INDIA, Yadavas of Devagiri-Mahadeva-Padmatanka

Yadavas of Devagiri, Mahadeva, Gold Padmatanka, 4 punches, 3.74g

Central punch of an eight-petalled Lotus flower, hence called Padma Tanka, with additional 4-punches around commencing from 12 'O' clock, "Mahadeva" (in Nagari script, with a spear below the name), "Sri", "Conch" and "Sri".

The central punch on the 'Padmatanka' coins represents a Lotus flower (Padma = Lotus, Tanka = Stamp or Punch) with its 8 outstretched petals representing "Asthlakshmi" or the eight primary forms of the Goddess Lakshmi viz. Adi (One with Supreme), Dhanya (Harvest), Dhairya (Inner Strength and Patience), Gaja (Elephant - wisdom), Santan (Child), Vijay (Victory), Dhana (Wealth) and Vidya (Knowledge). "Sri" is both an honorary epithet used before a name, especially that of a ruler, as well as refers to Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth. The "conch" symbol is usually associated with the God Vishnu, of whom Laxmi is the consort. By placing his name alongside the various attributes/symbols of the Gods, the King is invoking a symbolic parallelism of his right to rule with the blessings of the Gods as the King's name "Mahadeva" translates as 'The Great God or Lord".