2015-12-14 Mon

Token coins, also known as tankas, were used in ancient India at Hindu temples. These coins symbolised blessings and were given to pilgrims. One such token coin is the Ram Tanka. Minted in Brass, Silver, and Gold; the obverse depicts Lord Rama on the left and Lakshmana on the right holding a bow slung over their shoulders. The legend on top is inscribed in Nagari, and reads ‘Rama Lakshmana Janaka Javal Han(u)manaka’ which translates to – obeisance invoking the name of Rama, Lakshmana, possibly Janaki(i) or Sita, and Hanuman. The date ‘1740’ is inscribed below the figures. The reverse of the coins depicts a central parasol or a chhatra, seated Lord Rama along with Sita, Lakshmana to the right, Bharata and Shatrugna to the left, and Hanuman seated below with his hands folded in prayer. A 44 gram gold Ram Tanka was sold for 2 lakh rupees at an auction in 2009.