Rare Antique Iron Rice/Grain Measure (Padi) with islamic seal, mughal era India
This magnificent rare collectable is a grain measure from the early 20th century (circa 1910). Ancient Indian systems of measurement often used vessels such as these to measure grains for trading. It was only later during the British Raj that modern systems of weights and scales were introduced.
Measures such as this were called by different names depending upon the region. In the north these measures were termed as “ser” or “sher” whereas in the southern states the unit was called as a “padi”. In rural areas in India you can still find grains and peanuts being sold by a “cup” instead of weight.
This particular measure is made of iron and has a brass plate seal with islamic inscriptions on it. The piece is thought to be issued by the Mughal empire. It could also be from the princely state of Hyderabad and could have been issued by the Nizams of Hyderabad. The exact origin is not yet known. If Moghul it may be dated even earlier – circa late 19th century!
This is a very rare item, that is hard to come by. A must have for collectors.
Tags: Antique, Classic, Hyderabad, Iron, Islamic, Mughal, Nizam, Rare
