2026-09-09 Wed

The Telugu Cholas, also known as the Telugu Chodas, comprised several branches that ruled different parts of the Andhra country during the medieval period. Among them, the Nidugal or Nellore branch emerged as one of the most powerful. Its rulers controlled the Nellore region and, at various times, extended their authority into parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The dynasty claimed descent from the illustrious early Tamil Chola ruler Karikala Chola, reflecting its political and cultural connection with the Imperial Cholas of Tamil country.

Manuma Siddhi III, also known as Manmasiddha III, was one of the prominent rulers of the Nellore branch of the Telugu Cholas. He succeeded his father, Tikka Choda I, and ruled during the mid-13th century, at a time when the political landscape of southern India was marked by competition among the Cholas, Pandyas, Kakatiyas and other regional powers.

His earliest known records date from around 1249 CE, and inscriptions show his authority in the Nellore region. His reign coincided with the period when the power of the Nellore Cholas was approaching its zenith, although the kingdom subsequently became increasingly vulnerable to external intervention and internal conflicts.

The coinage of the Nidugal or Nellore Cholas provides another dimension to their history. The use of Garuda and the legend invoking Danava Murari reveal a strong Vaishnava association, while the distinctive gold Gadyana demonstrates the sophistication of their monetary system.

Here, the coin is a rare gold Gadyana weighing 3.42 grams. The obverse of the coin shows, Garuda is running towards the right in a Chapetadana mudra. On the reverse, a three-line Telugu legend reads “Danava Murari Bantaru.”

Garuda, the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Vishnu, is a particularly significant symbol on a coin associated with a Vaishnava religious tradition. The expression may be understood as referring to the king as the servant of Danava-Murari, an epithet of Lord Vishnu or Krishna meaning “the enemy of the demon.” The type is recorded as extremely rare in numismatic.

This rare coin therefore represents more than a medium of exchange: it is an important historical record of the political identity, religious affiliation and cultural world of the medieval Telugu Cholas.