Sikh Religious Tokens of India
By
Saran Singh and Dalwinder Singh
May,
2014
Sikh Religious
Tokens, depicting Guru Nanak
(1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion and the tenth and last living Guru, Guru
Gobind Singh (1666-1708), are shown on the obverse and reverse. Sikh religious tokens first made their
appearance in the middle of the 18th Century. They were based on the Hindu temple tokens
which were widely in use in the Hindu temples. The earliest pieces bear the
date Vikram Samvat 1804 (= 1747). This
fixed date appeared on most of the Sikh religious tokens until the early years
of 20th Century. Sikh religious tokens also exist with the Vikram
Samvat year 1723 (=1666). These pieces
commemorate the year of birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1666 in the town of
Patna, State of Bihar. Other pieces have the figure “400” which may well refer
to the 400th Anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak which occurred
in 1869. Many of these tokens were also made without any date on them. Some exceptional pieces in Silver were struck
at the Heaton mint, Birmingham, England bearing the first verse of the Gurbani
(Mool Mantra – the first verse in the Sikh Holy Book, Sri Guru Grant Sahib Ji)
with the Vikram Samvat date 1955 (=1878).
Other similar pieces exist struck in Austria, made in brass. Some of the
Sikh religious tokens also have the yantra (mystical figures) that add up to a
total of 15 or 20 in any direction.
Sikh religious tokens were made by various jewelers
and merchants in Brass, Billon, Base Silver, Silver, and even in Gold. They were usually sold outside the entrance
to Sikh Gurdwaras by various traders.
The Sikh pilgrims who went to pray at the Gurdwaras, purchased these
religious tokens to be placed as an offering during their obeisance (metha tekna) with folded hands to the
Sikh Holy Book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The custodians of the Gurdwaras used to
collect these Sikh religious token and recycle them back to the merchants, with
the bulk of the profits going to the Gurdwara.
One of the reasons these token became popular was because many people
felt that it was more auspicious to make an offering of a religious token
instead of cash in accordance with the prevailing custom. However, it must be reiterated that many
worshippers used to make their offerings to the Gurdwaras in hard cash
according to their means.
It was natural that the Sikhs would purchase some
extra pieces of the Sikh religious tokens to be taken away as souvenirs or to
be given away as gifts. By the beginning of the 20th Century, the
usage of Sikh religious tokens in Gurdwaras became less and less and gradually
faded away into oblivion. By this time
the currency, both coins and banknotes, came to be in greater use in the
Gurdwaras.
This text is prepared by Saran Singh of Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. The photographs and all Sikh
religious tokens depicted in this article are from the collection of Dalwinder
Singh, California. The writers would
greatly appreciate hearing from fellow Numismatists of any errors, omissions or
updates so that this article may be further improved for the benefit of the
Numismatic community.
References:
· 1. “Guide
to the Temple Tokens of India” by Irwin F. Brotman. First Edition 1970.208 page
(Shamrock Press,
Los Angeles, California)
2. "On
the dates on Indian Religious Tokens” by Dr. Jai Prakash Singh. Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi, India
(Published in Numismatics International Bulletin, Texas, USA, Volume 17
Number
7 – July 1983. Pages 235-238)
“ 3. "Observations
on Sikh Tokens” by Jai Prakash Singh, Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi,
India.
(Published in Numismatics International Bulletin, Texas, USA, Volume 16
Number 12 – December
1982, Pages 359-364)
· 4. "Money
of the People” – Some 18th and 19th Century Tokens of
India” by Roma Niyogi.
First Edition
1989. 92 pages and 20 Plates. (Published by Indian Museum, Calcutta)
· 5. Indian
Tokens: Popular Religious & Secular Art from the ancient period to the
present day” by
Michael Mitchiner. First
Edition 1998. 234 pages (Published by Hawkins Publications,
London, UK)
6. The
Coins of the Sikhs” by Hans Herrli. 2nd Edition 2004. 301 pages
(Published by Munshiram
Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi, India.
7. Sikh
Religious Tokens” by Surinder Singh, Chandigarh, Punjab. 15 pages. Unpublished
manuscript.
Guru Nanak / Guru Gobind Singh VS1804 (=1747)
Type SS1
Obverse: Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion, seated on
a rug against a bolster (cylindrical cushion) under a tree. His wooden sandals
(pehooae) in front and water pot (lota) on his side. His disciples, Bhai Mardana, seated playing
the rebab (string musical instruments) and Bahi Bala, seated fanning Guru Nanak
with respect with a fly whisk (chauri)
which was usually made of peacock feathers.
Reverse: Guru Gobind Singh seated on a rug with a bolster
behind and a halo (a circle of light) radiating around his head. A lattice
fence is at the back. The Guru is holding a wand on which is perched his hawk (Bajh).
Inscription in Nagari above “Sat Kartar” (the True Creator). Year date
below in Nagari VS“1804” = 1747
Edge : Plain , Diameter:28mm , Weight:10.05g , Composition: Brass
Note1: The Vikram Samvat Year 1804 (=1747) lasted from
February 1747 to February 1748. The Dal Khalsa, the Supreme Council of the
Sikhs in Amritsar, passed a Gurmata (Decree) to consolidate the 65 Sikh Jathas
into 12 Misls (confederacies) on 29th March 1748, Baisakhi Day. As
such, the year date VS”1804” = 1747 has no connection with the formation of the
Dal Khalsa and the 12 Misls on 29th March, 1748. Is it possible that
these tokens were actually planned as part of the formation of the Dal Khalsa
much earlier, and were supposed to be part of a commemorative issue? As the
dates are very close, we leave it to the readers and historians to make their
own conclusions.
Guru Nanak / Guru Gobind Singh (No Date)
Type SS2
Obverse: Similar to Type SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana),
but with inscription in Gurmukhi “Om Sat Kartar” (The One True Lord/Creator)
Reverse: Similar to Type SS1 (Guru Gobind Singh) but without
inscription and year date.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:28mm , Weight:12.06g , Composition: Brass
Guru Nanak / 1st Verse of the Gurbani VS1955
(1898)
Type SS3
Obverse: Design generally similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala
and Mardana) but without the wooden sandals (pehooae) and water pot (lota),
and with tiled floor in front.
Reverse: “Mool Mantar” – The first verse from the Sikh Holy
Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script “Ik O’nkar, Sat-naam,
Karta-purkh, Nir-bhau, Nir-vair, Akal-moorat, Ajooni- Sai-bhang, Gur-parsaad,
Jap, Aad-sach, Jugaad-sach, Hai bhi-sach, Nanak hosi bhi sach. 1.”
(There is but One God. Truth is His Name. He is the all-pervading creator. He
is without fear. He is without hate or enmity. He is eternal, timeless, God is
unborn, beyond incarnation. The self existant God is by Himself from Himself.
He is attained by the Guru’s grace. Recite. True in the beginning, True before
ages began, True at present, Nanak True He shall ever be. 1.) The year date
below is VS”1955” = 1898
Edge : Plain , Diameter:31mm , Weight:12.5g , Composition:
Silver
Struck at the Heaton Mint, Birmingham, England
Guru Nanak / Guru Gobind Singh VS1723 (1666)
Type SS4
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Gobind Singh) but with the
inscription in Gurmukhi “Sat Kartar” (The True Creator) and the year
date below in Nagari VS“1723”=1666. This
is the year in which Guru Gobind Singh was born in the town of Patna in the
State of Bihar.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:28.5mm , Weight:12.22g , Composition:
Billon
Note: This is most like to be a commemorative piece dated
VS1723 (1666), but issued much later. Guru Gobind Rai who was born on 22nd
December, 1666, was given the name Guru Gobind Singh when he was baptized by
the Five Beloved Ones (Panj Piarae)
on Baisakhi Day on 30th March 1699 at Anandpur, Punjab.
Guru Nanak / 400 (1869)
Type SS5
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Gobind Singh) without any
inscription. The numerals in Nagari script “400”. This may well commemorate the
400th year of the birth of Guru Nanak which fell in 1869.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:27.5mm , Weight:9.50g , Composition:
Brass
Guru Nanak / Yantra = 15
Type SS6
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: The mystical numerals (Yantra) in Nagari which come
to a total of 15 in any straight line (Example : 4 3 8 ; 9 5 1 ; 2 7 6 ; 4 9 2 ;
3 5 7 ; 8 1 6 ; 4 5 6 ; 8 5 2). This mystical formation of numbers is believed
to protect oneself against evil influences.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:29mm , Weight:10.11g , Composition:
Brass
Note: Hans Herli states in his book “The Coins of the Sikhs”
2nd Edition, Page 273 that according to the late Surinder Singh of
Chandigarh, these tokens with mystical numerals were issued by or for the
Udasis, a religious sect founded by Sri Chand, a son of Guru Nanak.
Guru Nanak / Yantra = 20
Type SS7
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: The mystical numerals (Yantra) in Nagari which come
to a total of 20 in any formation (Example : 8 7 4 1 ; 2 3 6 9 ; 3 7 1 9 ; 6 4
8 2 ; 3 7 4 6 ; 2 8 1 9). This mystical formation of numbers is believed to
protect oneself against evil influences.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:28mm , Weight:10.50g , Composition:
Brass
Note: There is also another Yantra (Mystical Numeral Figure)
that totals up to 27. This Yantra does not seem to have been inserted on any
religious token, at least to the current knowledge of the writers. The
formation of the Yantra numerals in any formation is (10 5 12 ; 11 9 7 ; 6 13 8
; 10 11 6 ; 5 9 13 ; 12 7 8 ; 10 9 8 ; 12 9 6)
Yantra : Mystical Numeral Figures
Total in each line =
27 (all directions)
Guru Nanak / Guru Gobind Singh (without any inscription and
year date)
Type SS8
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Gobind Singh) but without any
inscription or year date
Edge : Plain , Diameter:29mm , Weight:10.75g , Composition:
Billon
Guru Nanak / Guru Gobind Singh (with inscription on reverse ,
no year date)
Type SS9
Obverse: Similar to SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and Mardana)
Reverse: Guru Gobind Singh with the inscription in Hindi
below “Guru Gobind Singh”
Edge : Plain , Diameter:29.5mm , Weight:12.04g , Composition:
Brass
Guru Gobind Singh / 1st Verse of the Gurbani
Type SS10
Obverse: Guru Gobind Singh seated on a rug facing right with
a bolster behind and a halo (a circle of light) radiating around his head. A lattice
fence at the back. The Guru is holding a wand on which is perched his hawk (Bajh)
and his other hand holding his sword. Inscription in Gurmukhi above “Guru
Gobind Singh”
Reverse: “Mool Mantar” – The first verse from the Sikh Holy
Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script. See type SS3 for the full
inscription and translation. Inscription below in Urdu “Raja Darya Mal Devi
Dayal of Chonk Darbar, Amritsar / Astria mei bana” (Made in Austria). Without
Year Date.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:27mm , Weight:7.37g , Composition:
Gold plated Brass
Note: This piece was made in Austria and was issued by Raja Darya Mal Devi Dayal of Chonk Darbar,
Amritsar. The Chonk Darbar is near the Manji Sahib area of the Harmindir Sahib
(popularly known as the Golden Temple), The issuer of this token must have been
a man of great importance.
Guru Hargobind Sahib / 1st Verse of the Gurbani
Type SS11
Obverse: Guru Hargobind (1595 – 1644), the sixth Guru, on his
horse with a Hawk in hand and a halo (a circle of light) radiating around his
head. An attendant standing behind waving a fly whisk (Chauri) which was usually made with peacock feathers. His hunting
dog below. The Gurmukhi inscription “ Guru Hargobind Sahib”
Reverse: “Mool Mantar” – The first verse from the Sikh Holy
Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script. See type SS3 for the full
inscription and translation.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:28mm , Weight:7.85g , Composition:
Copper
Note: This is a modern religious token which was made in the
1990’s to serve as a souvenir.
Guru Gobind Singh / 1st Verse of the Gurbani
Type SS12
Obverse: A variation of type SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and
Mardana)
Reverse: “Mool Mantar” – The first verse from the Sikh Holy
Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script. See type SS3. Incomplete
verse, ends with the word “Gur-parsaad”
Edge : Plain , Diameter:25mm , Weight:5.50g , Composition:
Cupro Nickel
Note: This is a modern religious token which was made in the
1990’s to serve as a souvenir.
Guru Nanak / Gurmukhi Inscription
Type SS13
Obverse: A variation of type SS1 (Guru Nanak, Bala and
Mardana)
Reverse: Within a circle surrounded by a 8 cornered pattern,
the symbol of the first and most sacred word in the Sikh Holy Book (Sri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji), in Gurmukhi script “Ik O’nkar” (There is but
One God). In the field, the words “Nanak Naam Jahaj Hai, Cheray Soh
Uterae Parh” (The Naam [Gurbani – the words of God] through Guru Nanak,
is the savior, by which one can attain salvation)
Edge : Plain , Diameter:26mm , Weight:13.23g , Composition:
Silver
Sita, Rama and Hanuman with Gurmukhi Inscription / Kalima
Type SS14
Obverse: Lord Rama and his consort, Sita, seated on throne. Attendant
at left holding the royal umbrella. Hanuman, the monkey god, standing on right
with hands folded in respect. The inscription around in Gumukhi script “Sat
Naam Ram” above and “Ram Sath” below.
Reverse: In Arabic script the “Kalima” with the figure 133B3
Edge : Plain , Diameter:24.5mm , Weight:11.25g , Composition:
Silver
Note : This is a rather unusual piece where a Hindu religious
token has the inscriptions in Gurmukhi script and the reverse has the Islamic
“Kalima”. Three different religions are reflect on this token, which is very
unusual. The significance of this is unknown, but most probably reflects the
composition of the 3 major communities in the Punjab, i.e Sikh’s, Hindu’s and
Muslim’s. It could reflect the state of religious
tolerance. However, more research needs to be done on this. On the other hand,
this may be a Hindu or Muslim religious token, but it is listed here becaue it
has Sikh inscriptions on it as well.
Imitation of Dutch Ducat, “Ram” / 1st verse of the
Gurbani
Type SS15
Obverse: A Dutch soldier holding a bundle of seven arrows
which represent the seven Protestant Provinces of the Netherlands. The
inscription in Gurmukhi script “Ram” (Ram, the True Lord) repeated
ten times around the edge.
Reverse: “Mool Mantar” – The first verse from the Sikh Holy
Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script. See type SS3. Incomplete
verse, ends with the word “Aad – sach” ---- last 4 word missing, within
a square, inscription crude.
Edge : Reeded , Diameter:22mm , Weight:5.87g , Composition:
Silver with a ring attached, used as a jewelry piece.
Note : This crude imitation is based on the Dutch Ducat
struck at the Utretch Mint, Netherlands in 1707.
Guru Nanak / “Ik O’nkar”
Type SS16
Obverse: Guru Nanak, wearing a necklace of prayer beads with
a halo (a circle of light) radiating around his head. His right hand raised,
with an open palm as a sign of his divine blessings.
Reverse: The symbol of the first and most sacred word in the
Sikh Holy Book (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in Gurmukhi script “Ik O’nkar” (There
is but One God), within a circle of dots.
Edge : Plain , Diameter:31mm , Weight:10g , Composition:
Silver .999 fine
Note: This religious token was acquired in early 2014. It is
intended to serve as a gift during auspicious occasions or just to be kept as a
keepsake.
==============================================================================