2017-10-27 Fri

The Western Chalukya Empire, also known as the Kalyani Chalukya, ruled western Deccan and southern India between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.

The above shown gold Gadyana belongs to either western Chalukyas or Feudatories. The obverse of this coin depicts Shaivite temple with architectural features like pillars, Vimana and Shikhara. Two banners and two temple-lamps are flanking above it within the line and dotted border.

The reverse of this coin depicts a floral scroll emanating out from a Sankha shell with Hale-Kannada inscription in the centre which starts with word ‘Punya’ within the line and dotted border. Shaivism dominated the political environment from 9th to 12th century CE in India. Its influence can be seen on coins by the choice of the depiction of a Shaivite temple.

Sankha illustrated on the reverse of this coin is also associated with generosity and abundance of resources. The legend of this coin is assumed to be a merit associated with the issuer who helped to build this temple.

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