2nd Lt Sharma being taken POW. Cover, On Active Service, passed by censor, round stamp No 1115 and FPO number 49 dated 20 July 1942 on the envelope.

On receiving the information of her son being taken as a POW, his mother fell sick and was serious

Telegram dated 14 September 1942, from mother of 2nd Lt JC Sharma (Savitri Pandit) addressed to her younger son Kuldip Sharma, asking him to reach Kud, in Jammu & Kashmir

In November 1942, the family received more information. The Italian authorities sent a Post Card for war prisoners, with double rim marked number 131 with DHP/5 marking with a censor stamp, intimating that he had indeed been taken as POW and was being transferred to a prisoner camp.

By December 1942, all the prisoners had been transported from Egypt to POW Camps in Italy. The sea route that was taken to transport the POWs from Benghazi in Libya to Bardia in Egypt, and from there to Italian POW camps in December 1942 (Map sourced from Powvets.com)

2nd Lt Sharma sent his family a censored post card from PG75 (3450) campo (field or military camp), having censor stamp and DHP/138 marking. The location of this PG75 (Prigioniero di Guerra, meaning ' prisoner of war') was in Torre Tresca, Bari, in southern Italy on the eastern coast, on the Adriatic Sea. He was later shifted to Campo PG63.

A censored letter from PG63, at Marinaro A versa near Arezzo, Province of Caserta, where most Indian POWs were kept, having DHP/9 censor stamp, marked DHP/114, with Per Aerea (by air) on top left corner. Interestingly, he was promoted to the rank of a lieutenant at this camp. The letter was addressed to his younger brother, motivating him to join the Army too. His brother too chose to follow his father and brother's lead and joined the Army. He was undergoing training as an officer cadet when this letter dated 28 July 1943, arrived. Later he joined too and fought during World War II in Burma.

Maj KC Sharma, later served in the Infantry School Mhow in 1953.

Campo PG75 was located in Bari, while Campo PG63 was in Mariano Aversa, about 250 km apart.

Extracts of the Book which recapitulates 1/6 Rajputana Rifles troops during the battle of Tobruk.

Extracts from the book "Rommel's Lieutenants The men who served Desert Fox, France 1940" by Samuel Mitchan Jr

Record Details of Lieutenant JC Sharma from the UK war record achieves, showing his War Medal 1939-1945, and the 1939-1945 Star for Operational Service in the Second World War, as also his " Mentioned in Despatches" and "Distinguished Service"

In 1943, he escaped from the PG63 POW camp and found his way back home. All his family ever got to know was that it took him a few months as he was trained not to divulge any details of his escape.

My Unit First Day Cover, with round stamp of 56 Army Post Office, addressed to Brigadier Rajeev Sharma, that is me, now Major General Rajeev Sharma (Retired) of the Indian Army.

Friday, March 26, 2021

Aden and the Bombay Presidency: Coins and Stamps

Aden, Yemen's fourth largest city, was part of British India for 98 years, during which time a strong connection between Yemen and India was forged.

Location of Aden

Since antiquity, Aden was part of a route connecting India and Europe. One of the earliest references comes from first century BC, in the book 'Periplus of The Erythraean Sea'. Trading ties between India and Aden continued long after the collapse of Rome and reached their zenith between the 13th and 16th centuries under Mamluk dynasty. Later, the city was ruled by the Portuguese, followed by the Ottoman Turks, and was then absorbed into the Sultanate of Lahej in 1728.

The Port of Aden

By the dawn of the 18th century, although Aden had lost its past glory, the city became strategically important for the British as they were seeking frontiers to protect their colonial possessions in India. Thus in 1839, the British conquered Aden and merged it with British India, where it became a part of the Bombay Presidency. After the Suez Canal opened in 1869, Aden's importance increased further.

Capture of Aden 1839

The setting up of a telegraph link between Britain and India in 1859 greatly improved Aden's position in the maritime trade.

The city's location at the mouth of the Red Sea enabled it to become a port of call for ships between India and Europe. In 1932, the government in Delhi took charge of Aden's administration from the Bombay Presidency. In 1937, as part of implementing the Government of India Act 1935 created a separate entity called the Colony of Aden, and continued to rule the city until it became a part of Southern Yemen in 1963.

A bazaar in Aden, 1920s

Aden was the only "extension" that British India had in the Middle East. During that time Indian Rupee was the official currency, and a garrison of 2000 Indian soldiers was stationed there. Soon a large part of Aden's population consisted of Indians speaking Gujarati, Marathi and Hindi. Known names like Adenwala and Dhirubhai Ambani started their work there.

Main Street Crater, Aden

When British left Aden in 1963, there was an upsurge amongst locals against Indian businessmen and many were forced to migrate to Dubai etc. About 300,000 Indians of Yemeni origin live now in Hyderabad, Andhra, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka

The Federation and the Protectorate of South Arabia was formed in 1962 and in 1963, the State of Aden joined. In 1967, however it was abolished when its status as British protectorate came to an end, and it became People's Republic of Southern Yemen

Map of the Federation and the Protectorate of South Arabia

Coinage. Aden used Indian rupees, but the currency with real power in the interiors of South Arabia and Northern Africa was the Maria Theresa thaler, or trade dollar. This coin, originally struck by the Austro-Hungarian Empress in 1741, was known for its purity. Infact anyone could strike Maria Theresa dollars as long as they were pure and looked identical. Between 1936 and 1941, over 14 million were struck at the Royal Mint and between 1940 and 1942, the Bombay Mint struck 19 million. About 20 mints in various countries struck this coin with the same year, 1741 or 1780 is still produced. By 1951, the Indian Rupee was replaced by an East African florin and a shilling. By 1965, the dinar further replaced the Shilling and were introduced for the federation of South Arabia

India, Rupee, 1840, Victoria, weight 11.6 g

Obverse: Portrait of Queen Victoria

Reverse: Value within wreath, outside wreath, date below

India, Victoria, 1889, weight 11.6 g

Obverse: Crowned head of Empress Victoria

Reverse: Value and date below

Austria-Habsburg, Maria Theresia, one Thaler, 1780, weight 28.06 g, Obverse: Portrait of Maria Theresia, facing right Reverse: Imperial double headed eagle with arms of Austria, surrounded by four quarters representing Hungary, Bohemia, Burgundy and Burgau, legend around "Archidux Austriae, Dux Burgundiae, Comes Tyrolis"

Austria-Habsburg, 1758-1765, Maria Theresia, one Thaler, weight 28.06 g

Obverse: Portrait facing right

Reverse: Imperial eagle with a shield with St Anna left and Austrian arms right. Two crossed hammers below, between eagle feathers. Legend...

India, One Rupee, George V, 1919, weight 11.6 g

East Africa, one shilling, copper, weight 7.81g

Postage and Stamps. The first post office in Ade opened during January 1839, situated in what was called as the Crater district. No stamps were initially issued, but after the office was placed under the Bombay Postal Circle, stamps of India 1854 were placed for sale. Most Indian issues from 1854 to 1935 can be found with Aden postmarks. During 1858, Aden Steamer Point was opened in the harbour area and business was transferred there. The cancellations are shown below.

Both Post Offices used "124" until 1871 when Aden Cantonment was assigned "125" amended to "124A" in the same year

Cancellations inscribed "Aden Steamer Point" disappeared in 1874. The office was given number "B-22" thereafter and this appears from 1875 to 1886. Squared -circle types for Aden were introduced in 1884 and for Aden Camp in 1888.

India used abroad QV 1865 SG64 Green-Aden 124, PM

India used in Aden stamp, 5R

1891 Aden cancel on India Stamp, 2 1/2 As

Aden cancel on India Stamp, 2 1/2 As

1937 Scott, 9p dark green "Dhow"

1959, Aden, Army Camels Cavalry stamp

1939, George VI issue 2 1/2 annas

Aden, Kathiri State of Seiyun 2 1/2 Annas, 1946

1953, Aden SG 72 1572 Settlement

1946, perfed specimens 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 annas

Postcards

Water Sellers Aden

Camel Market No 2, Aden

Aden Camp No 62

Fruit Market, Aden

Aden

Aden coinage

Aden Postage and post cards

Sunday, March 21, 2021

The Chola Dynasty and Coins

The Chola Dynasty was a Tamil thalassocratic empire of southern India, one of the longest ruling dynasties in the world's history. The earliest references to the Chola are in inscriptions from the third century BC, left by Ashoka of the Maurya Empire. As one of the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam, along with the Chera and the Pandya, the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century AD.

Uttama Chola

The flag of Chola was a jumping Tiger.

Flag

Despite these ancient origins, the period the appropriate "Chola Empire" only begins with the medieval Cholas in the mid 9th century AD.

South India 300 BC

The history of the Cholas falls into four periods: the early Cholas of the Sangam literature, the interregnum between the fall of the Sangam Cholas and the rise of the Imperial medieval Cholas under Vijayalaya, and finally the Later Chola dynasty of Kulothunga Chola I from third quarter of the 11th century.

The main source of information of the early Cholas is the Tamil literature of the Sangam period. There are also brief notices furnished by the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, and in slightly later work of Ptolemy. Urayur (now a part of Thiruchirapalli) was their earliest capital. The Mahavamsa mentions that Sri Lanka was invaded in 235 BC by a Chola prince Ellalan and captured.

Little is known of the Cholas during the next few centuries until the accession of Vijayalaya in the second quarter of the 9th century.

Chola dynasty 3rd century BC to 1279 AD

The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, but they ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the latter half of the 9th to the beginning of the 13th century. The whole country south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one State for a period of three centuries between 907 and 1215 AD. Under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors Rajendra Chola, Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I, the dynasty became a military and economic power in South Asia and Southeast Asia. The Chola fleet represented the zenith of ancient Indian sea power.

During the zenith of sea power

Rajendra Chola I, conquered Odisha and reached the Ganges River. His name is mentioned in corrupted form as Raja Chulan in medieval Malay chronicle Sejarah Melayu.

Rajaraja Chola statue at Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur

During 1010-1153, Chola territories stretched from Maldives to Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. In 1025, he successfully invaded cities of Sriviaya of Malaysia and Indonesia. The later Cholas 1070-1279 AD would still rule almost all of Sri Lanka. The overseas conquests include southern Thailand, Burma and Kedah too.

Brihadishvara Chola temple, Thanjavur

King Rajendra Chola I's ode to Shiva: Clockwise from top left: Shiva as Nataraja, surrounded with dancing deities: Shiva garlanding him: Ardhanarishvara, Shiva and Parvati as one: and Shiva as Gangadhara appeasing Devi.

The Chola dynasty went into decline at the beginning of the 13th century with the rise of Pandian Dynasty, however they left a lasting legacy. Tamil literature and building of temples flourished in their times. Economy developed and so did art with a centralized form of government and disciplined bureaucracy.

Shiva as Chandesanugrahamurti with Parvati by his side

Chola Coinage. In the later part of the 10th century, the kingdom adopted coinage after a break of four centuries. It triggered off with gold coinage. Soon silver and copper coinage were minted in plenty. Raja raja Chola struck coins both in Sri Lanka and India. They differed in fabric, style and in the gold purity. In Tamilnadu, Cholas They adopted "Tiger facing two fishes" as their emblem on the coinage. Chola's coinage issues were in all three metals Gold, Silver and Copper. Gold fanams were struck by Raja raja.