Born in 1924, Maniam aka. T. U. Subramaniam, was a pivotal figure in the Tamil artistic landscape. His contribution to Kalki magazine and collaboration with writer Kalki Krishnamoorthy for novels like "Sivakamiyin Sabatham” and “Ponniyin Selvan” speaks volumes about his talent. In the birth centenary year Maniam, a set of special carries featuring his iconic illustrations for the novel “Ponniyan Selvan” are issued.
This special cover depicts the image of Arulmozhi giving up the throne and placing the crown on Madhurandhagan (Senthan Amuthan, Uttama Chozhan). This shows the magnanimous and far sightedness of Arulmozhi who became the future ruler of Chozha Empire, named as Raja Raja Chozha I. This bares the cancellation of Thanjavur Head Post office – 613 001 as the event occurred in Thanjavur which was the capital of erstwhile Chozha Empire.
The image at the back portion of this special cover contains the ceremonial procession of the newly crowned King Madhurandhagan. The elephant mahoth is Arulmozhi Varman who gave up his throne for Madhurandhagan. Though in black and white, the image shows the pomp and splendour associated with the coronation in the Chozha Empire.
This image also shows the previous King Sundara Chozhan blessing the newly crowned King Madhurandhagan. This also shows Kundavai, Vanathi and Poonguzhali greeting their new king from the palace balcony.
Cover Identification Number : TN/07/2024
Issue Place : Thanjavur 613 001
Issue Price : Rs. 50 excluding Stamp Charges
Quantity Issued : 600 (Each Cover is numbered)Cover also has a QR Code on the back side which provides details about Maniam and the Paintings depicted on the cover. Cancellation is the Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of Thanjavur Head Post Office depicting Brahadeeswara Temple built by Raja Raja Chola I (Arulmozhi Varman in the Novel)
Back Side Scan
Enlarged View of Cancellation






































