2020-12-08 Tue

The word Tanjavur is derived from ‘Tanjan’ the ‘Asura’; according to the Hindu mythology, Thanjavur is one of the ancient cities in India and has a long and varied history dating back to the Sangam period. Asura Tanjan was killed in Tanjavur by the Hindu god Neelamegha Perumal, a form of Vishnu. The word Thanjavur is indeed a Tamil name. ‘Than’-cold, ‘chei’-farmland, ‘ur’- city means city surrounded by cold farmlands. Later, the word ‘Thancheiur’ has become ‘Thanjavur’.

The Nayakas dynasty emerged in South India after the downfall of the Vijaynagar Empire in the year 1556 CE. The Nayaks, was appointed as former military governors of Vijaynagar Emperors. He declares his independence in the year 1565 and established their kingdoms, ruling from the 16th through 18th centuries.

This Raja Ram type gold fanam was issued from Nayakas of Tanjore during the medieval period. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Kali’ and the reverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Rma Rau’.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction