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Durbar ‘procession ramatanka’ temple token - 6 Rishis type (mid to late 19th century)

A large ramatanka Hindu temple token depicting Rama and Sita enthroned on a durbar (platform) with one attendant either side. Hanuman is represented beneath the durbar offering his adoration and praises to Rama and Sita.

 

The reverse side depicts a procession of Vedic Rishis (wise & holy men). The lead man carries a banner and the others carry fans while one of them carries what looks like a large axe. There are normally seven Rishis in procession but this token has only six. The Devanagari inscriptions proclaim Rama and Sita.

 

 

References:

 

www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/3403875261/in/set-7215... (Some general information on the Ramayana Hindu epic).

 

www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/3404685632/in/set-7215... (Some general information on the ramatanka Hindu temple tokens).

 

Book: Ramatankas - Hindu religious token illustrating themes from the Ramayana by Michael Mitchiner. ISBN 81-86786-11-2 (published 2001).

 

 

Material: Solid silver.

Size: 36mm.

Weight: 22.2g

Edge: Plain.

Mint: Calcutta region (?). The cross-like symbol made up of four dots may be a mintmark.

Religion: Hindu.

 

 

Photo reproduced with kind permission of the seller (misralex).

Sold on eBay 14th November 2014.

Item number 311164244432.

Start price $24.99 and sold for $27 + p&p (4 bids from 2 bidders).

 

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Uploaded on December 5, 2014