2016-09-03 Sat

With a rotund belly, elephant head and commanding presence, Ganapati is the most favourite deity of India. With Ganesh Festival just around the corner, everybody would be engrossed in making preparation to welcome Lord Ganesh.

The annual festival in honour of this elephant-headed deity has been observed for at least 250 years. The Son of Lord Shiva and Parvati; has his own special place in Hindu Mythology making this God clearly the most popular of the Hindu pantheon. He is being worshipped since ancient times prior to any auspicious occasion.

Splendid example of which is found on this rare silver coin. Issued during the times of Peshwas this coin speaks for its times. Known as the 'Ganapati-Pantapradhan' rupee these coins were struck by the Patwardhan family of Miraj.

Govind Hari Patwardhan was an ardent worshipper of Ganesha and keen supporter of the Peshwa. These Coins were struck to show their support and loyalty towards the Peshwas. The coins bear the word “Pantapradhan” on the reverse and “Shri Ganapati” on the obverse.

The coins were minted at Murtazabad mint. Apart from Devanagari inscription they also bear Persian legend in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam – II. This coin is one of the great rarities of India.