Thanjavur Nayakas of Vijayanagara Empire Venkatapati Raya Copper Kasu, Vishnu Type South India Coin

Thanjavur Nayakas, Vijayanagara Empire, Maharajadhiraja Venkatapati Raya, (r. 1586-1614 CE), Composition: Copper, Denomination: AE Kasu, Weight: 3.10 grams, Diameter: 13.53 mm, about very fine, very rare.

Obverse: standing lord vishnu within dotted circle, holding conch in one hand, both sides long lamps,

Reverse: kannada & telugu legend “ve m ka/ta pa వె మ్ కా/ట పా” in dotted circle,

Maharajadhiraja Venkatapati Raya (r. 1586–1614) was a powerful ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire’s Aravidu dynasty and patron of the Thanjavur Nayakas. His reign marked a revival of Vijayanagara strength after prior decline. The copper Kasu coin shows Lord Vishnu standing within a dotted circle, reflecting his deep Vaishnavite devotion. The reverse bears Kannada-Telugu legend “ve m ka/ta pa”. He issued coins in gold (Pagoda), silver, and copper. During Mughal expansion under Akbar and Jahangir, Venkatapati maintained southern autonomy. Locally, he faced conflict with the Golconda Sultanate.