2020-12-07 Mon

The Vijaynagar Empire was established during the 14th century in India and ruled for almost three centuries. This empire was founded; by two brothers Harihara and Bukka in the year 1336 CE in the wake of the rebellions against Tughluq rule in the Deccan. Both Harihara and Bukka founded this empire as an independent kingdom in the region between the river Krishna and Tungabhadra making Hampi their capital city. Later the empire soon established its sway over the entire territory between the rivers, Krishna, in the north and Cauveri in the south.

This gold half pagoda that weighs around 1.71g was issued by Venkapati Raya III during his rule in the Vijaynagar Empire. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘Tirupati Balaji / Venkateshwara standing front under an ornate arch’. The reverse of this coin depicts Devanagari legend ‘Sri Venkatesvaraya Namah’.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction