| Postal Stamp Image |
: |
 |
| Stamp Issue Date |
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29/12/1986 |
| Postage Stamp Dinomination |
: |
0.50 |
| Postal Stamp Serial Number |
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1193 |
| Postal Stamp Name |
: |
S. GOPA |
| Stamp Information |
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Shri Sagarmal Gopa, the freedom fighter of Jaisalmer, was born on 3rd November, 1900 in an affluent Brahmin family, Jis ancestors were the Rajgurus of Jaisalmer kingdom amd were serving on the prestigious posts of the state. Shri Sagarmal Gopa was the son of Shri Akhya Raj who was in te state service of Jaisamer. He was disturbed by the attitude adopted by the state towards the freedom movement and preffered to migrate with his family to Nagpur.
Shri Sagarmal Gopa was a devoted patriot and fredom fighter. In 1921 he took active part in non-co-operation movement. He vehemently opposed the anti-people attitude of the then rulers. He took keen interest in the affairs of the princely states. His zeal for public service and other freedom movement activities compelled the administration to ban his entry into Jaisalmer and Hyderabad. Inspite the ban he continued his activities and took part in the conferences of All India Council of Princely States. He motivated the public to take part in freedom movement through press. "JAisalmer Rajya Ka Gunda Shasam" and "Raghunath Singh Ka Mukadama" are some of his notable books.
Shri Gopa's exile from Jaisalmer could not abate his love for his motherland and he continued to take keen interest in the activities of Jaisalmer state. One and a half years after the death of his father in October 1938, he agin thought of returning to Jaisalmer. The then Resident of Jaisalmer state had given verbal and written assurances that no case is registered against him, hence he should not apprehend any ill treatment. Contrary to these assurances, he was arrested on 25th May, 1941 and sent to jail for many years where he was badly tortured. He was arrested without assigning any reason for it when he was about to leave Jaisalmer as per his pre-determned programme. While bearing all sorts of cruelities at the hands of jail officials, he ultimately breathed his last on 4th April, 1946.
On 27th April, 1946 making special mention, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru said, "We have heard hat Shri Sagar Mal Gopa, the well known political worker of Jaisalmer had died in the jail. We have been informed that he had committed suicide. This is unbelievable statement about Shri Gopa who was imprisoned. We have made deep enquiries into the case and piteous facts have come to light. It is obvious that Shri Sagar Mal Gopa was burntbalive on 3rd April. This sort of ill-treatment with any person in general and with politicians in particular is very horried and nothing less than hooliganism."
The sacrifice of Shri Sagar Mal Gopa proved to be an inspiration for the people of Jaisalmer and its surroundings areas to participate in the freedom movement. His martyrdom gave a new direction to the thinking of the public and gave strength to the feeling of breaking the hands of servility.
The Department of Posts feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of the great martyr Shri Sagar Mal Gopa in the series "India's struggle for freedom". |
| Philatelic Stamp Description |
: |
The 50 P multicolour stamp has been designed by India Security Press, Nashik Road. The First Day Cover has been designed by Shri Kashinath Raha. The Cancellation has been designed by Miss Nenu Bagga. |
| Stamp Currency |
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P |
| Stamp Type |
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COMMEMORATIVE |
| Stamp Language |
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English |
| Stamp Overall Size |
: |
4.06 X 2.73 cms |
| Postal Stamp Print Size |
: |
3.71 x 2.3 cms. |
| Number of Stamps Per Sheet |
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40 |
| Stamp Perforations |
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13 x 13 |
| Postal Stamp Shape |
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Vertical |
| Postage Stamp Paper |
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Unwatermarked P.G. Matt coated paper |
| Indian Stamp Process |
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Photogravure |
| Number of stamps printed |
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10,00,000 |
| Stamp Printed At |
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India Security Press |
| Indian Stamp's Color |
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Multicolour |
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