supplemented by additional values of the original local design. From 1886 on, the pattern of regular stamp issues followed that of the other colonies closely, the main exception being a series of surcharges in 1912 produced by perforating existing stamps vertically through the middle and overprinting a new value on each side. In 1925, a commemorative stamp marked the 400th anniversary of the death of Vasco da Gama and in December 1931 a set of six promoted the Exposition of St. Francis Xavier held at Goa. Sets of stamps in 1946 and 1948 commemorated notable historical figures related to the colony. Portuguese India's first stamp exhibition, in 1952, was commemorated with a pair of stamps; one reproducing the design of the first issue, the other depicting St. Francis Xavier. A 1956 series commemorated the 450th anniversary of Portuguese settlements in India, and included portraits and maps of old forts, while a 1959 series depicted various coins. Last stamps The last regular issue was on 25 June 1960, marking the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Stamps of India were first used 29 December 1961, although the old stamps were accepted until 5 January 1962. Portugal continued to issue stamps for the lost colony, yet none of these were ever offered for sale in the colony's post offices and are thus not considered valid stamps. The territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli were liberated from Portuguese rule in 1954, and they enjoyed de facto independence until being formally incorporated into India after the Annexation of Goa in 1961. During these years, mail from Dadra and Nagar Haveli was routed through the Indian town of Vapi close to the border. Initially, remaining stocks of stamps of Portuguese India were overprinted LIBERATED AREAS in two lines. See also Portuguese India Postage stamps and postal history of India References and sources References Sources Harrison, Gilbert & Lieut. F. H. Napier, R.N. Portuguese India. London: Stanley Gibbons, 1893. (Reprinted from articles in Stanley Gibbons' Monthly Journal.) External links The Encyclopaedia of Postal Authorities João Manuel Mimoso, "An introduction to the 'Native Stamps' types of Portuguese India" João Manuel Mimoso, "Forgeries of the Native Stamps of Portuguese India" Portuguese India Philately of India Philately of Portugal