Princely State of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II Bronze 8 Cash Historical Coin

Princely State of Travancore, Ruler: Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II (1931–1949 CE), Minting Years: 1938–1949 CE, Denomination: 8 Cash (1/56 Rupee), Metal: Bronze, Weight: 3.66 grams, Diameter: 22.2 mm, Reference: KM# 59, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Conch shell (Shanku) within circle flanked by sprays.

Reverse: “EIGHT CASH / BRV / എട്ട്‌ കാശൂ” within beaded circle.

Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore, one of the most prosperous and administratively advanced states in southern India during the late colonial period. Ascending the throne at a young age, he later introduced several major reforms in governance, education, and social policy. His reign is especially remembered for the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, which opened Hindu temples in Travancore to all castes. The state maintained a distinct regional coinage system alongside British Indian currency, preserving local cultural identity through Malayalam inscriptions and traditional symbols such as the sacred conch shell associated with Lord Padmanabha, the royal deity of Travancore. These bronze issues circulated widely in local commerce until the integration of princely states after Indian independence.

The bronze 8 Cash coinage of Travancore formed part of the final indigenous currency series issued before the abolition of princely state coinage systems after independence. The “BRV” initials represented Bala Rama Varma, while the bilingual English and Malayalam legends reflected regional identity and administrative modernization. Their distinctive conch-shell design makes them among the most recognizable late princely state copper issues of South India.