2020-11-10 Tue

The Chola dynasty was one of the largest ruling dynasties in world history. After the end of the Sangam Age, they became the feudatory of Uraiyur. They became prominent during the 9th century and established their empire comprising the major portion of South India. They also extended their kingdom to Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula. Therefore, they are called the Imperial Cholas.

Rajaraja I was the ruler of Imperial Chola; often he is described as Rajaraja the Great. He remembered as reinstating the Chola power and ensuring its supremacy in south India and the Indian Ocean. Rajaraja I was an able administrator; he also built a great Brihadisvara Temple at the Chola capital Thanjavur. The temple is regarded as the foremost of all temples in the medieval south Indian architectural style.

This gold fanam that weighs around 0.46g was issued by Rajaraja I during this rule. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘Tiger, Parasol above 2 Fishes, a strung bow to the left’. The reverse of this coin is inscribed with the Devanagari legend ‘Two-Line Devnagari legend ‘Yuddha Malla’.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques