Venand Chera Dynasty Bettle Axe Copper Kasu South India Medieval Era Coin

Venad Chera (Southern India), c. 1118-1160 CE, Denomination: 1 Kasu, Metal: Copper, Weight: 3.74 grams, Diameter: 16.13 mm, Reference: Mitch T&K #458, MSI#453, Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Seated king in Chola style facing right, accompanied by a prominent Battle Axe on the right; Tamil letter “Cha” (ச) appears in the upper right, reflecting the distinctive Tamil legends and Chola-influenced artistic tradition of Venad Chera coinage.

Reverse: Standing figure in Chola style facing right, accompanied by a lozenge symbol on the right, executed in the characteristic stylized manner of the period and reflecting the strong Chola influence on the coinage of the Venad region.

Venad Chera was an important medieval kingdom in southern India, centred in the region corresponding broadly to present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. During the period around 1118–1160 CE, its coinage shows strong artistic and cultural influence from the Chola tradition, particularly in the depiction of the seated and standing royal figures. The Battle Axe on the obverse is a distinctive feature of this type, while the Tamil letter “Cha” provides an important identifying element. The combination of Chola-style royal imagery, Tamil script and symbolic devices makes the copper Kasu an interesting example of the monetary traditions of medieval South India.