Dancing Krishna Madurai Nayakas 17th Century Copper Kasu

Madurai Nayakas, Dancing Krishna (Kaliya Mardan Pose), Period: c. 17th Century CE (Medieval India), Denomination: Kasu, Metal: Copper,  Weight: 1.25 grams, Diameter: 9 mm, Reference: Unlisted in KM Catalogue, Very Fine, Very Scarce

Obverse: Depicts Lord Krishna in a dynamic dancing posture, shown subduing the serpent Kaliya (Kaliyamardana / Kaliya Narthana pose), a powerful Vaishnava devotional motif.

Reverse: Tamil/Kannada legend “Sri Vira” or “Sri Veera,” sometimes enclosed within a square or simple frame, symbolizing the “Valiant Lord.”

This rare copper kasu belongs to the Nayaks of Madurai, issued during the 17th century CE. The iconography of Krishna dancing upon the hoods of the serpent Kaliya represents the divine act of protecting the sacred river from poison and restoring cosmic order. Such devotional types reflect the strong Vaishnava influence in South India under the Nayak rulers. Coins of this series vary in fabric and legend style, with many pieces being crudely struck, adding to their charm and historical character. Due to low survival rates and religious handling, well-preserved examples are considered scarce to very scarce and are highly sought after by collectors of South Indian medieval coinage.