In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:
(a) Clothing
(b) Coins
(c) Ornaments
(d) Weapons
Explanation
In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to: (b) Coins
- Fanam was a currency used historically in major parts of South India, especially during the British Raj.
- The term “Fanam” is believed to have originated from the Arabic word “Fana”, which means to perish or disappear.
- Fanams were made of various metals, including gold, silver, and copper.
- These coins were used in different regions of South India, such as the Madras Presidency and the Travancore State.
- Fanams were used extensively for trading in the region of South India.
Learn more
- Fanam is the anglicized form of the native word paṇaṁ, meaning “coin” or “wealth”.
- The Madras fanam was a currency issued by the Madras Presidency until 1815, circulating alongside the Indian rupee.
- The Travancore Fanam was a type of money issued by the State of Travancore, now mainly a part of Kerala in South India.
- Fanams were also issued in Danish India as the fano, worth 1/8 rupee, and in French India as the fanon, worth 1/8 rupee.
- The Chalukyas, one of the most powerful dynasties during the medieval period in India, issued gold ¼ fanam coins.
