1 Kasu - Nayakas of Gingee ND (1578-1655) front 1 Kasu - Nayakas of Gingee ND (1578-1655) back
1 Kasu - Nayakas of Gingee ND (1578-1655) photo
© VJ

1 Kasu - Nayakas of Gingee ND

 
Copper 3.18 g 15 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of Vijayanagara (Indian Hindu Dynasties)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1578-1655
Value
1 Kasu (1⁄2790)
Currency
Rupee (1336-1565)
Composition
Copper
Weight
3.18 g
Diameter
15 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#386331
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Discus + Vishnu Emblem + Conch

Lettering: Cha / Lama in Devanagari

Comment

"Chalama" was a royal title used by several Vijayanagara kings of the Aravidu dynasty. The chalama coins of the Gingee series appear to have been issued during the reigns of Tirumala's Aravidu's successors - Sriranga I (1572-85) and Venkata II (1586-1614).

https://banknotecoinstamp.com/collections/ancient-coins/products/south-indian-chola-coin-13 

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1 Kasu coin from the Empire of Vijayanagara is that it was used as a medium of exchange for everyday transactions, and its value was equivalent to 1/4 of a rupee. Despite being made of copper, the coin was widely accepted and used throughout the empire, which speaks to the efficient monetary system that the Vijayanagara Empire had established. Additionally, the coin's design features a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic influences, reflecting the cultural diversity of the empire during that time.