Gold bangle with royal inscription

This bangle features ‘makara’ (a composite creature) heads facing each other and supporting a circular piece decorated with ‘kirtimukha’ (the fierce swallowing monster face). Although the practice of making ‘makara’ bangles is widespread in India, the combination of the ‘makara’ and ‘kirtimukha’ motifs is rare. The ring also features a gold wire appliqué style inscription that reads “Setupathy Samnthanam”, referring to the Sethupathys of Ramanada district, Tamil Nadu. They were the vassals of the Nayakas of Madurai and guardians of the pilgrim route to Rameshvaram. They were also devout patrons of the arts and letters and supported many artistic endeavours.

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