Chindambaram Temple

On June 7, 1948, France issued a 3 Rupees face value stamp for its overseas territory French India. The stamp featured the Chindambaram Temple. The issue went on sale in the Colonial Post Office in Paris. Only then was the fact discovered that the Temple's location was in the neighboring State of Madras, which was part of the Indian Union. As a consequence the sale of the stamp was stopped on July 7, 1948.

 

The stamp therefore never made it to French India as a valid issue. Nonetheless collectors used it for franking in French India. Letters with the stamp were either shipped unobjected or delivered collecting a surcharge. In the latter case, a note on the letter hinted to the invalidity of the stamp.

Chindambaram Temple French india Madras

 

Withdrawn stamp