2025-03-07 Fri

The Hoysala dynasty ruled regions of Karnataka, parts of Tamil Nadu, and southwestern Telangana from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The capital of the Hoysalas was Dwarasamudra, today known as Halebidu, in Karnataka. The Hoysalas were renowned for their architecture, literature, and patronage of the arts.

Vishnuwardhana Bittiga was one of the greatest rulers of the Hoysala dynasty. He began as a feudatory of the Chalukyas and later earned the title "Mahamandalesvara Chalukyamanimandalika-Chudamani."

The gold Gadyana of Vishnuwardhana Bittiga weighs 4.09 grams.

The obverse features a mythical lion or "Sardula" facing right, with a Vaishnavite deity holding Shankha, Chakra, and Gada (mace) above it. The reverse features the Kannada legend "Shri Nolambawadi Gonda" in three lines.

Vishnuwardhana Bittiga held the title "Nolambawadi Gonda," meaning "Conqueror of the Nolamba country," to honour his conquest of the Sira-Madakasira region before 1117 CE.