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