2020-02-18 Tue

Hangal is a town in the Haveri district of Karnataka; it is situated at the bank of the Dharma river. The Kadambas of Hangal was a South Indian dynasty of the late classical period in the Karnataka region of the Indian subcontinent. The Kadambas of Hangal is one of the branches of the Kadamba Dynasty that ruled between 972 CE and 1252 CE. This kingdom is consisting of the eastern part of the North Canara district and the Western part of the Dharwad District. The Kadambas of Hangal were the feudatories of Chalukyas of Kalyani through most of their existence.

The Kadambas of Hangal issued heavy pure gold coins. One of the kings Shavtivarma issued pure gold coins from 1075 CE to 1789 CE. Coins issued by king Shantivarma bears the central punch mark of Hunumana and four other symbols around. Another coin issued by him is Die-Struck coins which contain Goddess Laxmi on side and Toyimadeva on others. One of the gold coins issued by him depicts god Hanumana inside line and dotted circle, flanked by two chouries and conch. It also includes the figures of the sun and moon.

This gold gayana coin is attributed to king Toymimadeva; Toymidadeva ruled Kadambas of Hangal from 1048 CE to 1075 CE. The obverse of this coin depicts a Majestic lion holding a front paw aloft, a small dagger within the loop, Kannada legend Saluga below. The reverse of this coin depicts an elaborate floral scroll decorative motif within a 'rayed lotus' border.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery