The Travancore rupee was a type of currency issued by the erstwhile Indian princely state of Travancore, which was primarily located in the modern Indian state of Kerala. The rupee was largely a newer currency in comparison to the older currencies of Kerala such as the Fanams, Achus, Chuckrams as well as the Kasu (or Cash). Its creation was probably intended for the increased trading with British India and the high-value transactions therein.
The Travancore Rupee was the highest denomination of currency issued for general circulation. The highest face value issued was the '1/2 rupee'. While there had been plans to introduce 'One Travancore Rupee', this was never done.[1] The half-rupee and the quarter-rupee remained the highest values issued for circulation. The Travancore Rulapee was issued until 1946 CE (1121 M.E. or Malayalam Era), remaining in circulation till 1949. It was replaced by the Indian rupee following Travancore's accession into India.
- ^ Travancore State Manual by V. Nagam Aiya (1908), p170