Nayakas of Madurai c.1600-1700 CE Lord Narasimha the 4th avatar of Vishnu type Copper Kasu Coin

Nayakas of Madurai, Circa, 1600-1700 CE,  Lord Narasimha the 4th avatar of Vishnu, Denomination: AE Cash, ‘Sri Veera’ type, Obv: Narasimha seated in Yogabandha pose, Rev: Kannada legend Sri Veera, Weight: 3.25 grams, Diameter: 17 mm, Unlisted in KM Catalogue, about extremely fine, very rare.

This copper cash belongs to the Madurai Nayaks, a powerful dynasty that governed southern Tamil Nadu after the decline of Vijayanagara authority. The Nayaks ruled from Madurai as military governors turned independent kings, known for temple patronage, urban development, and regional stability.

The obverse depicts Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu, symbolizing divine protection, royal justice, and the triumph of dharma over tyranny. His Yogabandha posture emphasizes control, strength, and spiritual authority.

South Indian coinage frequently displayed gods and goddesses because rulers sought religious legitimacy, public trust, and divine sanction. Sacred imagery also made coins easily recognizable among largely non-literate populations, reinforcing faith, sovereignty, and moral order in daily transactions.