Takka - Maharao Ram Singh II

Historical Context: Maharao Ram Singh II's reign (1828-1866) in Kotah, a significant Rajput princely state, occurred under firm British paramountcy. His rule, beginning during his minority, witnessed administrative reforms and the profound unrest of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, deeply impacting Kotah. This copper Takka, a crucial denomination, highlights Kotah's internal monetary sovereignty despite British external control, asserting the ruler's authority through his name and titles.

Artistry: Consistent with Indian princely state coinage of this era, especially copper issues, the specific engraver for this Takka is undocumented. The artistry adheres to regional traditions, prioritizing epigraphy over figurative representation. Designs feature clear calligraphic legends, often in Persian or Devanagari, displaying the ruler's name and sometimes a mint or regnal year. The aesthetic emphasizes legible inscription and functional design for widespread circulation, not elaborate artistic embellishments.

Technical/Grading: For this copper Takka type (C#29), critical high-points for assessing strike quality and grade include the legibility and completeness of the central legends on both obverse and reverse. Collectors should scrutinize the sharpness of individual characters, especially at line extremities, and any small decorative motifs. Due to copper's nature and historical minting, full, even strikes are uncommon. Areas susceptible to weakness or early wear typically encompass the outermost parts of the inscription.