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June 22, 2002 

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COLLECTION OF RARE STAMPS AND COINS BY A FARMER

Ramachandran, Thadukkassery, Keralassery, Panchayat, Palakkad

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Collection of rare stamps and coins by a city-dweller would not be much to write about.  But when it is done by a lowly farmer from a nondescript village of Keralassery, where one has to walk kilometers to board a bus, it certainly deserves mention.

Ramachandran, who hails from Thadukkassery in Keralassery Panchayat of Palakkad District has in his kitty coins dating back to 1286 A.D. and more than 72 stamps relating the British period.

How did Ramachandran, who has no other occupation other than farming, cultivate such a hobby?  “My uncles, Ramankutty Nair and Sankarankutty Niar, were teachers at the Pathripala High School and stamp and coin collection were their hobbies.  They passed on some of their collections to me and asked me to continue the tradition.  I got the inspiration from them.  I too have collected many,” says Ramachandran.  Then why doesn’t he exhibit them at important venues? 

“I am scared,” he says.  “The collections date back to more than 100 years and its value in monetary terms runs into lakhs of rupees.  Transporting it is not safe.  Anything can happen.  My life could be in danger.  That is why I keep them away.”

His prized possession is a half-anna coin dating back to 1335 during the period of Sivaji Rao of Gwalior.

Ramachandran with his collection

 

Courtesy: A. Satish, New Indian Express

Contributed by: Administrator

 

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