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1 Fanam - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II
| Issuer | Travancore, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1941-1946 |
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| Value | 1 Fanam (⅐) |
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| Obverse description | Central device consists of a Shanku (sacred conch shell), a dynastic symbol of Travancore, depicted in high relief within a plain inner circle. The conch is flanked on either side by decorative foliate sprays. The entire central design is enclosed within an outer beaded border, lending the obverse a formal, heraldic character. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Within a central beaded circle, the denomination and regnal year are inscribed in three lines reading ONE / FANAM / followed by the Kollam era date (e.g. 1118). The annular field between the inner beaded circle and the outer beaded border carries the English legend BALA RAMA VARMA at the top and TRAVANCORE at the bottom, separated by two small floral or star ornaments at either side. |
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| Additional information |
Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma ruled Travancore through one of the subcontinent's most turbulent decades, and the fanams minted under his reign carry that instability quietly. When the Indian Independence Act passed in 1947, Travancore briefly — and controversially — declared intent to remain independent rather than accede to India, a position reversed only under considerable pressure from Sardar Patel's integration campaign. These coins predate that crisis by a few years but were struck in a princely state already aware that its monetary autonomy had an expiration date.