Tanka - Udaya Manikya

Historical Context: The Tanka of Udaya Manikya, dated 1489 Saka (1567 CE), represents a crucial period in the history of the Princely State of Tripura. Udaya Manikya was a prominent ruler of the Manikya dynasty, which maintained significant autonomy and influence in Northeast India. His reign was marked by political consolidation and cultural patronage, reflecting the kingdom's prosperity. This coin serves as a primary historical document, validating his rule and the sovereign status of Tripura amidst regional powers.

Artistry: While specific engravers remain anonymous, the coin's design reflects the distinctive stylistic school of Tripura numismatics. Typically, Tripura Tankas feature elegant Bengali script, often within ornate borders or geometric patterns, on both the obverse and reverse. The calligraphy, executed by skilled court artisans, often presents royal titles and regnal dates, sometimes accompanied by a lion motif or other symbolic elements. This blend of indigenous aesthetics with broader Indo-Islamic numismatic traditions creates a unique artistic expression.

Technical/Grading: This silver Tanka, weighing 10.69 grams, exhibits characteristics common to hand-struck coinage of the era. High-points for wear assessment include the raised elements of the Bengali script, particularly the central lines and decorative flourishes. Technical strike quality often varies, with common occurrences of irregular flans, off-center strikes, and areas of weak impression due to uneven striking pressure. However, well-preserved examples will show sharp detail in the calligraphy and full legend visibility, crucial for optimal grading.