Vijayanagara Empire (Sangama Dynasty) King Devaraya II c. 1424-1446 AD Bronze Kasu Coin

Reverse: Three-line Nagari legend “Ra ya ga / ja Ga(n) da / Be(ru)nda” within a circle of pellets.

Devaraya II was one of the greatest rulers of the Sangama Dynasty and presided over the Vijayanagara Empire during its golden age. His reign witnessed significant military expansion, administrative reforms, and flourishing trade with Persia, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. He strengthened the empire by modernizing the army, recruiting skilled archers and cavalry, and encouraging commerce through well-developed ports along the western coast. Vijayanagara also emerged as a major center of Hindu art, literature, and temple architecture under his patronage. The widespread circulation of bronze Kasu coins reflected the empire’s vibrant economy and served as an important medium for everyday commercial transactions across southern India.

Coinage Note: The bronze Kasu of Devaraya II features the traditional elephant motif on the obverse, symbolizing royal strength, prosperity, and military power, while the reverse bears a three-line Nagari legend reading “Ra ya ga / ja Ga(n) da / Be(ru)nda.” These hammered coins circulated extensively throughout the Vijayanagara Empire and are among the most recognizable copper denominations of the Sangama Dynasty, representing the stability and prosperity of fifteenth-century South India.