Madurai Kingdom Chokkanatha Nayak Copper Kasu Coin

Chokkanatha Nayak of Madurai Kingdom, r. 1659-1682 CE, Composition: Copper, Denomination: Kasu, Weight: 2.43 grams, Diameter: 14 mm, about fine, rare

Obverse: Portrait image of the Nayaka ruler holding a dagger in his left hand.

Reverse: Telugu/Kannada Legend ‘Sri Chokka శ్రీ చొక్కా’

Chokkanatha Nayak (r. 1659–1682 CE) was a prominent ruler of the Madurai Nayak Kingdom, known for his administrative reforms and temple patronage. He strengthened the Nayak rule in southern Tamil Nadu during a period of regional instability. The copper Kasu issued under his name features a portrait of the king holding a dagger, symbolizing authority and valor. The reverse bears the Telugu/Kannada legend “Sri Chokka”, a royal epithet. Chokkanatha maintained relative independence despite Mughal advances under Aurangzeb. His main regional rivalries included conflicts with the Mysore Kingdom and the Sethupathis of Ramnad, often influenced by Deccan Sultanate politics.