2026-10-09 Fri

In our ongoing series exploring the coinage of the Sangam Age, this uninscribed copper coin attributed to the Chera dynasty stands out for its combination of animal imagery, weapons, and other distinctive symbols. The bow and arrow, a well-known emblem associated with the Cheras, is particularly significant in the study of their coinage.

The obverse presents a symbolic arrangement centred on an elephant facing right, with an arched hill positioned to its right. A strung bow and arrow appear above the main design, while a fish is depicted to the elephant's left. At the top of the composition are a wavy line and a battle-axe.

The elephant is a recurring motif in ancient Indian art and coinage, often associated with power, prestige, and the natural environment. The arched hill adds another distinctive element to the design, while the fish and battle-axe contribute to the varied symbolic vocabulary of the coin. The wavy line may represent a natural feature such as water, although its precise significance on this specimen cannot be established with certainty.

Of particular interest is the strung bow and arrow, an emblem closely associated with the Chera dynasty. Its placement above the principal motifs reinforces the coin's attribution and provides an important point of comparison with other known Chera coin types. The presence of several symbols on a single coin also illustrates the complex visual language employed in early South Indian monetary traditions.

The reverse features a strung bow and arrow, presented as the principal design. The prominence of this emblem is significant because the bow was traditionally associated with the Cheras and appears in representations of their dynastic identity.

The relatively simple reverse contrasts with the more elaborate symbolic composition on the obverse. This arrangement places emphasis on the bow and arrow, making it the defining feature of the coin's reverse design.