Medieval Era Eastern Bengal – Harikela Chandra Rulers 7th–8th Century CE – Region Eastern Bangladesh+Arakan+Chittagong Silver Unit Rare Coin

Denomination & Composition: Silver Unit, Weight: 4.34 gms, Diameter: 29.86 mm, References: MAC# 5259–5261; S.K. Bose HD # 2.5; Mitch. Bangladesh 122–124; MJA 222, about very fine, extremely rare.

Obverse: Stylized recumbent humped bull facing left, with prominent two horns, clear ears, distinct hump and mouth. Tail raised upward. No garland around the neck. Legend “Harikela” placed above the bull.

Reverse: Bold, ornate Shrivatsa (Trident-head / tripartite temple) symbol with long central shaft, flanked by crescent, sun, and moon motifs, all within a decorative beaded border.

The Chandra Dynasty of Harikela, ruling during the 7th–8th century CE, oversaw a thriving coastal realm in Eastern Bengal, Arakan, and the Chittagong region. Under their authority, Harikela evolved into a major maritime hub connected to the Bay of Bengal trade networks linking Bengal with Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and early Arab merchants. The Chandras promoted political stability, agrarian expansion, and strong Buddhist patronage, which collectively shaped the region’s cultural identity. Their coinage reflects this prosperity: the recumbent bull on the obverse represents strength and wealth, while the bold Shrivatsa on the reverse stands as a sacred symbol revered in both Vishnuite and Buddhist traditions. These rare silver units capture Harikela’s economic vitality and its wider influence in early medieval Bengal.