2026-06-29 Mon

The Manikya dynasty of Tripura had a distinctive and long-standing tradition of featuring the queen's name alongside the king's on many of their coins. This practice began with the first coin-issuing ruler, Ratna Manikya (c. 1462–1487), who included the name of his queen, Lakshmi Mahadevi, and it continued consistently for over 500 years until the end of their coinage.

Coins were not merely currency but epitomes of royalty and instruments of political propaganda. The inclusion of the queen’s name may have emphasized dynastic continuity, marital alliances, or auspiciousness. Some coins were issued to commemorate specific events such as victories, pilgrimages, or temple constructions, in which the queen may have played a significant role.

Once established, this became a standard convention followed by most rulers. For example, Dhanya Manikya issued coins with Queen Kamala, Rajadhara Manikya with Queen Satyavati, Vijaya Manikya with Queen Lakshmi, and Ishana Chandra with Queen Chandresvari/ Rajalakshmi, etc. These inscriptions were typically rendered in Sanskrit language using Bengali script within an ornamented border on the reverse.

You can read more about the Manikya dynasty in our previous article, Rare Gold Tanka of Tripura King Rajadhara Manikya Featuring Queen Satyavati.

Ishana Chandra Manikya was the Maharaja of Tripura from 1849 to 1862. During his reign, he faced internal challenges, including the Tipra or Jamatia Revolt, which led to several disputes and administrative difficulties. However, he managed to suppress the unrest with external support.

The Silver Ceremonial Tanka of Ishana Chandra Manikya cited here, bearing the name of Queen Rajalakshmi, weighs 10.54 g. The obverse of the coin depicts a lion facing left, with a trident on its back. The date, Sakabda 1771, appears on three sides around the lion, all within a circular border of pointed arches, each containing five vertical lines.

The reverse features a legend in Sanskrit language written in Bengali script, arranged in six lines: “Radha Krishna / Pade Shri Shri Yuta I / shana Chandra Manikya / Deva Shri Shrimati / Chandresvari Maha/ Devyau,” with a decorative scroll at the top, all within a beaded circular border. The coin has a deep bold strike over it.