British East India Company (1757-1858) Silver

Mint Place: Uncertain
References: Mitchiner 4708.
Mint Year: 19th-20th Century
Denomination: Hindu Rama-Sita Votive Silver Tanka
Weight: 10.75gm
Diameter: 28mm
Material: Silver

Obverse: Rama and his consort Sita enthroned on platform with attendants around. Hanuman seated left beneath platform.

Reverse: Rama, with trident standing beside Laksmana, with bow.

Indian religious tokens were used as presentation pieces at temples and funerals, as well as gifts to friends and colleagues. Typical scenes are of Rama and Siva (hence the generic term “ramatanka” for these tokens), but other deities from the Hindu pantheon also show up. Most are of silver-washed base metal, only early issues are mede of good silver, like the one offered here. Most are Hindu, from Calcutta and Bombay, but examples for Sikhs, Muslims and even Christians are also to be found. Similar pieces in gold served as a handy repository of wealth, and would also be included in bridal dowries.