Thali with Makara

This octagonal thali or platter from Mysore is made using the techniques of repousse, chasing and engraving. Engraved in the central medallion is a superb Makara with one plain circular band, a proud band of leaves, and several foliate borders around it. The sides are concaved with foliate corner pieces. This platter would have been used in puja or worship rituals.
Makara is a Sanskrit word which means "sea dragon" or "watermonster". It is often shown with an elephant’s trunk and a fish tail, as depicted in this thali. It symbolizes water, the source of all existence and fertility. Makara is also the origin of the Hindi word for crocodile - 'magarmach', which has in turn been loaned into English as the name of the Mugger crocodile, the most common crocodile in India.