2016-09-29 Thu

Animals have been traditionally considered sacred in Indian culture. Bull is one among them! They are considered to be holy beings. The bull is a sign of masculinity and valor.

Bull on the obverse is the most common symbol found on the Pallava coins. This indicates that the Pallavas were the follower of Lord Shiva. Pallava bull is very typical and is commonly seen on their monuments. The early coins of Pallavas are of Lead, copper and bronze. Silver and gold coins are rarely found.

Mahendravarman I was one of the greatest ruler of Pallava Dynasty. Originally he was a follower of Jainism. But he was converted to Saivism through the influence of Saint Appar.

One such Bronze coin found in Tirukoviloor depicts bull on the obverse side with a legend on top “Sakala-Bhajana’’ in Pallava Grantha script and the reverse has a Chakra.

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