India, Travancore (present-day Kerala), early 20th century. - Lot 300

India, Travancore (present-day Kerala), early 20th century. Postal stationery card of the Travancore State Anchel—the independent postal service of the princely state of Travancore, operated separately from the British Indian postal service. "Anchel Card" worth eight cash, featuring a printed stamp depicting the sacred conch shell (sankha)—the emblem of the princely state—within a decorative cartouche, with printed inscriptions in both English and Malayalam. Postally used, with a black circular Malayalam date stamp, probably from Kottar (കൊട്ടാർ) (?), and a further partial postmark. The reverse is entirely covered with a dense handwritten message in Malayalam, covering the entire letter. Condition: foxing, an ink smudge on the front, and some pencil annotations; otherwise in good condition. An interesting testament to the postal and linguistic history of Kerala during the colonial era—postal stationery from an Indian princely state (feudal) in Malayalam script is rarely offered complete with its full contemporary message. Keywords: philately, marcophily, postal stationery, Indian states, vassal states, princely state, Anchel post, conch, sankha, Nagercoil, Kerala, cash currency, Malayalam calligraphy. The descriptions are based on our interpretation of the postmarks and handwritten inscriptions, which are sometimes difficult to decipher; they are provided in good faith and without guarantee.