2021-09-15 Wed

One of the oldest Hindu kingdoms of southern India, it was built on the remnants of the mighty Vijaynagar Kingdom. The most famous dynasty ruling Mysore is Wodeyar's but the first Muslim ruler of Mysore was King Haider Ali. He was succeeded by his son Tipu Sultan whose struggle against British’s glorified the history of Karnataka. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan the throne was given again to the old ruling family of Mysore ‘Wodeyar’s and Krishnaraja Wodeyar was installed on the Mysore throne.

Due to the juvenile status of the newly coroneted king, a regent ‘Dewan Purniya’ was appointed to govern in the place of King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. The above-shown copper 75 cash coin was issued under Dewan Purniya. The obverse of this coin depicts "Sardula" (mythological tiger) to the right with right paw and tail upraised and Kannada legends at the top of the line and dotted border. The reverse side of this coin illustrates legend in Kanada and Persian and the denomination is inscribed in Roman numerals ‘XV Cash’ within the line and dotted border.

Dewan Purniya was the first Diwan or Chief Minister of Mysore. He was appointed by British after the death of Tipu Sultan. He also served both Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan both earlier. Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiquity