2016-11-01 Tue

We know that Vijay Nagar simply means the city of victory! This Empire came into existence in 1336 CE.

The Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by four major Dynasties- Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty.

The founder of the Sangama Dynasty was Harihara I, also known as Hakka. He was succeeded by his son Bukka I (1354- 1377 CE). He was the ablest ruler of Sangama Dynasty. He conquered many South Indian territories and made peace with Muhammad Shah I of the Bahmanis.

He issued many gold, silver and copper coins.

One of his fabulous Gold Pagoda coin weighs around 3.35g. The obverse depicts the Hanuman or Warrior to right; left hand on knee and right hand raised up. The reverse of it has a Kannada legend ‘Sri Vi - ra Bu Ka – Raya’.

Apparently, there is some confusion about the depiction of deity Hanuman. Because some suggest that the obverse is the warrior or the king himself as he does not have a tail behind and Hanuman without a tail is incomplete.

So is he a warrior or Hanuman? What do you think?

To find out the other coins of Bukka Raya I click on the following link:
https://goo.gl/iExVhB