2020-04-13 Mon

The Kadambas of Hangal was a South Indian dynasty during the Late Classical period on the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Karnataka. Chatta Deva who reigned from 980-1031 CE founded the dynasty. The successors of Chatta Deva occupied both Banavasi and Hangal and are known as Kadambas of Hangal.

Kadambas coins were one the heaviest and perhaps purest of all medieval Indian gold coinage. Kadambas issued 2 types of gold coins, namely Punch-marked gold coins and Die struck gold coins. In 1065 AD Kadambas Toyimadeva issued first die struck gold coins.

The gold coin of Kadambas depicts god Hanuman, inside the lined circle and dotted circle, flanked by two chowries and conch. Also include the figures of the sun and moon. Below is the legend Nakara (Nagara, the deity of Bankapura, Nagareshwara) in Telugu-Kannada script.

The hanuman pagoda of the Kadambas of Hangal is very peculiar and one of the most beautiful coins of ancient India. The Gold pagoda depicts Hanuman seated facing with the head right, chowris and shankha on each side with Nagari legend Nakara below, rev. ornamental scroll within a decorative border.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auctions