Four Gold coins - proto type - bearing one side Thiruvalluvar - was reportedly attempted during the British regime. Two of them are in British museums and two in Kolkatta ..
Mr. Francis White Ellis was Madras Collector arond 1796 .. He was also incharge of Mint (coin production) established in Fort St George in 1807. Minting Gold coins was stopped in 1817. To commemorate 200th year of having established East Indian Company in 1616 - the British Government planned some special coins..
FW Ellis was so much attracted to Thirukkural - he attempted translation - which left unpublished then during his sudden demise.
1955 thirukkural - Ellis Commentrary - Madras Univesity ( RP Sethupillai)
Dr. Iravatham has brought these details out and www.varalaaru.com has published these in Iravathi book - last year.
Dr. Iravatham's Indus - Muruga theory also figures in this book.
Our Gokul - founder Ram - Kamalakkanan - Lavanya are in the Editorial board assisting Dr. Kalaikkovan and Dr. Nailini.