A gold seal ring of a raja of the Nayaka family, South India, 1808

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LotDetail.asp?intObjectID=2729811&SE=CMWCAT01+72851+206700766+&QR=M+1+9+Aqc0000900+72319++Aqc0000900+&entry=islamic&RQ=True&AN=10
(downloaded Sept. 2001)

"An antique gold personal seal ring of an Indian Nobleman. Dated 1808. The rectangular heavy gold ring with a finely chased inscription to the front bearing the name of a Raja of the Nayaka family, dated AH1223 (1808AD), with bevelled border, plain reverse and ridged hoop. The Nayaka family was one of the ruling dynasties of Southern India.

Lot Notes: Cf. M. Wenzel, 'Ornament & Amulet', Nasser David Khalili Collection of Islamic Art Vol XVI. No. 533 for a similar silver niello seal ring dated 1829-30 from Hyderabad."



Here is how the seal looks when the image is reversed for legibility: