2020-02-29 Sat

Nayakas of Keladi is also known as Nayakas of Bednore and Kings of Ikkeri was an Indian Dynasty based in Keladi, the Shimoga district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Keladi was a kingdom located in the Malnad area of Karnataka. They were the dynasty located in the present-day Shivamogga district of Karnataka. Initially, they were the vessel of the Vijaynagar kingdom. After the fall of the Vijaynagar kingdom in the year 1565; the Nayakas of Keladi became independent and ruled the Malnad region of the Western Ghats in the present-day Karnataka. The first king of Keladi was Chowdappa Nayaka who sat on the throne in 1500 CE.

Shivappa Nayaka sat on the throne in the year 1645, he is considered as one of the ablest and great kings of Keladi. During his reign, many reforms took place which affected Keladi. King Shivappa Nayaka gave more importance to agriculture and development; for which he introduced a new scheme for the collection of taxes and revenue which earned him much praise from later British officials.

This gold pagoda which weighs around 3.41g was introduced by king Shivappa Nayaka during his reign. The obverse of this coin depicts sitting Lakshmi-Narayana holding shanka and chakra. The reverse of this coin depicts Nagari legend Sri Sadasiva.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction