Stamp — Sectarian Stamp (chhapa), Nadia District, 19th century

Stamp in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number IS.1G-1961), made in Nadia District, dated 19th century. The museum's brief description reads: Devotional brass stamp (chhapa) bearing the legend 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare' in reverse. Probably Nabadwip, Nadia District, West Bengal, India c. 19th century. Museum description: Devotional brass stamp (chhapa ) bearing the following legend in Bengali script in reverse: 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna' 'Krishna Krishna Hare Hare' 'Hare Rama Hare Rama' 'Rama Rama Hare Hare' It was likely used by devotees of Vishnu to imprint the names of this god (Vishnu, Hari) and his incarnations (Krishna and Rama) onto their bodies. Sandalwood paste or 'gopichandan' (chalky clay paste) would be applied to the stamp and transferred to the body of the devotee. This practice was particularly common among followers of Chaitanya. Devotional utensils of this kind are manufactured in the area of Nabadwip in Nadia District, West Bengal, which is a major centre of Chaitanya Vaishnavism. The museum records it as Cast brass, measuring Length 3 cm; Width 4.8 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.