Coins Of India - Indian Princely States

KOCHI
The state Kochi, erstwhile state of Cochin was a tiny piece of coast land on the Western side of the Southern tip of Indian peninsula. This land was occupied by the Dutch for long. Coins also show that influence. Kochi is now part of the state of Kerala.




On the reverse, "OC" standing for "Oost-Indische Compagnie"(meaning Dutch East India Company) is seen above something called as a "lazy J". Twelve dots arranged in three rows are beneath the "J". This dot pattern is known locally as "rasi" meaning local astrological calendar months somewhat similar to "Leo" "Virgo" etc.. The obverse image is still debated as to whether it is a stylised tiger or modified Nagari letter "Ohm". Similar pattern with some difference can be found on coins of the state of Travancore, Coorg etc..

The denomination is "Puthan panam". Puthan means new in the local language, Malayalam. That makes it a "new panam". The coin was locally better known by its nick name "puthan".

KOTAH
This state was formed by subdividing the state of Bundi during the Mughal period. Later in nineteenth century it came under British control. Now it is part of the state of Rajastan.

KUTCH
Kutch state was located in the Northwest of India North of the Gulf of Kutch. Bhuj the capital city of Kutch was established around 1617.AD. The rulers of Kutch had warm relationship with the Mughals so that they enjoyed independence. Later their power deteriorated. Internal factions hastened the downfall. Now the area is in the state of Gujarat.

Pragmalji-1 (1698-1715.AD)