[1][2] Stamped papers are not a form of postal stationery as although they may contain writing, they are not designed to be used to convey a message.Stamped paper is thought to have been a Spanish invention,[3] being introduced (or reinvented) in the Netherlands in the 1620s.[7] The stamp sometimes occupies the entire width of the top part of the paper and is often of an intricate engraved design to enhance security.[citation needed] Stamped papers remain in use in many countries; however, electronic versions are being developed to reduce the risk of fraud.[8][9] The use of stamped paper remains an important source of revenue in some developing countries, like Bangladesh, where other forms of tax are hard to collect.
A used Indian 12 Anna stamped paper written in
Bengali
dated 1938 (top 90% only shown)
