2019-05-30 Thu

The Vijayanagara Empire was a kingdom in South India founded by brothers, Harihara and Bukka in 1336 CE. It was ruled by four major Dynasties- Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty. Its ruins surround present-day Hampi. The empire came to an end by 1646 CE when it was conquered by the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda.
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Bukka I ruled the Empire from 1344 to 1377 AD. He was the ablest ruler of Sangama Dynasty. He conquered many South Indian territories and made peace with Muhammad Shah I of the Bahmanis. During the reign he issued gold, silver, and copper coins in the denomination of Pagoda, Tara, and Jital.

Depicted above is a gold Pagoda issued during his reign. The obverse of a coin portrays the warrior walking to right with upraised right hand. The reverse of a coin has Kannada legend in three lines ‘Sri Vi - ra Bu Ka – Raya’.

Image Source: Todywalla Auctions