Ceylon Chola (Kingdom of Polonnaruwa) King Parakrambahu I – Copper 1 Massa Coin

Ceylon Chola, Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, King Parakrambahu I (මහා පරාක්‍රමබාහු), r. 1123-1186 CE, Composition: Copper, Denomination: 1 Massa, Weight: 3.59 grams, Diameter: 18.53 mm, Superb strikes, Extremely Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Standing king, lamp at left, globes at right, 

Reverse: King seated right with left arm raised, 4-line Nagari legend below arm ‘Sri Parakram Bahu’.

The Ceylon Chola (Polonnaruwa) under King Parakramabahu I (r. 1123–1186 AD) marked one of the most glorious eras in Sri Lankan history. Parakramabahu I, also known as “Maha Parakramabahu,” was a visionary ruler renowned for his administrative skill, military strength, and devotion to prosperity. He unified the island after years of internal conflict and launched successful naval expeditions against South India and Burma. His reign is remembered for the famous saying, “Not even a drop of water should flow into the sea unused,” symbolizing his irrigation and agricultural reforms.

The coinage of Parakramabahu I reflects the Chola influence merged with Sinhalese artistry. Coins were issued in copper, silver, and gold, featuring the standing king on the obverse and the seated monarch on the reverse, with the Nagari legend “Sri Parakramabahu.” These coins represented both royal authority and religious devotion, highlighting the cultural richness of Polonnaruwa’s golden age.