2026-06-03 Wed

Varaha Hon (also called Gajapati Varaha, Gajapati Pagoda, or simply Pagoda) of the Talakadu Gangas (Western Ganga dynasty) is a gold coin issued by this ancient Karnataka dynasty.

The Western Gangas of southern Karnataka (Gangavadi region) reigned from roughly the 4th to early 12th century CE, with Talakadu (Talakad) as one of their main capitals on the banks of the Kaveri River

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The Varhaha hons Approximately weighs 3.8–3.9 grams (standard gold pagoda size, similar to later South Indian gold coins).

The Obverse has a highly ornate, caparisoned (decorated) elephant standing to the right. The elephant was the royal emblem (lanchana) of the Gangas. These coins often feature Kannada legends or letters above (e.g., “Shri”, “Ma”, “Bhadr”, or others like “Kalki”).

The Reverse depicts an intricate ornamental floral scroll or stylized flower/scrollwork design (sometimes described as abstract or resembling a garuda in rare interpretations)