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Source: TH
Context:
During restoration work at a Later Chola-period Shiva temple, 103 punch-marked gold coins were discovered in an earthen pot near the sanctum sanctorum.
Discovery:
- Location: Kovilur Shiva temple, Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
- Event: During restoration of the Later Chola-period temple, 103 punch-marked gold coins were found inside an earthen pot near the sanctum sanctorum.
- Handling: The site was secured by the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department (TNSAD) and Revenue Department; coins were transferred to the district treasury under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.
Details of the Coins:
- Era: Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th centuries CE), during reigns of rulers like Harihara II and Krishnadevaraya.
- Material & Size: Pure gold, ~5 mm in size, varying shapes.
- Emblem & Symbolism: Boar (Varaha) emblem, signifying royal authority and divine sanction.
- Purpose: Likely temple offerings or donations, reflecting the close link between religion and governance.
Numismatics of the Vijayanagara Empire
Origin & Historical Context
- Founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka I, under guidance from sage Vidyaranya.
- Capital at Hampi, a hub of politics, economy, and religion.
- The empire developed a sophisticated monetary system in medieval India.
Key Features of Vijayanagara Coinage
- Metal Composition:
- Gold pagodas (gadyanas), half and quarter pagodas.
- Silver taras and copper jitals for smaller transactions.
- Gold was reserved for temple wealth and royal use.
- Artistic Imagery:
- Hindu deities: Siva-Parvati (Uma-Maheshwara), Vishnu-Lakshmi, Balakrishna, or Gandaberunda (double-headed eagle).
- Reflects royal devotion and temple culture.
- Legends & Language:
- Inscribed in Devanagari, Kannada, or Tamil.
- Included ruler’s name and honorifics, e.g., “Sri Pratapa Krishna Raya”.
- Symbolism:
- Boar emblem (Varaha) as state symbol on coins and seals.
- Represented divine sanction to rule.
- Economic Role:
- Served as temple wealth and trade currency.
- Circulated across South India, Sri Lanka, and Indian Ocean trade routes.
