Vijayanagara-Era Gold Coins

Over 100 gold coins dating back to the Vijayanagara era have been discovered during restoration work at a Later Chola-era Shiva temple in Kovilur hamlet atop the in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.

Details of the Discovery

• Characteristics of Coin:
  • Average size: ~5 millimetres in diameter.
  • Circular in shape (unlike the square-shaped coins of the Sangam Age).
  • Symbol: Some coins bear the emblem of a pig, a royal symbol of the Vijayanagara Empire, representing Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu
• Estimated Age:  The coins likely belong to the Vijayanagara period (14th–16th century CE), when Krishnadevaraya and his successors revived temple architecture and endowed temples with gold and valuables.
• Purpose of Deposition: According to archaeologists, coins were deposited under temple sanctums for two main reasons:
  • Religious Offering: Gold coins were buried beneath sanctums as offerings to deities to invoke prosperity and divine protection for the region.
  • Economic Usage: Metal coins (especially copper and silver) were also used for economic transactions due to durability and resistance to melting.

About Vijayanagara Empire

• Foundation and Origin:
  • The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE on the banks of the Tungabhadra River (modern Hampi, Karnataka) by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, under the guidance of Saint Vidyaranya.
  • The empire’s capital, Vijayanagara (“City of Victory”), became one of the most prosperous and well-fortified cities of medieval India.
• Dynasties:
• • Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485 CE) – Founders Harihara & Bukka.
  • Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505 CE) – Transition period.
  • Tuluva Dynasty (1505–1570 CE) – Peak under Krishnadevaraya.
  • Aravidu Dynasty (1570–1646 CE) – Last phase until decline.

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Key Features of Coins of the Vijayanagara Empire

• Metal Composition
  • The Vijayanagara Empire issued coins in gold, silver, and copper, showcasing its economic strength and vast trade network.
  • The gold Pagoda (Varaha) was the highest denomination, while gold fanams, silver taras, and copper kasu were used for everyday transactions.
  • Regional Coinage: Early coins were region-specific, such as Barkur Gadyanas and Bhatkal Gadyanas.
  • Harihara I and Bukka introduced gold fanams and silver taras, setting the standard for later issues.
• Religious and Cultural Symbols:
  • The coins prominently featured Hindu deities and sacred motifs, reflecting the empire’s religious devotion and cultural ethos.
  • Harihara II introduced depictions of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva on gold Pagodas.
  • Krishnadevaraya’s coins displayed the famous Balakrishna (infant Krishna) motif.
  • Achyuta Raya used the Ganda Berunda (double-headed eagle) — symbolizing royal power.
  • Tirumala Raya (Aravidu dynasty) depicted Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, highlighting Vaishnava influence.
• Legends and Language:
  • Inscriptions on the coins bore the names and titles of rulers.
  • Languages/Scripts: Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Nagari, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the empire.
  • Example: Coins inscribed with “Sri Krishnadevaraya” in Nagari and Kannada scripts.
• Symbolism:
  • The Boar (Varaha) — an incarnation of Vishnu — served as the dynastic emblem.
  • Use of deities, animals (elephant, horse), and mythological symbols reinforced the idea of Dharma and divine kingship.
  • The Ganda Berunda (double-headed eagle) symbolized strength, protection, and imperial sovereignty. 
• Economic Role:
  • Gold Pagodas and silver Taras circulated across South India and Indian Ocean trade routes, especially with Southeast Asia.
  • The standardized denominations and weights ensured commercial reliability.
  • Copper coins served local markets and facilitated daily transactions.
  • Coins also reflect the monetary uniformity and administrative efficiency of the Vijayanagara state.

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