2026-10-21 Wed

The Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336, was one of the most influential powers in medieval South India. Its rulers fostered a flourishing cultural and artistic environment, supporting temple architecture, literature, sculpture, trade, and coinage. The empire reached the height of its political power under Krishnadevaraya (r. 1509–1529), one of its most celebrated monarchs and a distinguished patron of religion and the arts.

Krishnadevaraya’s reign was marked by military victories, territorial expansion, and the consolidation of imperial authority. He was renowned for his devotion to Hindu deities, Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala-Tirupati. His patronage of the temple and his religious offerings reflected the close relationship between kingship, divine blessings, and political legitimacy in the Vijayanagara period. His gold coinage, especially issues bearing elaborate representations of deities, provides a remarkable illustration of these connections.

Among the most remarkable numismatic issues of Krishnadevaraya is the gold Dodda Honnu, or Double Pagoda, weighing approximately 7.80 grams. It offers a striking expression of the relationship between devotion and kingship in the Vijayanagara Empire.

The term Dodda Honnu refers to a large gold coin, while pagoda is a familiar numismatic term for South Indian gold currency. The obverse presents a magnificent depiction of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, standing frontally with four arms beneath an elaborate Makara Thoranam, or ornamental archway. The deity's figure is richly adorned, demonstrating the engraver's attention to sacred iconography and ornamental detail.

The reverse presents a striking contrast to the richly ornamented obverse. Within a double circular border, the Devanagari legend appears in three lines, “Sri / Krishna Ra / ya”.

The inscription identifies the issuing ruler as Krishnadevaraya. Its restrained presentation places the emphasis on the royal name, in contrast to the elaborate sacred imagery on the opposite side.

One of the most celebrated episodes associated with his reign is the performance of Kanakabhishekam, a ceremonial showering of gold. Temple records and historical accounts describe Krishnadevaraya's offering of 30,000 gold coins in connection with his military successes. A documented ceremony took place on 6 July 1514, following his victory over the Gajapati forces at Udayagiri.