This is a kasumalai, a necklace (malai) of coins (kasu). The 62 coin necklace is complete with an engraved clasp studded with rubies. This kasumalai was commissioned especially by Gnanapragasam Pillai in 1914 for his wife, Maria Soosaiammal, on the occasion of Christmas. He had it made in Madras. The coins are Victorian half sovereigns dating to 1890. The design of the kasumalai is unique; the Victorian coins are held together by floral connectors representing the French insignia or the Fleur de Lys. It speaks of the influence of the European powers in the lives of the Gnanapragasam Pillai family; both the British in the Straits Settlements and the Frenchin Pondicherry.Gnanapragasam Pillai (b.1872–d.1915), was a trader from Muthialpet, Pondicherry, south India. Pondicherry was then the French capital of colonial India. He migrated to Singapore in 1902 and established himself as a trader along Serangoon Road. He owned two shop houses at number 44 and 46 Serangoon Road. The family lived on the upper floor of one of the shophouses while the rest of the property served as a sundry shop and warehouse.
