Discovery of Vijayanagara-era gold coins
Context:
Discovery of 103 punch-marked gold coins found inside an earthen pot buried in the sanctum sanctorum during restoration work Kovilur hamlet, near Jamunamarathur village, atop Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
Estimated to be around 600 years old Vijayanagara period (14th–16th centuries CE).
Administrative and Legal Actions
The treasure comes under Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 district collector acts as custodian of such findings.
The coins will be assessed by archaeologists of Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department (TNSAD) for heritage valuation.
After examination, they’ll be deposited in the district treasury.
Archaeological & Historical Insights
Gold coins (avg. 5 mm) minted during Vijayanagara Empire; emblem of a pig/boar (varaha) symbol of the dynasty.
King Krishnadevaraya and other rulers revived temple architecture and religious endowments, often offering gold coins to temples.
Coin shapes:
Vijayanagara era: Circular coins.
Sangam age: Square-shaped coins.
Usage distinction:
Gold coins: Temple offerings, wealth storage, and religious purposes (not for regular trade).
Copper/other metals: Used for daily trade durable and widely circulated.
Vijayanagara empire
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE) founded by Harihara and Bukka.
Its emblem, Varaha (boar), symbolized protection and prosperity.
The period saw a revival of temple culture and Dravidian architecture, particularly under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE).
Vijayanagara Empire Coinage System
The Vijayanagara Empire developed one of the most sophisticated monetary systems in medieval India, integrating religious symbolism, economic standardization, and regional autonomy (via Nayaka and vassal coinage).
Structure of the Monetary System
Hierarchical Coinage System
Metal | Coin Name(s) | Relative Value | Notes |
Gold | Pagoda / Varaha / Hon / Gadyana / Pon | Standard Unit (≈3.4 g) | Highest denomination, used for royal and temple offerings |
Silver | Tara | 1/16 of a gold Varaha | Used for medium transactions |
Copper | Jeetal / Kasu / Duggani / Kani / Ara Kasu | Fractional denominations | Used in daily trade and local markets |
2. Gold Coinage (Varaha System)
Pagoda / Varaha
Weight: ~3.4 grams
Names: Varaha (Sanskrit), Hon (Kannada), Gadyana or Pon (Tamil)
Portuguese name: Pagoda (means "temple-shaped coin").
Designs:
Deities like Lord Venkateshwara, Rama-Lakshmana-Sita-Hanuman, Lakshmi, Vishnu, or Varaha (Boar) royal emblem.
Some feature royal names or dynastic symbols.
Variants:
Ghattivaraha, Doddavaraha, Suddhavaraha — subtypes of gold coins differing slightly in purity and weight.
Denominations:
Half-Varahas and gold fanams (smaller denominations) (UPSC PYQ).
Later issues:
Aravidu dynasty coins (last Vijayanagara line) prominently depicted Lord Venkateshwara.
Ramatankas (Token Coins)
Special gold token coins showing the coronation of Lord Rama (Ramapatabhisheka).
Not for trade; used as religious tokens or offerings.
Even today, many families in South India keep Ramatankas as sacred symbols.
3. Silver and Copper Coinage
Silver Tara
Value: 1 Tara = 1/16 of a gold Varaha
Used in urban markets and regional exchange.
Carried deity or royal symbols like the sun, boar, or sword.
Copper Coins (Jeetal System)
Jeetal: ≈ 1/3 of a silver Tara.
Duggani: 2 kani = 5 kasu = 10 ara kasu.
Symbols: Common motifs — humped bull, conch, sword, or temple tower.
Locally circulated and used by traders and artisans.
Minting and Distribution
Mints: Operated in multiple cities — Hampi, Penukonda, Chandragiri, etc.
Minting Authority: Central mint under royal supervision, but local mints allowed under Nayakas (vassals).
Vassal Coinage:
Nayakas of Chitradurga, Madurai, and others issued coins with local symbols, but retained imperial weight and design standards.
Material Sources: Gold and silver acquired via trade routes, temple donations, and tribute payments.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about coinage traditions in South Indian history:
Coins from the Sangam period were mostly punch-marked and square-shaped.
Vijayanagara coins were circular and bore symbols like Varaha and the Sun.
The transition from punch-marked to die-struck coins in South India occurred during the Chola period.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Incorrect: Sangam coins were die-struck and typically square or rectangular, not circular.
Statement 2 – Correct: Vijayanagara coins were circular, often depicting Varaha, Sun, and temple motifs.
Statement 3 – Correct: Cholas (9th–13th CE) introduced die-struck coins replacing earlier punch-marked designs — marking a technological evolution in minting.
Q. Consider the following statements:
Gold coins during Vijayanagara period were primarily used for temple offerings.
Copper coins were widely used in trade due to their durability.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 Only
C. Both
D. None
✅ Answer: C. Both
Explanation: All statements are correct gold coins were ritual offerings, copper was for trade.
Q. Recently, a cache of 103 gold coins from the Vijayanagara era was found at Kovilur in Tamil Nadu. According to the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878, who is the custodian of such discovered treasures?
A. Archaeological Survey of India
B. District Collector
C. State Archaeology Department
D. Revenue Department
✅ Answer: B. District Collector
Explanation: Under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878, the District Collector acts as the custodian of treasures found within the district until ownership is legally determined.