26th July is a day when Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty ascends to the throne marking the beginning of the regeneration of the Vijayanagara Empire. Regarded as an icon by many Indians, Krishnadevaraya was honored with various titles such as Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana, Andhra Bhoja and Mooru Rayara Ganda.

As soon as he came to power, the first thing Krishnadevaraya did was to launch extensive military campaigns against troubling neighbours. He first silenced the Muslim rulers of the Deccan inflicting a crushing defeat on the combined Muslim army. With this victory Vijayanagara territory extended up to the fertile Doab region of Krishna-Tungabhadra Rivers.

The emergence of Vijayanagar Empire saw a new phase of coinage in south India. Krishnadevaraya has issued many gold coins and one of his extremely rare Double Pagoda coins depicts the standing Lord Venkateshwara with a discus and conch on either of his hands.

The above-shown coin is one of the best examples of gold Pagodas issued under his reign. This coin represents the figure of seated Balkirshna on its obverse face. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin depicts the Nagari legend.

This valiant ruler of India is also praised by India Post with a stamp issued on his name. This Rs. 5.00 stamp shows a bronze statue of Krishnadevara with the background of a famous historical site of the period.

Image Source: http://www.rajgors.com

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