2018-08-23 Thu

Travancore was a Princely State during the British rule in India. Today, it is the part of Kerala. Travancore was ruled by a royal family of Padmanabhapuram and later by Thiruvananthapuram.

The region of Travancore has a very brief history before being annexed by the Vijaynagar Kingdom. In the early centuries, it was ruled by the by the Chera kingdom. During the 11th Century, the state fell into the hands of the Chola Empire. The Kingdom of Travancore at its zenith comprised most of the modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of Tamil Nadu. The official flag of Travancore was red in colour with a picture of dextrally coiled silver conch shell at the center. In the 19th Century, the state fell in the hand of the British Government. During the reign of Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, Travancore became the second most prosperous princely state in British India, with reputed achievements in education, political administration, public work and social reforms.

This silver Half-Chitra Rupee which weighs around 5.3g was issued by Bala Rama II of princely state Travancore.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction