Discover the historical and cultural significance of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin, issued in 1995 to commemorate the 8th World Tamil Conference. Explore its unique design, specifications, and the legacy of Saint Thiruvalluvar. Learn about its value to collectors and how to preserve this piece of numismatic heritage.
Introduction
- Overview of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar Coin
- Historical Significance of the Coin
- Purpose of the Coin’s Issuance
- Importance of the 8th World Tamil Conference
Coin Specifications
- Composition
- Copper-nickel
- Weight
- 5.9 g
- Diameter
- 26.5 mm
- Thickness
- 1.5 mm
- Shape
- Hendecagonal (11-sided)
- Edge
- Smooth
Obverse Side of the Coin
- Description of the Ashoka Lion Pedestal
- Denomination Details
- Varieties of Ashoka Statue
- Type B: Details
- Type C: Details
- Inscriptions
- भारत INDIA
- सत्यमेव जयते
- रुपये 2 RUPEES
Reverse Side of the Coin
- Depiction of Saint Thiruvalluvar
- Mint Marks
- Mumbai Mint Mark (♦)
- Inscriptions
- 8वाँ विश्व तमिल सम्मेलन WORLD TAMIL CONFERENCE
- संत तिरुवल्लुवर SAINT THIRUVALLUVAR
- 1995
Historical Context
- The Legacy of Saint Thiruvalluvar
- The Significance of the World Tamil Conference
- Historical Events Leading to the Issuance of the Coin
Cultural Impact
- The Role of Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Culture
- The Coin as a Cultural Symbol
- Public Reception of the Coin
Coin Collecting
- The Appeal of Commemorative Coins
- Collecting the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar Coin
- Market Value and Rarity
Technical Analysis
- Metallurgical Composition
- Production Process
- Design and Artistic Elements
Comparative Analysis
- Comparison with Other Commemorative Coins
- Similarities and Differences with Other Indian Coins
Preservation and Care
- Proper Handling of Coins
- Storage Solutions for Coin Collectors
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points
- The Enduring Legacy of the Coin
- Call to Action for Coin Collectors
FAQs
Introduction
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin, issued in 1995, holds a special place in India’s numismatic history. Celebrating the 8th World Tamil Conference, this coin pays homage to the revered Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. Its unique design and historical significance make it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 8th World Tamil Conference, a significant cultural event, aimed to promote and celebrate Tamil language and literature. The issuance of this commemorative coin underscored the importance of Thiruvalluvar’s contributions to Tamil culture and highlighted the rich heritage of Tamil literature.
Coin Specifications of 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar
Composition of 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is composed of copper-nickel, a common alloy used in coinage for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
Weight of 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin weighs 5.9 grams, making it relatively light and easy to handle.
Diameter of 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar
With a diameter of 26.5 mm, the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is of a standard size that fits well in the palm.
Thickness
The thickness of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is 1.5 mm, providing a sturdy feel without being too bulky.
Shape
One of the unique features of this 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is its hendecagonal (11-sided) shape, which sets it apart from the usual round coins.
Edge
The edge of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is smooth, adding to its aesthetic appeal and making it easy to handle.
Obverse Side of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar Coin
Description of the Ashoka Lion Pedestal
The obverse side of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin features the iconic Ashoka Lion pedestal, a symbol of India’s rich history and heritage. This emblem is a significant representation of India’s cultural and historical identity.
Denomination Details
Below the Ashoka Lion pedestal, the denomination of the coin is clearly stated as 2 Rupees, ensuring easy recognition and usability.
Varieties of Ashoka Statue
Type B: Details
Type B features an Ashoka Column that is 14 mm tall, with three fur rows on the right lion and five lion whiskers. These specific details help in identifying and distinguishing this variety from others.
Type C: Details
Type C, on the other hand, has an Ashoka Column that is 13 mm tall, with four fur rows on the right lion. This subtle difference is crucial for numismatists in identifying the coin’s variety.
Inscriptions
- भारत INDIA: The name of the country is inscribed in both Hindi and English.
- सत्यमेव जयते: The national motto of India, meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs,” is inscribed below the Ashoka Lion.
- रुपये 2 RUPEES: The denomination is mentioned in both Hindi and English.
Reverse Side of the Coin
Depiction of Saint Thiruvalluvar
The reverse side of the coin features a depiction of Saint Thiruvalluvar, seated and facing three-quarters to the right. Thiruvalluvar is a revered figure in Tamil culture, known for his work “Tirukkural,” a classic Tamil text.
Mint Marks
Mumbai Mint Mark (♦)
The small dot or diamond (♦) mark on the coin indicates that it was minted in Mumbai, one of the major mints in India.
Inscriptions
- 8वाँ विश्व तमिल सम्मेलन WORLD TAMIL CONFERENCE: The inscription commemorates the 8th World Tamil Conference.
- संत तिरुवल्लुवर SAINT THIRUVALLUVAR: The name of the saint is inscribed in both Hindi and English.
- 1995: The year of issuance is clearly mentioned, marking the coin’s release date.
Historical Context.
The Legacy of Saint Thiruvalluvar
Saint Thiruvalluvar, often referred to as Valluvar, is one of the most revered figures in Tamil culture and literature. He is best known for authoring the Tirukkural, a classical Tamil text composed of 1,330 couplets, which provides timeless wisdom on ethics, politics, and love. The Tirukkural is considered one of the greatest works ever written on morality and ethics, and it transcends the boundaries of time, culture, and religion.
- Philosophical Impact: Thiruvalluvar’s teachings emphasize virtue, righteousness, and human values. His couplets offer practical wisdom on how to lead a moral and fulfilling life, advocating for truth, non-violence, and compassion.
- Cultural Influence: Thiruvalluvar’s work has had a profound influence on Tamil culture and language, shaping the ethical and moral outlook of generations. His legacy continues to inspire Tamil literature, art, and philosophy.
- Global Recognition: Thiruvalluvar’s teachings have gained global recognition, with translations of the Tirukkural available in many languages. His universal messages have resonated with people worldwide, earning him a place among the greatest thinkers and philosophers of all time.
The Significance of the World Tamil Conference
The World Tamil Conference (WTC) is an international conference aimed at promoting the Tamil language, literature, and culture on a global platform. The first conference was held in 1966 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and it has since become a significant event for the Tamil diaspora worldwide.
- Preservation of Tamil Heritage: The WTC plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Tamil. It brings together scholars, linguists, writers, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss and celebrate the Tamil language and its contributions to world culture.
- Promotion of Tamil Language: The conference serves as a platform to promote the Tamil language and literature, ensuring that it continues to thrive in the modern world. It encourages research and academic work on Tamil and facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge among Tamil scholars.
- Global Unity: The WTC fosters a sense of unity and pride among the global Tamil community. It serves as a reminder of the shared cultural heritage and linguistic identity that binds Tamils across the world, regardless of their geographic location.
- Cultural Exchange: The conference also promotes cultural exchange by showcasing Tamil arts, music, dance, and other cultural forms, contributing to a broader understanding and appreciation of Tamil culture.
Historical Events Leading to the Issuance of the Coin
The issuance of the coin commemorating Saint Thiruvalluvar and the World Tamil Conference was a significant event that reflected both the reverence for Thiruvalluvar and the importance of the Tamil language on a global scale.
- Tamil Language and Cultural Revival: The mid-20th century saw a resurgence in the promotion of Tamil language and culture, particularly in response to the growing influence of other languages and the need to preserve Tamil heritage. This period witnessed the establishment of various cultural institutions and events aimed at revitalizing Tamil identity.
- Inception of the World Tamil Conference: The first World Tamil Conference in 1966 marked a milestone in the global recognition of Tamil language and culture. This event brought international attention to Tamil’s rich literary and cultural traditions and underscored the need for continued efforts to promote and preserve it.
- Commemorative Coin Issuance: In recognition of these efforts and the enduring legacy of Saint Thiruvalluvar, the Government of India decided to issue a commemorative coin. This coin not only honored the saint but also celebrated the success of the World Tamil Conference and its role in uniting Tamil-speaking communities worldwide.
- Cultural Diplomacy: The issuance of the coin also served as a form of cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between India and the global Tamil diaspora. It highlighted the significance of Tamil culture in India’s national identity and its contributions to the world.
The coin stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Saint Thiruvalluvar and the global significance of Tamil language and culture, as well as the historical efforts to promote and preserve this heritage through the World Tamil Conference.
Cultural Impact
The Role of Thiruvalluvar in Tamil Culture
Thiruvalluvar’s teachings continue to influence Tamil culture and society. His work is considered timeless and is studied and revered by people of all ages.
The Coin as a Cultural Symbol
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin serves as a symbol of Tamil pride and cultural heritage. It represents the enduring legacy of Thiruvalluvar and the importance of the Tamil language.
Public Reception of the Coin
The coin was well-received by the public and collectors, cherished for its unique design and cultural significance.
Coin Collecting
The Appeal of Commemorative Coins
Commemorative coins like the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical and cultural significance.
Collecting the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar Coin
For coin collectors, this coin is a valuable addition to their collection due to its unique features and limited issuance.
Market Value and Rarity
The market value of the coin can vary based on its condition and rarity. Well-preserved coins can fetch a higher price among collectors.
Technical Analysis
Metallurgical Composition
The copper-nickel alloy used in the coin ensures its durability and longevity.
Production Process
The coin was minted using advanced techniques to ensure precision in its design and inscriptions.
Design and Artistic Elements
The intricate design elements, including the Ashoka Lion pedestal and the depiction of Thiruvalluvar, showcase the artistic craftsmanship involved in its creation.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Other Commemorative Coins
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin can be compared with other commemorative coins issued by India to understand its unique features and significance.
Similarities and Differences with Other Indian Coins
While the coin shares some features with other Indian coins, such as the use of the Ashoka Lion, its hendecagonal shape and the depiction of Thiruvalluvar make it distinct.
Preservation and Care
Proper Handling of Coins
Collectors should handle the coin with clean, dry hands or use gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.
Storage Solutions for Coin Collectors
Coins should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in protective holders or albums to prevent damage.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Coins should be cleaned gently, if at all, to avoid scratching or wearing away the details. It is often best to leave cleaning to professionals.
Conclusion
The 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin is a significant piece of India’s numismatic and cultural history. Its unique design, historical context, and cultural importance make it a valuable item for collectors and a proud symbol of Tamil heritage. As we celebrate the legacy of Thiruvalluvar and the rich tradition of the Tamil language, this coin serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of culture and history on our lives.
FAQs
What is the composition of the 2 Rupees St. Thiruvalluvar coin?
The coin is composed of copper-nickel.
How can one identify the different varieties of the Ashoka statue on the coin?
Type B features an Ashoka Column that is 14 mm tall with three fur rows on the right lion and five lion whiskers, while Type C has a 13 mm tall Ashoka Column with four fur rows on the right lion.
What is the significance of the mint mark on the coin?
The small dot or diamond (♦) mark indicates that the coin was minted in Mumbai.
Why was the coin issued in 1995?
The coin was issued to commemorate the 8th World Tamil Conference held in 1995.
How can collectors preserve and care for the coin?
Collectors should handle the coin with care, store it in protective holders, and avoid cleaning it excessively to maintain its condition.
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