King Bhuvanaikabahu I – Dambadeniya Dynasty of Medieval Sri Lanka & South India Copper AE Kahavanu or Massa Extremely Rare Coin

King Bhuvanaikabahu I, Dambadeniya Dynasty of Medieval Sri Lanka/South India, 1271 – 1285 CE, Denomination: AE Kahavanu or Massa, Composition: Copper, Weight: 3.55 grams, Diameter: 19.02 mm, Reference: Mitchner #850-2, About Very Fine, + Extremely Rare.

Obverse: King seated facing holding lotus altar flames and pellets on right.

Reverse: King reclining right holding sankh name in Brahmi on right.

King Bhuvanaikabahu I (1271–1285 CE) of the Dambadeniya Dynasty ruled during a turbulent yet culturally vibrant phase of medieval Sri Lanka. He was the son of King Vijayabahu IV and ascended the throne after a period of political instability. Bhuvanaikabahu I focused on strengthening royal authority, protecting Buddhist institutions, and securing trade routes that connected Sri Lanka with South India and Southeast Asia. His reign is noted for diplomatic ties with other regional powers and efforts to preserve the island’s sovereignty despite foreign pressures.

The AE Kahavanu/Massa issued under his name—showing the king seated with a lotus on the obverse and reclining with a Śaṅkha and Brahmi legend on the reverse—is extremely rare. These coins reflect a blend of artistic symbolism and royal power, offering valuable insight into Sri Lanka’s medieval numismatic heritage.