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This is a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation (PPC) issued by the Visakhapatnam Shipyard Head Office, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, PIN 530001. The design features an ancient marine craft drawn from the Legend of Buddha, a motif that reflects India's deep-rooted maritime traditions. The cancellation was first introduced on 30 September 1975. This particular impression was used on 12 July 2014. The cancellation has since been removed from service and is no longer in active use.
Visakhapatnam has been one of India's most important port cities for centuries, with a maritime history that stretches back to ancient times. The image depicted on this cancellation, an ancient marine craft from the Legend of Buddha, is a reference to the rich seafaring culture of the eastern coast of India. Buddhist texts and Jataka stories frequently mention sea voyages undertaken by merchants from this region, sailing to Southeast Asia and beyond. The city itself, known as Vizag, grew into a major commercial and naval hub over the centuries. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, located here, was established in 1941 as Scindia Shipyard and later nationalised, becoming one of India's foremost ship-building facilities. The choice of this ancient craft motif for a cancellation issued from the Visakhapatnam Shipyard post office is a thoughtful nod to the continuity between India's ancient maritime legacy and its modern shipbuilding industry.
