Srivatsa Symbol on Coins from Rakhine State in Southern Burma (10th-16th Buddhist century)
The model of the srivatsa symbols on the coins produced in Southeast Asia must have derived from the symbols on the coins found in the area of Andhra Pradesh (the area between Krishna Basin and Godavari Basin) and Chandravalli, where the coins have been found in great numbers. They belonged to the Kings of Andhra Satavahanas dynasty who ruled over south India during 4-8 Buddhist Century. The srivatsa symbol was used on the coins throughout the dynasty appearing on both sides along with other auspicious symbols, for example, elephants, horses, bulls, holy trees, and mountains.
Coins with Srivatsa and Conch Shell Symbol from Dvaravati Period
It is possible that coins with srivatsa and conch shell symbols from the dvaravati period might have been taken from those made in India, Burma and also Vietnam. The styles of srivatsa symbols on coins found in Thailand have several variations which differ greatly from the model in India as the majority of them are paired with other symbols. This has become a unique characteristic which srivatsa coins in Southeast Asia all share. The srivatsa symbols on coins usually appear along other auspicious symbols which are also related to kingship. This is because Kings in Southeast Asia hold a strong belief in these objects, which are used in coronation ceremonies hoping that they would bring blessings and prosperity to the Kingdom. Thus, it might be concluded that the variations of coins which paired the srivatsa and other auspicious symbols are a creation developed for local Kings by local craftsmen.
Functions of Srivatsa Coins in Dvaravati Period
The functions of Srivatsa Coins in Dvaravati Period can be divided in two divisions:
1. An aspect of religious belief
The system of thought from the people from Dvaravati period are comprised of various beliefs but with Buddhism as the main pillar around which other beliefs are diffused. Like other indigenous tribes in Southeast Asia, the dvaravati people believed in spirits and life after death. They worshipped their late ancestors and believed that there was a supernatural force to grant richness to their lives and crops. These beliefs were transformed over time by beliefs and religions which came from the outside world, namely Buddhism and Brahmin from India and influence from this can be observed in the popularity of coins or seals with an auspicious symbol. A number of these might have been used in religious ceremonies because a container which contained coins engraved with the word Sri from the dvaravati period along with other metal fragments was found near the foundation of a Brahmin Temple at Khok Chang Din historical site in U-Thong Province. Additionally, a coin engraved with the word Sri was found which is made from animal horn with a hole in the middle, assumed to have been worn as a necklace charm.
2. An aspect regarding economy
Initially, these coins are understood to have been a medium to set prices of economic goods in order to replace the barter system, the liquidity of which is limited. According to studies of coins found in the latter period, scholars have made some observations that Thai coins from an older group might have been used to pass a custom checkpoint or to pass borders from somewhere to another, resembling the use of passports in the present day. Or, they might have also been used as commemorative coins.
Although the function of the coins was to be used as a medium for trading goods, the coins uncovered in Thailand, for example, at Khok Chang Din, U-Tong City, Suphanburi, were found to be inserted at the opening of a terracotta container. This has led to an assumption that the aforementioned coins were used in a worshipping ceremony or a certain ritual to pertain peace and well-being of the state.
Other Symbols found alongside Srivatsa Symbols
Other symbols which are found in coordination with srivatsa symbols can be divided into three groups as follows:
1. Symbols with an auspicious meaning.
Thunderbolt: This symbol signifies the spread of Buddhist Dharma, which eliminate ignorance and bad things in the world. On occasions it also represents Lord Indra since the thunderbolt is his carrying weapon.
Elephant goad: This symbol signifies the might of the King on earth. According to a Buddhist belief from India, an elephant goad means the power of heaven’s command.
A coin from Lumkhao Archaeological site in Lopburi province featuring Srivatsa, Swastika and Damru symbol
Kalasha: This symbol is one of 108 auspicious signs according to Buddhist beliefs. It signifies birth, or represents the container of elixir - a result from stirring up the ocean of milk. In addition, in Hindu architecture, Kalasha is regarded as a very important part of the dome. The top of the kalasha dome is decorated with a budding lotus flower which symbolises birth.
Swastika: This symbol is another one of 108 auspicious signs according to Buddhist beliefs.
Damru (a small double-sided drum): This symbol signifies the creation of the world and usually appears in the hand of Lord Shiva.
A coin featuring Srivatsa, Thunderbolt Swastika and Elephant goad symbol
2. Cosmological Symbols
The sun: According to a chinese belief, this symbol means the King of the earth. It is widely accepted that the sun is a natural representation of masculinity and liveliness. It is also one of 108 auspicious symbols, according to a Buddhist beliefs.
The moon: This symbol is always accompanied by an image of a rising sun. It is believed that this could be interpreted as a representation of the sky because it was found alongside images of Vihara with fish which signify the earth and the water, respectively. However, according to chinese beliefs, the moon means a girl, while the sun means a boy. In addition, this symbol is also one of 108 auspicious signs.
3. Water Symbol
Waves: This symbol signifies water or the water surface.
Fish: Fish symbols usually appear alongside symbols of the sun, the moon and/or the srivatsa symbol. Some believe that it originates from an Indian belief which holds fish as the mount of the goddess Vasuradhara who is the goddess of the soil or of ganga. The goddess bears several other names, for example, Shanvi, Bhagirathi, Sakara and Triveni. Sometimes, fish are seen as a representation of cupid. However, in general, fish symbolise abundance and freedom.
Sankha: Sankha symbolises water which is a source of richness. It is one of eight manifestations (Ashta Siddhis) of Sri-Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth. In latter times, Sankha is also a manifestation of Kubera, the god of wealth.
Additionally, they are also found in art and symbols that are related to the gods, for example, Lord Vishnu. The fact that Sankha was used in relation to kingship can be seen in the Gupta dynasty where it was usually used as a representative symbol and it's likely that the use of sankha derived from the beliefs of the natives. It is generally present in every religion, in the context of where richness and auspiciousness are concerned, for example, on the footprint of the Buddha.
In conclusion, Srivatsa symbols found in Thailand are believed to symbolise auspiciousness or wealth, which is a manifestation of Sri or Lakshmi - the consort of Lord Vishnu according to Shaivism within the Brahmin religion. It can be seen on coins, seals or objects which are related to kingship and represents a blessing regarding wealth and prosperity for the kingdom. Srivatsa symbols from the dvaravati period also vary in design, which might have been due to a direct influence from India or from nearby kingdoms, for example, Burmar and Vietnam. Besides, Srivatsa symbols which appears on coins from the dvaravati period are often accompanied by other auspicious symbols. This has become a unique characteristic of srivatsa symbols found in Southeast Asia. The creation of coins with srivatsa symbols on one side might have originated from a worship of Vishnu. This belief has been adopted from India by the indigenous people through the means of exchange and trade with other lands, as can be seen from a great number of vishnu figures which have been found scattered around several archaeological sites from the dvaravati period which are located in the central and northern regions of Thailand.
Translated from
Dawnapa Naowarangsee. (2014). Coins with Srivatsa Symbol in Dvaravati Period. (Thai version) Retrieved September 14, 2014, from Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins e-museum: http://emuseum.treasury.go.th
