2018-05-29 Tue

This silver Tara was issued by the Torgale, a feudatory region under the Kalachuris of Kalyani. This silver coin weights around 0.12g.

King Barma Bhupala issued this silver tara in between from 1180 to 1190 AD. The obverse of this coin depicts a warrior in the centre running toward the right side, he is withholding a sword in the right hand. The reverse of this coin depicts a legend in Kannada script, it reads 'Nigs'. There is also a Kannada numeral 1.5 inscribed in the centre covering the whole flank.

The legend inscribed on the reverse of this coin 'Niga' is connected to ‘Nigalankamalla’. It was a popular title during Kalachuri rule. In the book Kandamba Kula: A history of ancient and medieval Karnataka, Bhuma-Bhupala is referred to as the son of Boppa-Deva. He is mentioned as the feudatory of the Hoysala King Vira Bailala in the inscription of 1204 AD.

The time period of these two references is close in terms of date, the shift of a feudatory’s allegation can happen through war or a treaty. There is a possibility, that there were two feudatory kings with the same name.

The above-shown coin is unlisted in both Mitchiner and Ganesh. There at least more four types in this denomination.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery