The Gupta empire (fourth  to sixth century A.D.) as well as the empire of Harsha (seventh century) had brought the entire northern India under strong, centralised rule for a long period. However, the region saw a bitter struggle for domination between three powers, the Rashtrakutas, the Pratiharas and the Palas in the subsequent centuries. With the simultaneous decline of these powers, arose a number of small kingdoms, which fought incessantly among themselves, so that they were to all practical purposes, unprepared to meet the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and subsequently, Muhammad Ghuri.

Maharaja Bijli Pasi who is credited with the founding of Bijnor, now a small town near Lucknow, was an enlightened ruler who appears

to have consolidated his position and established his reign over a large tract of land in this region. As recorded in the British Gazetteers of the eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries, he was a contemporary of Prithviraj Chauhan. He was an able leader of the "Pasis", a fiercely independent people indigenous to the locality. He constructed 12 forts which is an indication of the prosperity of his kingdom as well as the power he wielded. The important ones among his forts were Nathawan, Kali Paschim, Mati and Purwar-Purab. The prosperity of the kingdom, particularly the Nathawan fort, was among  the reasons that prompted a Rajput conquest against him and the story goes that Alha and Udal, the Banaphar Captains of Raja Jayachand of Kanauj defeated Maharaja Bijli Pasi and captured the fort The Maharaja is believed to have lost his life in the fierce battle. Some historians have placed the timing of this battle as 1194 A.D.

Through this issue celebrating Maharaja Bijli Pasi, the Department of Posts invites attention to the reign of this legendary monarch, and tales of bravery, deified through folklore traditions. The stamp design attempts to capture the valour and romanticism associated with the life and adventures of Maharaja Bijli Pasi. The First Day Cover portrays Veerangana Uda Devi, a brave freedom fighter of Lucknow, who laid down her life in the first war of Independence of  1857.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India