Marudhar Arts
Auction 38 25 Feb 2023
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Travancore State, Tulabharam Issue 1885–1924(ME 1061-1099), Gold ½ Pagoda, Obv: conch within a wreath and dotted circular border, Rev: "Sree Padmanabha" in Malayalam in three lines within a wreath and dotted circular border, 1.28g, 13.53mm, (KM # X10), original luster, superb quality, Gem UNC, Extremely Rare.
Note: In the Travancore state, the gold Thulabhara Kaasu represents the Thulapurusha Danam ceremony that was performed in ancient days and could be regarded as a colorful representation of the numismatic heritage of the Travancore state. It was believed that these coins were made out of gold equivalent to the weight of the Maharaja and that they were distributed to the Brahmins. Hence, they were known as Thulabhara Kaasu. Originally, these coins were used for donations and were not part of the State's currency. The gold procured for this purpose was purified, coined in various sizes and weights, and the inscription "Sree Padmanabha" was inscribed on one side of the coin, which was the name of the family deity of the house of Travancore.
Note: In the Travancore state, the gold Thulabhara Kaasu represents the Thulapurusha Danam ceremony that was performed in ancient days and could be regarded as a colorful representation of the numismatic heritage of the Travancore state. It was believed that these coins were made out of gold equivalent to the weight of the Maharaja and that they were distributed to the Brahmins. Hence, they were known as Thulabhara Kaasu. Originally, these coins were used for donations and were not part of the State's currency. The gold procured for this purpose was purified, coined in various sizes and weights, and the inscription "Sree Padmanabha" was inscribed on one side of the coin, which was the name of the family deity of the house of Travancore.