2025-06-06 Fri

Seashells are the hard, protective outer coverings of certain MARINE animals , primarily mollusks such as snails, clams, oysters, and mussels. These shells are made mostly of calcium carbonate, secreted by the animal to form a protective exoskeleton. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the species, and serve purposes like shielding the creature from predators, environmental hazards, and physical damage.

Shell is recognized as one of the most durable materials in the archaeological record besides stone and terracotta. Its extensive application as a raw material for the production of various utilitarian and ornamental objects in the Indian subcontinent is evident for a long period of time spanning from the Upper Paleolithic period to the Medieval era.

Among the most significant types of shell is the Shankha or conch (scientific name: Turbinella pyrum). According to the Vishnu Puran, Shankha is one of the 14 treasures that emerged from Samudra Manthan. It is prominently represented in the Indian archaeological record in comparison to other mollusks. The use of the conch in India can be traced back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It was initially discovered and identified by Robert Bruce Foote in the 19th century during his explorations in the Gujarat region and South India. Since that time, excavations at numerous Harappan, Chalcolithic, IRON Age, and Historic sites have yielded substantial evidence of Turbinella pyrum.

In addition to archaeological findings, this shell is referenced in a variety of ancient literary texts, including Sangam literature, travelers' accounts, and #Buddhist literature. The Arthashastra specifically mentions the conch as one of the treasures to be included in the government treasury.

The T. pyrum shell is frequently depicted in stone sculptures and #paintings from the Historic period. A notable example is a conch bearing a Brahmi inscription, dated to the 3rd or 4th century, which was discovered at Nagarjunakonda and refers to the deity Astabhujasvamin (eight-armed Vishnu). This indicates its association with the deity.

Having attained religious importance in earlier periods, conch shell symbols also appeared on #coins issued by the Vishnukundins and Pallavas. Furthermore, these shells were depicted on #seals; for instance, a terracotta seal with an inscription dating to the 2nd-3rd centuries CE, found at #Hastinapur, features the conch symbol.

During the medieval period, the conch evolved into an emblem of the Travancore State. The KINGDOM of Travancore adopted the conch as an important symbol. The postage stamps issued by Travancore since 1888 also prominently featured the conch.

On 20 January 1989, India Post issued a set of 4 stamps as part of the India-89 International Philatelic exhibition, which included the Travancore Conch Shell Stamp valued at Rs 5. The term ‘Travancore Anchel’ inscribed on the stamp refers to the early #postal #services established in the Kingdom of Travancore and Cochin in 1729. This service later merged with India Posts & Telegraph on 1 April 1951, following India's independence.