1 Tanka - Yaso Manikya

Historical Context: This 1 Tanka coin, issued in 1600 by Yaso Manikya of the Princely State of Tripura, represents a pivotal era in the kingdom's history. Yaso Manikya (c. 1599-1613) was a powerful and ambitious ruler who sought to consolidate Tripura's independence amidst increasing Mughal influence in Eastern India. His reign was marked by military expansion and significant cultural patronage. The striking of coinage, particularly silver Tankas, served as a potent symbol of his sovereignty and the kingdom's autonomy, asserting its status against external pressures and internal challenges.

Artistry: The design of this Tanka, characteristic of Tripuri coinage from this period, typically features legends rendered in Bengali script. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school blends indigenous Bengali epigraphic traditions with broader Indo-Islamic numismatic influences prevalent in the region. The obverse and reverse usually bear the ruler's name, titles, and the date, often arranged in a square or circular format within the flan. The aesthetic emphasis is on the clarity and calligraphic elegance of the script rather than elaborate pictorial devices.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 10.64 grams, this silver Tanka adheres to the established standard for the period. Common technical characteristics include irregular flan shapes and varying strike pressure, often resulting in off-center strikes or areas of weakness, particularly towards the edges. High points for wear or strike quality assessment typically involve the central portions of the Bengali legends, where the dies made the most direct contact. Collectors should look for well-centered strikes with full legends and minimal flan imperfections for premium examples.