Dancing Krishna type Madurai Nayak Chokkanatha Nayak Copper Kasu

Dancing Krishna type, Madurai Nayak, Ruler: Chokkanatha Nayak, Reign: 1662–1682 CE, Denomination: Kasu, Metal: Copper, Weight: 2.30 grams, Diameter: 13.33 mm, about extremely fine, scarce.

Obverse: Dancing Krishna, flanked by oil lamps on left and right.

Reverse: Telugu legend “Sri Chokka”.

Chokkanatha Nayak ascended the throne of Madurai at a young age after the death of his father, Muttu Alakadri Nayak, and ruled during a politically sensitive phase of the Madurai Nayak kingdom. His reign reflects continuity of Nayak administrative traditions along with strong patronage of Vaishnavism. Coins of this period commonly depict Hindu deities, with Krishna motifs symbolizing devotion, legitimacy, and royal piety. The Telugu inscription “Sri Chokka” directly associates the issue with the ruler, making this Kasu an important historical and religious representation of late Nayak coinage in South India.