Collecting Ancient Indian Coins: Thick Copper Takka

Illustrated Specimen Details: Copper Takka

Example Specimen: Takka, 1843-1873 (Jodhpur State, India)

Authority & Heraldry: This extremely thick copper coin was struck under the authority of Takht Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur (1843-1873). The design features a primitive ornament alongside inscriptions in the Perso-Arabic script of the local Marwari language. Traditionally, these inscriptions denote the name of the ruler, the minting location, and the date. However, due to the primitive striking methods, coins of this type are notoriously difficult to attribute precisely. Because international sources often identify identical coins differently, no speculative translation of the partial legend is provided here to ensure absolute historical accuracy.

1. INDIAN PRINCELY STATES (18th-19th centuries): 1 takka = 1/32 rupee

The name of the takka coin is closely intertwined with other historical currencies like the tangka, tanka, and tank, all of which likely share a common origin. The most direct linguistic relative is the modern currency of Bangladesh: taka, translating from Bengali simply as "money" or "currency". Ultimately, these names trace back to the Sanskrit term "टंक" (ṭaṃka) — meaning an ancient silver weight or stamped coin. In various Indian regions, "taka" or "takka" was also used as a local colloquialism for the rupee itself.

History and Characteristics of the Takka

The takka circulated during the 18th and 19th centuries, a period when the Indian subcontinent consisted of numerous semi-independent princely states. It developed as a fractional denomination of the rupee, which had become the dominant monetary unit following the 16th-century reforms of Sher Shah Suri. While each princely state operated its own coinage, they generally adapted the broader Mughal and later British Indian monetary traditions.

The standard monetary system across northern and western India was defined as:

• 1 takka = 1/32 rupee
  → therefore 32 takka = 1 rupee

The Rajput States and Regional Minting

The denomination was particularly common in the Rajput states of present-day Rajasthan. Numismatic collections most frequently feature takka issued by states such as Alwar, Bikaner, Bundi, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kishangarh, Kotah, and Mewar.

Many of these issues were struck in the names of Mughal emperors, even when local rulers exercised actual authority. The designs typically display a fascinating blend of Mughal and local artistic influences, featuring Persian inscriptions, mint marks, religious symbols, and decorative floral motifs. Because each state issued its own varieties, styles differed substantially across regions.

Physical Profile: The "Dump Coin"

While some regional issues were struck in silver or billon, the circulating market takka was overwhelmingly a large, heavy copper coin. A characteristic feature of these copper pieces is their immense bulk. Often referred to by collectors as "dump coinage", they typically boast a weight of over 20 grams packed into a small diameter of around 20 mm.

Due to the primitive minting techniques, most takka have an unprecedented thickness and an irregularly rounded shape, though deliberately rectangular specimens also exist. The flans (blank discs) were almost always smaller than the dies, meaning the full inscriptions are rarely visible on a single coin.

Economic Role and Decline

The takka served a vital role in regional economies as a fractional market coin and accounting unit, used daily for small transactions, taxation, and local trade. However, as the 19th century progressed, the standardized currency system of British India began to dominate the subcontinent, gradually rendering the unique, heavyweight takka obsolete.