As the six-day Diwali festival kicks off on October 29 with Dhanteras, coins take center stage not just as monetary items, but as sacred symbols woven deeply into the fabric of Indian spirituality and tradition. Coins have a rich legacy, dating back thousands of years, and serve as auspicious offerings in numerous religious and cultural events. From their inception in ancient times to their continued relevance today, coins, especially the symbolic Re 1 coin, hold a special place in religious rituals.
The Ancient Origins of Coins
Coins have been in circulation for millennia, originally serving as currency and later gaining significance in religious rituals. The earliest documented use of coins traces back 4,000 years to the Babylonian civilization in Mesopotamia, where they were crafted from various metals. The first widely circulated coin was the Lydian Lion, commissioned by King Croesus of Lydia in Turkey. This unique coin, weighing 4.7 grams, was made from a mixture of silver and gold and depicted a lion’s face. Over time, coins became not only a practical form of currency but also symbols of power, faith, and heritage.
The History of Indian Coins
India’s association with coins dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting coin usage even before the Maurya dynasty. Early Indian coins, such as the ‘Pana,’ discovered near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, often bore images of animals, symbolizing nature and strength. In ancient Indian culture, different metals were associated with spiritual qualities, making coins an integral part of religious ceremonies. Over time, coins began to carry the images of rulers, gods, and significant symbols, tying them closely to both history and spirituality.
In 1545, Sher Shah Suri officially named India’s currency the ‘rupee,’ derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rupaka’ for silver coin. While kings historically imprinted their images on coins to assert their rule, British-era coins bore the images of British monarchs until India achieved independence in 1947. Post-independence, coins began to represent Indian symbols, such as the Ashoka Pillar and the lion and were minted in various denominations like 2 anna, 10 paisa, and Re 1.
Coins in the Mughal Era
During the Mughal era, coins were crafted from gold and silver, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Mughals considered these precious metals sacred, using them to fashion coins that featured inscriptions and images reflecting the empire’s splendor. Mughal coins served not only as currency but also as symbols of divine blessings bestowed upon rulers and the people alike. Today, while copper has become the primary metal for coins, the symbolic significance of silver and gold persists, especially during festivals like Diwali.
The Role of Mints in Modern India
Today, coins are minted in various cities across India, with each mint marked by distinct symbols beneath the year of minting. Mumbai’s coins are recognizable by a diamond shape or the letter ‘M,’ while Hyderabad coins often bear a star or a dot within a diamond shape. Coins minted in Kolkata have no symbol, while those from Noida feature a dot. These markings not only provide a glimpse into the origin of each coin but also ensure authenticity—a reminder that coins remain as unique as the regions they hail from.
Coins as Symbols of Blessing: Maa Lakshmi and Dhanteras
During Diwali, coins take on heightened importance as tokens of blessing and prosperity. On Dhanteras, the first day of the festival, people flock to purchase coins engraved with the image of Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, as a means of invoking her blessings. This practice traces back to the reign of the Kushan dynasty in 1719 and has continued through the ages, with dynasties like the Gupta and Vijayanagar also issuing coins depicting deities. The presence of Maa Lakshmi on these coins symbolizes divine wealth and fortune, making them popular offerings during Diwali.
The Auspicious Re 1 Coin: A Symbol of Continuity
In Indian culture, the Re 1 coin carries unique spiritual significance, especially in terms of the ‘shagun’ tradition. A Re 1 coin is customarily included in gift envelopes, signifying a blessing of prosperity and good fortune. Believed to house the essence of Goddess Lakshmi herself, the Re 1 coin is added to monetary gifts to prevent the total from ending in zero, which is considered inauspicious. By adding Re 1, the amount becomes ‘indivisible,’ symbolizing continuity and an unbreakable bond.
This custom highlights the belief that zeros symbolize endings while adding Re 1 signifies that blessings, relationships, and wealth will continue to grow and prosper. This coin is often attached to significant cash amounts, whether it be Rs 100 or Rs 1 lakh, ensuring that the gift remains auspicious and fruitful.
Coins as Historical Narratives
Beyond their role in commerce and spirituality, coins act as historical records, capturing the imagery of rulers, historical events, and religious symbols. As Dr. Amarjeev Lochan, a historian, points out, coins serve as “faces of society,” encapsulating the era, beliefs, and aesthetics of their time. British India’s coins bore the portraits of British royalty, while post-independence Indian coins proudly displayed national symbols, celebrating India’s sovereignty.
Coins thus hold an unparalleled position in Indian culture—not just as relics of economic history, but as artifacts that tell stories of empires, cultures, and faith.
Conclusion: Coins and the Enduring Spirit of Diwali
As Diwali begins with Dhanteras, the symbolism of coins is brought to the forefront. Beyond their material value, coins embody continuity, blessings, and the cultural heritage of India. They serve as reminders of our connections to history, our respect for the divine, and our hopes for prosperity. From their origins in ancient Babylon to their modern-day usage in India, coins continue to carry significant meaning, especially during festive seasons. Diwali serves as a reminder of their role in religious rituals, where each coin represents more than wealth—it symbolizes luck, blessings, and an enduring spirit of unity and joy.
