Description: This intricately detailed blackish-violet official service stamp from India features the sacred Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar originally erected at Sarnath. The primary design depicts the three visible roaring lions perched upon a circular abacus displaying a miniature relief of the symbolic Ashoka Chakra wheel. Highly decorative vertical rectangular frame boundaries featuring stylized blooming floral vines envelop the focal ancient sculpture, positioned beneath structural horizontal text banners designating state administration via "SERVICE" and "POSTAGE" headings. The lowest corners specify the "2 N.P." face value in western standard Arabic numerals paired alongside corresponding Hindi Devanagari shorthand notation, which collectively border the sovereign name "INDIA" running flush along the base layout. A faint, weathered circular ink strike from a postal cancel marking slightly sweeps across the left side to mark its legitimate travel through state logistics.
Circa: 1957-1964
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
The initials "N.P." represent Naye Paise (New Paise), a transitional instructional text implemented by the Treasury Department from April 1, 1957, until mid-1964 to stop confusing citizens with the obsolete pre-decimal coin system.