2016-12-29 Thu

The French East India Company early recognized the value of having their own mint and hence, issued their own coins since the very beginning. A unique example of the coin issued by them is the Gallic Rooster Type coin.

The French were the last of the great maritime powers to settle in India. In 1960’s the French organized an Indian Company on the pattern of the Dutch East India Company. Under the name of Compagnie des Indes Orientales, the French established their settlements at Surat, Masulipatnam, Puducherry or Pondicherry, Chandernagore, Yanam, Mahe, and Karaikal.

The Gallic rooster is quite a complicated symbol. It originally stood for pride and to praise the king Philippe Auguste. According to the French the rooster is a symbol of vigilance, a sign of hope and faith in religion.

This Doudou coin depicts Gallic roster with one foot resting on the globe and date 1836 below. The reverse bears Tamil legend Pudu/chhe/ri.

This coin exhibits a perfect blend of Indian and French cultures and faith.