Goddess Meenakshi Portrait – Madurai Nayaka 1 Kasu Copper Coin

The Madurai Nayaks (South India Hindu Dynasty), Minted between 1601-1736 CE, Denomination: 1 Kasu, Composition: Copper, Weight: 2.21 grams, Diameter: 12.33 mm, References: MSI# 828, about very fine, very scarce,

Obverse: Goddess Meenakshi standing facing, beneath arch

Reverse: Sri / Vi / Ra in Kannada language

The Kingdom of Madurai was a powerful South Indian Hindu state ruled by the Nayaka dynasty. After the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Madurai Nayaks established their independent rule. Among them, King Thirumalai Nayak (1623–1659 AD) was the most prominent ruler, under whom Madurai became a great cultural and religious center. Goddess Meenakshi, the patron deity of Madurai, is often depicted on their coins — as seen on this 1 Kasu copper coin, showing the goddess standing beneath an arch. The reverse bears the legend “Sri / Vi / Ra” in Kannada script. The Nayak rulers frequently fought against Muslim powers such as the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughals to preserve their Hindu traditions and South Indian independence. This coin reflects their rich cultural and political heritage.