Vijayanagara Empire Devaraya II Copper Coin Rayagajagandabherunda Type Madurai Series

Vijayanagara Empire, Ruler: Devaraya II (r. 1424–1446 CE), Dynasty: Sangama, Series: Madurai, Denomination: Copper Unit, Metal: Copper, Weight: 3.38 grams, Diameter: 15 mm, Reference: MCSI 622–623, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Within linear circle, a tame tusker elephant advancing right, holding what appears to be the royal state sword in its trunk; above, reversed Nagari letter “De” and a conch symbol.

Reverse: Within lined circle and intermediate dotted border, four-line arrangement; first three lines in Nagari legend “Raya / Gaja Ganda / Bherunda”; in place of the fourth line appears the royal sword symbol.

Devaraya II was among the most powerful rulers of the Sangama dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, reigning between 1424 and 1446 CE. Known as an able administrator and formidable military commander, he expanded Vijayanagara influence deep into South India and strengthened its position against Bahmani and other regional powers. His reign is often considered the zenith of early Vijayanagara strength prior to the Tuluva ascendancy.

The “Rayagajagandabherunda” legend reflects royal titulature emphasizing martial valor — “Raya” (King), “Gaja” (Elephant), and “Ganda Bherunda,” a symbol of power and invincibility. The elephant motif on the obverse symbolizes imperial authority and military strength, while the sword reinforces sovereign legitimacy. The Madurai series represents southern provincial mint output, reflecting Vijayanagara’s administrative control over Tamil territories.