Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: The history of the Nagore Dargah is deeply connected to the patronage of rulers from various dynasties who governed the Thanjavur region. In the 16th century, Achutappa Nayak granted approximately 200 acres of land to the followers of Shahul Hamid after the saint was believed to have cured him. This act marked the foundation of the dargah. Shahul Hamid, revered for his spiritual powers, is said to have foretold his own death and instructed his adopted son Yusuf on the place and manner of his burial. After the saint’s passing, Yusuf carried out these instructions, and a mausoleum was constructed over his grave. 

This site gradually became a major centre of devotion, attracting followers from different communities. The dargah continued to receive royal patronage in later centuries. The Maratha ruler Pratap Singh (1739–1763) is said to have prayed at the shrine for a son; when his wish was fulfilled, he commissioned the construction of the tallest minaret, known as the Periya Manara. His successor, Thuljaji, further supported the dargah by donating extensive agricultural lands.

By the late 18th century, the dargah’s importance extended beyond religious devotion. Its location gave it strategic relevance during regional conflicts involving the Nawab of Arcot, the Marathas, European colonial powers, and Tipu Sultan. Architecturally, the Nagore Dargah stands out with its five prominent minarets, a gold-plated dome over the saint’s tomb, and associated structures like the sacred tank and surrounding shrines. Over time, its influence spread beyond India to regions such as Penang and Singapore, highlighting its role not only as a spiritual centre but also as a symbol of cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.