Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), philosopher and social reformer was born in August 1855 in an agricultural family ‘vayalvaram’ in Chempazhanthi village, 15 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. He traveled widely and his thirst for knowledge and quest for truth took him to many a place. Narayana Guru seeing the then prevailing social inequalities, untouchability, superstitions, illiteracy, slavery and lack of awareness among people to organise, decided to work for the eradication of all these. He preached “One caste, One religion and One God”. He established a Siva temple at Aruvippuram as a symbolic protest against the then Travancore rule that no temple should be established without the prior permission of the Government. To improve the social conditions of the backward people, he organized the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (S.N.D.P.) 

" I feel it as the greatest in my life to have visited the beautiful state Travancore and to have darshan of venerable sage Sri Narayana Guru. I had the fortune to say one day in his holy aharamanm her excellency the Reagent Empress also spoke to me about the greatness of guruswamy . I fervently hope that you would enforce this his lofty deals "- Mahatma Gandhi (13-3-1925) 

" During the last 500 years India has not seen so eminent 'Jnanian' or so great social reformer as Sri Narayana Guru. Unfortunately we, Indians have not known him well " - Vaikkam Mohammad Basher.

Date of Issue: 21-08-1967. Denomination: 15(Ps). Perforation. 14. No watermark

COCHIN SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish Synagogue at Cochin was first built in 1568. After it was burnt down in 1662, the Dutch helped to rebuild it in 1664. There was a popular Jewish community at Kodungallur in Kerala in 10 th century AD. It was in Kerala that the Jews first migrated and settled. By 16th century they shifted to Cochin. The then ruler of Cochin, Bhaskara Ravi Varma welcomed this community and granted many facilities including a gift of land for construction of the Synagogue. In the Synagogue the visitors can see the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament and the famous copper plate, grant of Bhaskara Varma who made the gift of land for the Synagogue. 

Issued  to mark 400th Anniversary of Cochin Synagogue.

Date of Issue : 15-12-1968. Denomination: 20(ps). Perforation: 13. No watermark

Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906), one of the great Indian artists of his day, who is even today held in high esteem as one of the foremost artists of India, was born on 29 April 1848 in Kilimanur. The originals of Ravi Varma’s paintings are mostly owned by various public and private galleries in Bombay, Laxmivilas palace at Baroda, Mysore palace and Udaipur palace and in the National Art Gallery, New Delhi and Salarjang museum. There is a fairly representative collection of his more important paintings in the Ravi Varma Gallery in Sri Chitra Art Gallery at Trivandrum. Most of his paintings are based on Hindu epic stories and characters. In 1873 he won the First Prize at the Madras Painting Exhibition. He became a world famous Indian painter after winning in 1873 Vienna Exhibition. The design of the stamp includes besides the artist’s picture, ‘Damayanthi and Swan’-one of his paintings. Raja Ravi Varma is also called 'A Prince Among Painters and A Painter Among Princes'.

Issued to mark 65th Death Anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma

Date of Issue : 29-04-1971. Denomination: 20(Ps). Perforation: 13. No watermark

Kumaran Asan  (1873-1924) was one of the makers of the modern Kerala. The great poet fought against the inequalities of a caste-ridden society and passionately sang of individual dignity, social freedom and brotherhood of man. Kumaran Asan was born on the 12 th April 1873 at Kayikkara, a small coastal village in Kerala. Kumaran Asan’s works include the narrative poems, “Nalini” and “Leela”. Kumaran Asan asserted the primacy of individual imagination and symbolized the consciousness of modern Kerala.

Issued to mark Birth Centenary of Kumaran Asan.

Date of Issue : 12-04-1973. Denomination: 20(Ps). Perforation:13. No  watermark.

Kathakali   from Kerala is a classical dance drama. It is quiet different from any other forms of Indian dances such as Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi etc; Kathakali is dramatic rather than narrative in character. Different roles are taken by different characters. It takes epic mythological themes as its content and portrays them through an elaborate dramatic spectacle which is characterized by an other worldly quality, a supernatural grandeur, a stylized over-size costume to give the impression of enlarging human proportion and a mask like make-up on the face which is governed by a complex symbolism of colour line and design. Stamp on Kathakali was released on 20/10/1975. A se-tenent pair, one of which depicting Kathakali was released on 26-4-2002. 

Date of Issue : 20-10-1975. Denomination:100(Ps). Perforation:13. No  watermark.

Vengalil Krishna Menon (1896-1974) was born on May 3, 1896 at Panniyankara in Kozhikode, Kerala. He had his early education in Tellicherry. Later, while studying in the Madras Law College, he became actively associated with Annie Besant and the Home Rule Movement. Menon bloomed into a passionate fighter for India’s freedom during his days at London. He founded the “India League” in 1928 and made it the nerve center of national propaganda and activity in England. In 1953 he became a member of the Rajyasabha. On February 3, 1956 he joined the Union Cabinet as Minister without portfolio. In 1957 he became Defence Minister. India issued a stamp on him on 24-10-1975 and another on 6-10-1997. 

Date of Issue : 24-11-1975. Denomination:25(Ps). Perforation:13 x 13½. No  watermark

COCONUT One of the most commonly seen tropical trees in Kerala is the Coconut tree. In fact even the name Kerala is derived from this tree (Kera in Malayalam language means Coconut). Everything from Kerala's culture to its dishes is evolved around the Coconut tree. Stamp on coconut tree was released on 27-12-1976. 

Issued to mark Diamond Jubilee of Coconut Reaserch.

Date of Issue : 27-12-1976. Denomination: 25(Ps). Perforation:13. No watermark.

Vallathol Narayana Menon  (1878-1958) was born on October 16, 1878 in Chennara village near Ponnani in Kerala. He started writing poetry at the age of thirteen. Vallathol’s poetry passed through three distinct stages  the classicism of the early days, the nationalism of the later years and the progressivism of his last days. To give the performing arts of Kerala, especially Kathakali and Mohiniyattam their rightful place, he founded the Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy in 1927. It is now a world famous institution, imparting training in classical dance forms.  

Issued to mark Birth centenary of Vallathol Narayana Menon. 

Date of Issue : 15-10-1978. Denomination: 25(Ps). Perforation:13. No watermark

Ulloor. S. Parameswara Iyer (1877-1949) was born on 6 June 1877 at Changanacherry in Kerala. His father, Subramania Iyer was then a Malayalam teacher in the local school. His ancestral home was at Ulloor, a northern suburb of the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The poet is known in Kerala by the familiar diminutive “Ulloor” Among the greatest works of the Mahakavi are the narrative poems “Karnabhooshanam” and “pingala”, and the epic “Umakeralam”. A colossus, he dominated the literary life of Kerala for nearly half a century.  

Date of Issue : 06-06-1980. Denomination: 30(Ps). Perforation:13. Watermark - Large Star

Cashew nUT the edible seed or nut of ancacardium occidentale, a polygamus Tropical and sub-tropical evergreen was first discovered by the Spanish explorers in the region known as state of maranhao in Northern Brazil. In the 15th century the Portuguese missionaries brought the cashew to east Africa and to Kerala and believed to have planted as a Windbreaker and prevent soil erosion. Stamp on cashew was released on 3-9-1979. 

Date of Issue : 03-09-1979. Denomination: (225 Ps).

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a native of the Amazon river basin of South America. It was introduced to tropical Asia in 1876 through Kew Garden in UK with the seeds brought from Brazil by Sir Henry Wickham. The tree is now grown in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. The first commercial plantation of rubber in Kerala was started by European planters who formed the 'Periyar Syndicate' in 1902 at Thattekad near Alwaye, Kerala, In 1904. To gather the latex from rubber trees a diagonal cut angled downward is made through the bark. Stamp depicting rubber tapping was released on 3-9-1979. 

Date of Issue : 30-09-1979. Denomination:(500 Ps).

HORNBILL A bird with a horn-like excrescence on its large curved bill. Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) is found in the forests of Kerala in places like Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Thattekad. Hornbill is the official bird of Kerala. Stamp commemorating centenary of BNHS Mumbai issued by India on 15-9-1983 depicts Hornbill.

Date of Issue : 15-09-1983. Denomination: (100 Ps). Perforation:13. No Watermark.

Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1806-1871) was born at Kainakary, Kerala on 10th February 1806. He was ordained priest in 1829. Along with Fr. Thomas Palackal and Thomas Porukara, he founded the first indigenous religious congregation in India for men in 1831 at Mannanam, the Carmalites of Mary Immaculate (CMI). Amidst his diverse activities he remained essentially a man of prayer and charity. He died on 3 rd January 1871, humbly professing gratitude to God that he could preserve his baptismal innocence. His mortal remains lie at his tomb in St. Joseph’s Church, CMI Monastery, Mannanam. India issued a stamp on him on 20/12/1987. 

Date of Issue : 20-12-1987. Denomination:(60 Ps). Perforation: 13 x 13½. No Watermark

Malayala Manorama the largest circulated Malayalam daily celebrated its 100 years in 1988. Kandathil Varghese Mappillai started Malayala Manorama as a weekly from Kottayam, a town in Travancore, then a princely state, in 1888. In 1901 it became a bi-weekly and in 1918 a tri-weekly. Finally on January 16, 1928 Manorama became a daily. Stamp commemorating 100 years of Malayala Manorama was released on 23/3/1988. The stamp depicts Malayala Manorama’s office building at Kottayam. 

Date of Issue : 23-03-1988. Denomination:(100 Ps). Perforation:13. No Watermark.

Swathi Tirunal Rama Varma (1813-1846), the most outstanding composer of Carnatic music in Kerala, was born on 26 th April 1813 in the royal family of Travancore, the son of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Raja Raja Varma Koil Thampuran. A liberal education imparted to him by a team of able scholars such as Subba Rao of Tanjore led to the efflorescence of the latent musical talent of Swathi Tirunal in due course. Swathi Tirunal assumed charge of administration of Travancore on 21-4-1829 and ruled the State for 17 years, putting down corruption with an iron hand and introducing far-reaching reforms in various fields. He passed away at a very early age on 25/12/1846. India issued a stamp on him on 2/5/1988. 

Date of Issue : 02-05-1988. Denomination:(60 Ps). Perforation:13 x 13 ½. No Watermark

Mannathu Padmanabhan (1878-1970) was born on 2nd January 1878 in Perunna Village in Central Travancore, part of today’s Kerala State. Initially he worked as a Primary School teacher and later after passing a special test he began practicing as a lawyer in the Lower Criminal Courts. On 31st October 1914, ‘Mannam’ as he was affectionately called, was made the Secretary of the newly born ‘Nair Service Society’, which was founded with purpose of rebuilding the Nair Community. Mannam revived and reshaped the old concept of village societies, the Karayogams, which practically set the tenor of family and village life. Mannam fought for social equality, the first phase being the Vaikom Satyagraha, demanding that public roads near the temple at Vaikom be open to low-caste Hindus. He supported the admission of low-caste Hindus into temples and was the Chairman of the Guruvayur Satyagraha paving the way for the temple entry proclamation. Mannathu Padmanabhan received the Padma Bhushan Award in 1966. India issued  s stamp oh him 02-01-1989.

Date of Issue : 02-01-1989. Denomination: (60 Ps). Perforation:13 x 13½. No Watermark

TRAVANCORE ANCHAL The former Indian State of Travancore had an independent postal or Anchel system with a mail transport service including a boat mail service and the Railway Anchel Service. The first adhesive Anchel stamp was introduced on 16-10-1888 in denomination of 1, 2 and 4 Chakrams (1 Chakram 3.57 paise) in ultramarine, red and green printed on laid paper bearing a large sheet water-mark showing a conch shell surmounted by “GOVERNMENT” in an arch with “OF TRAVANCORE” below in a straight line. The Department of Posts, India issued on 20-1-89 a set of four stamps in connection with the India 89 World Philatelic Exhibition. Design of one of these is a reproduction of the Travancore Anchel stamp of 2 Chakram denomination.

Date of Issue : 20-01-1989. Denomination:(500 Ps). Perforation:13½ x 13. No Watermark

Sri Sankaracharya  was born in Kaladi village in Kerala in 788. Sankara mastered the four Vedas and became an ascetic even at an early age. Travelling all over India by foot, he propagated a unifying spiritual outlook among all people through discussions and debate, Sankara re-established ‘Advaita’ and systematised it. Sankaracharya exercised a deep influence on Indian thought, intellect and spiritual life. India issued a stamp on him on 17-5-1989. 

Date of Issue : 17-05-1989. Denomination:(60 Ps). Perforation:14. No Watermark

K. Kelappan (1889-1970) popularly known as 'Kerala Gandhi' was born in an ordinary Nair family in Muchukunnu Village of South Malabar in 1889. He graduated from Madras University and became a teacher in the S.B. High School, Changanacherry. While in Changanacherry, he took up social work and was one of the founders of the Nair Service Society and became its first president. He participated in Vaikom Satyagraha and was imprisoned. He took special interest in Gandhian programmes like uplift of the untouchables, propagation of Khadi and Hindi. On his release from prison after Quit India Movement, he became President of KPCC and ceaselessly worked for organising Congress activities in the whole of Kerala. Due to disagreement with the Congress leadership he, along with some colleagues, joined the Kisan Masdoor Praja Party (KMPP) led by Acharya Kripalani. In the general elections of 1952 Kelappan contested on KMPP ticket and was elected from Ponnani LokSabha seat. After the five-year term in the Lok Sabha, he left active politics and became a Sarvodaya worker and was actively associated with Bhoodan Movement in Kerala. India issued a stamp on him on 24-8-1990. 

Date of Issue : 24-08-1990. Denomination:(100 Ps). Perforation:13 x 13½. No Watermark

Ayilliath Kuttiari Gopalan (1904-1977) was an outstanding leader of the Communist Party of India and the Left democratic movement in the country. He died on March 21, 1977 at the age of 73. Joining the Communist Party in 1939, he became a member of the Central Committee of the united Communist Party in 1951, a member of the Party’s central secretariat in 1958 and was a member of the Polit Bureau of the CPI (M) since 1964 till his death. India issued a stamp on him on 1-10-1990. 

Date of Issue : 01-10-1990. Denomination: (100 Ps). Perforation:13 x 13½. No Watermark

Velakali  is a spectacular martial dance performed in a few temples of Southern Kerala by Nair warriors holding wooden swords and shields. The dancers, clad in traditional clothes and colourful headgear of medieval Nair soldiers, engage in vigorous movements and dexterous swordplay, to the accompaniment of an orchestra comprising maddalam, ilathalam, kombu and kuzhal. Stamp on Velakali was released on 30-4-1991. 

Date of Issue : 30-04-1991. Denomination: (100 Ps). Perforation: 13 x 13½. No Watermark