Vijayanagara Empire – Tirumala Deva Raya Copper 1 Kasu – Dagger, Discus and Conch Type

Vijayanagara Empire, Aravidu Dynasty, Ruler: Sri Tirumala Deva Raya (Tirumala Raya I), Reign: 1570-1572 CE, Denomination: 1 Kasu, Metal: Copper, Weight: 3.58 grams, Diameter: Approxemtly 14 to 15 mm, Shape: Round (Irregular), Reference: K. Ganesh, Catalogue No. #9.130 (similar type), about very fine, rare.

Obverse: A vertically positioned dagger or sword within a linear circle surrounded by a dotted border, flanked by a discus (Chakra) on the left and a conch (Shankha) on the right, representing traditional Vaishnavite and royal symbols.

Reverse: Three-line Nagari legend reading “श्री ति रु म ल रा ज” (Sri Tirumala Raja), separated by horizontal interlinear rules and enclosed within a linear circle surrounded by a dotted border.

The Vijayanagara Empire, established in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, emerged as one of the most influential Hindu kingdoms of medieval southern India, renowned for its military strength, monumental temple architecture, agricultural prosperity, and extensive maritime commerce. Sri Tirumala Deva Raya, the founder of the Aravidu Dynasty and the first ruler of its imperial line, formally reigned from 1570 to 1572 CE. Following the catastrophic Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE, which severely weakened Vijayanagara’s political authority, Tirumala played a crucial role in preserving the remaining territories and reorganizing the imperial administration. He established Penukonda as an important political centre and worked to maintain the dynasty’s authority amid increasing regional instability. His reign marked the beginning of the Aravidu period, during which the Vijayanagara imperial tradition survived despite the loss of its former capital.

Coinage Note: This copper 1 Kasu is provisionally attributed to Sri Tirumala Deva Raya, whose coinage reflects the continuation of Vijayanagara’s established monetary traditions during the late sixteenth century. Copper Kasu coins served as small-denomination currency for everyday commercial transactions, including local markets, agricultural exchanges, and regional trade. The dagger represents royal authority, while the discus and conch are sacred attributes of Lord Vishnu, reflecting the Vaishnavite symbolism associated with Vijayanagara kingship. The Nagari legend “Sri Tirumala Raja” identifies the royal name and provides an important basis for numismatic attribution. A similar, though slightly different variety, is listed in K. Ganesh’s catalogue under No. 9.130, providing a comparative numismatic reference for the present specimen. The combination of royal emblems, religious symbolism, and Nagari lettering makes this issue a historically significant example of late Vijayanagara copper coinage.