2019-11-19 Tue

Tirumala Deva Raya is considered the first crowned king of the Vijaynagar Empire from the Aravidu Dynasty. He was the young brother of Aliya Rama Raya and son-in-Law of Krishna Deva Raya.

In the year 1565 when Rama Raya was killed in the Battle of Talikota; Tirumala Deva Raya immediately cleared the entire royal treasury and fled from the capital with the royal family and with the minor crown prince Sadasiva Raya. Later; Tirumala Deva Raya re-established Vijaynagar Empire in Penukonda; today popularly known as Andhra Pradesh. During this period the other dynasties like Southern Nayakas of Madurai and Gingee declared their partial Independence, while some other rebelled against Tirumala Deva Raya’s authority.

In the year 1567, the sultan of Bijapur encountered Tirumala Deva Raya. In this, the Sultan of Bijapur not only lost the battle but also lost some of the territories. Later; Tirumala Devaray tactfully approved the new status of Southern Nayaks, who still paid some tributes and held him as their emperor. Later; Tirumala Deva Raya not only retained most of the Vijaynagar territories but also assumed the title “Reviver of the Decadent Karnataka Empire”.

This copper coin which weighs around 3.69g was issued by Tirumala Deva Raya during his rule. The obverse of this coin depicts Boar walking to right, sun, and dagger above Boar. The reverse of this coin is inscribed with the Kannada legend.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques