Census on stamps

P. SOLOMON DHANARAJ

THE practice of enumeration and registration of a people began at the time of Pharaohs, 20 centuries before Christ. History again speaks of census during the periods of Hammurabi (1750 B.C.), Moses (1300 B.C.), King David (1000 B.C.), Cyrus the Great (530 B.C.), and Augustus Ceasar (5 B.C.). In India, there is mention in the "Arthasastra" about a collection of population statistics as early as the 3rd century B.C. The purpose of enumeration in those days was taxation and conscription to military services.

In India, as it is done today was started by the East India Compapny in A.D. 1871. And from then on, it has become a regular decennial task. 1971, was centenary year of population census in our country. On March 10, 1971, a commemorative stamp was issued to mark the event. This year is thirteenth decennial census in India.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Answers to the Young World Quiz (March 10, 2001)
Next     : Newscan