Catalog
1/4 Rupee - Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi
| Issuer | Travancore, Kingdom of |
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| Year | 1925-1931 |
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| Currency | Rupee (1729-1947) |
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| Obverse description | Central device featuring a Shankha (conch shell) in upright position, flanked symmetrically by decorative floral and foliate sprays. The denomination legend in Malayalam script is inscribed within the field, reading 'Thiruvithamkoor Kaal Roopa' (Travancore Quarter Rupee). The overall design is rendered in a clean, formal style consistent with milled coinage of the Travancore princely state. |
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Sethu Lakshmi Bayi ruled Travancore as regent from 1924 to 1931, one of the few women to exercise executive authority over a princely state during the British Raj. Her reign was administratively capable — she pushed through civil service reforms and resisted pressure from the Travancore royal family's rival faction backing her younger cousin Sethu Parvathi Bayi. That dynastic tension ultimately ended her regency when the younger claimant came of age and British authorities declined to intervene on her behalf.
The KM#E56 designation suggests this piece may carry pattern or essai status — collectors should verify whether examples in hand represent circulation strikes or proof-style minting trials.