Description: This 6-pies definitive service stamp was issued by the newly independent Republic of India exclusively for government and official administrative mail. The design showcases the prestigious Lion Capital of Ashoka, which features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back on a circular abacus decorated with a wheel (Dharmachakra) and animals in relief. The words "SERVICE" and "POSTAGE" are framed neatly along the top, while the bottom left corner displays the denomination "6 Ps". The bottom right panel lists the currency value in Devnagari script as "६ पाई", anchoring the design firmly above the country name "INDIA".
Circa: 1950s
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
This issue captures a historic transition period in Indian philately immediately following the formal adoption of the Constitution in January 1950, when the nation fully transitioned away from British colonial portraits of King George VI to sovereign symbols. The stamp uses the ancient pre-decimalization currency system where 12 pies equaled 1 anna, a structure that was permanently dissolved when India converted to decimal currency in April 1957.