2024-03-12 Tue

The Banas were the dynasty of South India that claimed to be descendants of king Mahabali. During the medieval period, Banas were Vijayanagar Viceroys (Nayaks) of Madurai claiming a Bana descent.

They had also served some major dynasties like Cholas and Pandyas as feudatories. They issued coins from Madurai featuring Garuda on the obverse and the name and title of the king on the reverse.

The Banas of Madurai issued this copper Kasu weighing 2.72g. The obverse features Garuda facing to the left, flanked by conch and discus. The reverse features Tamil legend Samara Kolakalan.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction