2020-03-17 Tue

The Vijaynagar Empire was one of the important dynasties during the medieval period in India. The Vijaynagar dynasties ruled India for almost three centuries. This dynasty was founded by two rulers Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama Dynasty in the year 1336 CE.

In the year 1336; When Muhammad Bin Tughluq of the Tughluq dynasty started losing his power in Deccan; the two rulers Harihara and Bukka established the Vijaynagar Empire between the river Krishna and Tungabhadra.

One of the most important kings of this empire was King Krishnadeva Raya. During his rule kingdom had reached its highest peak of glory. He was not only a great ruler but also a great patron of art and architecture. The Telugu literature flourished under him. During his rule, he encouraged Painting, sculpture, dance, and music.

King Krishnadeva Raya was one of the most successful kings in all his war waged. During his rule, he had defeated the king of Odisha and annexed Vijaywada and Rajmahendri. He had also maintained a good relationship with Portuguese, who had established their trade centers on the west coast of India during that time.

This gold Half-Pagoda which weighs around 1.7g was issued by him during his reign in the Vijaynagar Empire. The obverse of this coin depicts seated Balakrishna with a flat headdress, flanked by conch shell and chakra. The reverse of this coin depicts legend Sri Pratapa Krishna Raya.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction