2016-09-15 Thu

Language is a way to express emotions.

India is a multilingual state (Nation) since ancient time. It has so many dialects and languages that at every kilometre language changes and so does the dialect. The 8 Anna coin of British India minted during the reign of King George V is an example of the multilingual state that India was and even today is.

1857, the year of rebellion which resulted in making India “the brightest jewel in the imperial crown”, saw many Kings and Queens. One amongst them was King George V, he was the only British King crowned in Delhi as the Emperor of India.

The 8 Annas coin or ½ rupee is a Copper-Nickel coin weighing 7.77 g. The obverse bears the right-facing profile of King George V with the Imperial crown. The inscription around the bust reads “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”. The reverse of the coin bears a scalloped circle within double squares.

And what is so unique about this 8 Annas?

It has the denomination written 5 different languages! The languages are Persian, Bengali, Telugu, Devanagari and English inscribed in the margins between square and the raised rim of this coin.

This coin was minted in Bombay during 1919 and was introduced to replace the silver half rupee coin due to the increasing price of the silver. It was not very popular so it was discontinued and withdrawn from circulation but till 1920 it was only minted in Bombay.

King George V's reign saw many changes and turns in Indian society, politics and Independence movement and this is evident from the coinage. He ruled from 1911 to 1936 after that his second Son King George VI was last Emperor of India.