Vijayanagara Gold Coins Found at Kovilur Temple, Tamil Nadu
Why in the news
A restoration job at a Later Chola-period temple turned up Vijayanagara gold coins, offering a view of the empire’s money.
Key facts
- Find: 103 punch-marked gold coins near the sanctum sanctorum.
- Custody: secured by the State Archaeology Department and Revenue Department.
- Features: pure gold, about 5 mm, boar emblem showing royal authority and divine sanction.
- Likely temple offerings or donations.
| Coin | Metal | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pagodas (gadyanas), half and quarter pagodas | Gold | Temple and royal wealth |
| Taras | Silver | Small transactions |
| Jitals | Copper | Small transactions |
Coinage features
- Deities such as Uma-Maheshwara, Vishnu-Lakshmi, Balakrishna and the Gandaberunda appear.
- Legends in Devanagari, Kannada or Tamil, naming the ruler.
- Circulated across South India, Sri Lanka and Indian Ocean trade routes.
Exam angle
- Law: Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.
- Empire: founded 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka I; capital Hampi.