These stamps were commissioned by the 'Indian Independence Movement', led by Subhas Chandra Bose, a rebel group that sought independence for India from Britain. The Free India government 'Azad Hind' was only recognnised by the German, Italian and Japanese governments. These stamps were designed by husband and wife Axter-Heudtlass in Berlin and 12 million stamps were ordered and subsequently printed. They exist in both perf (Type A) and imperforate (Type B) varieties.