Thiruvannamalai Temple British Bombay Censor Passed WWI, 1915 Postcard
A rare 1915 postcard showing the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Thiruvannamalai with the “Passed Censor Bombay” seal in WWI on the back. This is a rare WWI British India-era with the Passed Censor Bombay seal, see image. In World War I, almost all countries followed a policy to impose postal censorship. This was so that no secrets were leaked out whatsoever.
The censor policy was no different for India. Since India played a crucial role in World War I under the British Empire. They had supplied England with troops, logistical support, funds, and so on. Thus the colonial government was absolutely against any sensitive information falling into the hands of the German, Austro-Hungarian, or Ottoman enemies.
Making matters worse was the increasing quit India protests from the nationalists. The British were a worried lot, they did not want the nationalists to get support either overtly or covertly from these enemy countries. They ensured a leakproof system by enforcing postal and news media censorship. The rubber seal is the outcome of this strict censorship policy imposed during WWI.
Thus this postcard is a throwback to the Bombay’s postal censorship laws of WWI in India. The temple shown is the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiriwannannamalai, now Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the largest and holiest shrines of Hinduism in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the construction of this huge Temple complex was completed in the 9th century.
Also read Indian Army Postal Service in WWI. Read more Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Did you know- the complex covers 25 acres. There are four gateway towers or gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower, at a height of 66 metres (217 ft), making it one of largest Temple complex in the country.
From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., Old Book – Old Delhi 10 Easy Walks 1997., WWI German Cruiser Emden’s Sea Route Map 1914
