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1 1 Vijayanagara as Reflected Through its Numismatics *Dr. N.C. Sujatha Abstract Vijayanagara an out-and-out an economic state which ushered broad outlay of trade and commerce, production and manufacture for over- seas markets. Its coinage had played definitely a greater role in tremendous economic activity that went on not just in India, but also across the continent. Its cities were bustled with traders and merchandise for several countries of Europe and Africa. The soundness of their economy depended on a stable currency system. The present paper discusses the aspects relating to the coinage of Vijayanagara Empire and we could enumerate from these coins about their administration. Its currency system is a wonderful source for the study of its over-all activities of administration, social needs, religious preferences, vibrant trade and commerce and traditional agriculture and irrigation Key words : Empire, Administration, Numismatics, Currency, trade, commerce, routes, revenue, land-grants, mint, commercial, brisk, travellers, aesthetic, fineness, abundant, flourishing, gadyana, Kasu, Varaha, Honnu, panam, Pardai, enforcement, Foundation of Vijayanagara Empire in a.d.1336 is an epoch in the History of South India. It was one of the great empires founded and ruled for three hundred years, and was widely extended over peninsular India. It stood as a bulwark against the recurring invasions from the Northern India. The rule Vijayanagara is the most enthralling period for military exploits, daring conquests, spread of a sound administration. Numismatics is an important source for the study of history. At any given time, the coins in circulation can throw lot of light on then prevalent situation. The currency in usage can attribute to the economic condition and growth of commercial activities. Note- Research Paper Received in December 2016 and Reviewed in April 2017 *Chairpersonand Assistant Professor Department of Ancient History and Archeology Karnataka Open State University, Muktha Gangotri, Mysore, Karnataka Volume VI, Number 22, April-June 2017, ISSN 2277-4157 2 Dr. N.C. Sujatha The coins themselves are the source of information to look into the coinage of Vijayanagara. They are found abundantly, and found with specific details of purpose, name of the reigning monarch etc. The inscriptions are the other sources. Epigraphs issued in different languages, and for varied purposes, contain valuable information on the coins.1 Vijayanagra rulers issued a number of coins of different denominations of gold, silver and copper.2 Vijayanagara ruler showed utmost concern towards issuance of standard coins.3 Known for their fine taste for iconographic details, they highlighted their coins with several motifs of Gods, Goddesses animals and symbols.4 They reflect on the administrative efficiency, and proclaim their efforts in mobilizing and patronizing trade and commerce. The vastness of the Empire, brisk trade activities that went on, and affluent condition of the Empire attracts a student of numismatics, how they administered their currency system, other related issues are the curious factors for study. The usage of currency became widespread, though barter existed in rural areas. But the government preferred money transaction in all its activities. The coins were of different metals, denominations, and issued for varied purposes. The Vijayanagara rulers strictly adhered to the economic policy of curtailing token currency and use of debased currency. Vijayanagara visited by travelers, ambassadors from different parts of the world, who vouch for the efficient currency system of the Vijayanagara. They refer to the existence of a separate department of mints and use of good techniques. While discussing the Vijayanagara coins A.V. Narasimhamurthy, an authority of Vijayanagara coins says that Vijayanagara ruler probably followed the coinage of the Hoysalas rather than the Kakatiyas. Their writing supports the view about the location of mints in different parts of the country. The mints were spread in different parts of the Empire may be for security, or strategically reasons. Abdur Razak is of the opinion that for collection of taxes, as well as disbursement of the money needed for administrative needs. The mints were located at Gandikota, Tirupati, Adoni (Advani), Penukonda, Mangalore, Karakur, Gutti, Nellore, Madurai etc.5 Most important observation is that these coins were named after the place they were minted like Barakuru Gadyana, Mangaluru gadyana(the provincial capitals in the west coast.6 The writing of Barbosa referes to the coin Pardao being minted in certain cities, like Tadapatri, Tirupati, Adoni etc,. The coin honnu minted in these places is called as Tadapatri honnu, advani honnu, Gutti honnu etc. the lower denominations minted in these places.7. Types of Coins: Varaha, Pagoda, and Gadyana were gold coins. Devaraya 2nd issued gold coin ‘Pratapa’ which is half of the Varaha, quarter Varaha. There were different variations among gold coins as mentioned earlier. Epigraphs mention the coins like pon, chinna (gold), madahaga, visa, bele, ruka and kasu. Surprisingly there were fewer silver coins. Silver coin was ‘Tara’, which are found in lesser number. One Tara was equal to three jittals. Widespread usage of jittal or copper coins shows that it was in usage among the commoners for their buying and selling. Central India Journal of Historical And Archaeological Research, CIJHAR Vijayanagara as Reflected Through its Numismatics 3 The kings issued gold coins with the deities on observe and the name of the reigning monarch in the reverse. Abdur Razak, was in all praise for the coins of Devaraya-II with embossed elephants. Krishnadevaraya, the greatest among them all has issued a number of high quality coins. His successors issued fewer gold coins and more of copper coins, reflecting on the decline of the fortunes of the Empire, after the battle of Talikote. Though they continued the same currency system as of the Hoysalas, he observes that there were marked improvements from the technical and artistic points.8 Along with gold coins Vijayanagara rulers issued copper coins. Copper coins were mostly in usage in rural areas. As per a general observation the revenues were paid in copper coins as the gold coins were mostly used for external and internal trade, the commoners hardly possessed gold coins. The Kings donated gold coins to the Brahmanas and others. The coins and inscriptions would reveal different matters; relating to mint, symbols, metals, their values and other related issues like the purpose of the issuance of a particular coin etc. Though a number of gold coins were in circulation, most preferred coin was Gadyana. Gadyana was in circulation throughout the Empire and widely used for administrative purposes. Along with Varaha, Gadyana was the most preferred gold coin of the time. Payment of the tax, revenue was through gadayana and Varaha. They were of equal weight and value. Gadyana preferably used for internal transactions, payment of tax, dues, gift in cash to temples and brahmans. For ceremonial functions like, upanayana, marriages, temple-offerings, gifts etc, Varaha was used. It seems there was no hard and fast distinction in use of both these coins for revenue, social, administrative and religious transactions.9 The gold Gadyanas, varahas and honnu which weighed 52, 26, and 13 grains in gold had lower denominations like: Katti gadyana, kati varaha, kati hon, or kati hana. Usually it is of one\fourth of the coin referred. Besides there were coins weighing still lower denomination called ardha kati. Along with these coins there were Dodda gadyana and Chikka gadyana meaning big and small gadyanas but their exact weight is not known.10 There were substantial sources of revenue from taxing commercial activities. Taxes on trade, professions, tax on the profits of the merchants and traders. Industrial productions; at finishing stage and on their net profit were taxed. One of the peculiar systems was the multiple tax system. It was to derive more income. It seems the burden of taxation on peasants was more and burdensome. They paid not just the land revenue, but also transit duties on commodities, cattle. In all these matters, the coinage was predominant. Government opened its treasuries and mints for issuing coins for circulation and for collecting the taxes. Not to face the problem of deficiency of coins in any part of the empire, the mints were located in different regions. Decentralizing mints was with the purpose of smooth flow of coins, though, it is highly risky to have decentralization of coinage It may lead to lopsided growth Volume VI, Number 22, April-June 2017, ISSN 2277-4157 4 Dr. N.C. Sujatha of the economy, which will deprive the people of the benefits of good administration. The Government looked into this aspect. The major problem in having mints in different places was maintaining uniformity in issuance of standard coins. Notwithstanding few commemoratives, generally the coins issued throughout the empire are of uniform in size and value. Empire had a separate department of mint. Administrators of the department took great care to over-see the supply of precious metals for minting, avoidance of tampering, misuse of coins and easy flow of currency. Widespread administrative liabilities, trade, and commerce the need was to have perfect and strong currency system. Vijayanagara rulers’ utmost attention was drawn towards issuance of coins and to maintain the standard, finesse which needed full proof of aberrations misuse and debasement. Brisk foreign trade the empire had necessitated a strong currency system. Though they followed the currency system of the Hoyslas, they showed keen interest in maintaining finesse and standard of the coins that needed acceptance over-seas, bring much aspired prosperity in trade. The wealthy nature of the Empire, affluence exhibited in numerous ways was the result of careful administration of their coinage and currency system, had brought best out of their currency system as per their administrative and economic needs. Vijayanagara rulers exhibited high aesthetic sense and iconographic details in their coins.
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