Digital Rare Book:
Studies In Chola History And Administration
By K.A. Nilakanta Sastri
Published by The University of Madras - 1932

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Image:
A repoussé gold coin Necklace (kasumalai)
South India, probably Tamil Nadu, late 19th Century

Composed of one hundred coins, each with repoussé decoration depicting Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, linked to a gold chain with floral motifs and bud finials.

The term kasu is included in all compound names of any South Indian necklace that includes coins. A kasumalai was originally made with a gold coin issued by a Chola king in the name of a toddy drawer (sanar) who had secretly discovered some gold. Upon being discovered, he was condemned to death. Just before his execution, the king granted him a last wish, that his name, Sanar Kasu, would be perpetuated by the issue of a pure gold coin. This tradition, of making necklaces out of gold coins (or imitations) continues in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in South India. Representations of female Hindu deities are often used, as seen in our example with the image of the goddess Lakshmi.

Text and image credit:
Bonhams