Joint Issue - 50th Anniversary of the Bilateral Relationships between India and Singapore 24.11.2015
India–Singapore Joint Issue featuring ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’ of India and ‘Istana’ of Singapore.
Rashtrapati Bhavan was built between 1913-1929. Among the largest official residences of any Head of State, Rashtrapati Bhavan is an H-shaped building. The building has four floors with 227 columns, 37 fountains and 2.5 kilometres of corridors – all of its spread across a vast five acres. The central ceremonial hall within the building is known as the Durbar Hall. It is used for all major state functions. The first Government of Independent India under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn-in here on 15 August, 1947.
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. It was designed and built by Colonial Engineer, Major John Frederick McNair. In 1867, the Colonial Government under Governor Sir Harry Ord bought over 100 acres of land belonging to Charles Prinsep’s nutmeg plantation. The foundation stone was laid by Lady Ord, wife of the Governor, in July 1867.