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1 Tara - Saluva Dynasty
| Issuer | Empire of Vijayanagara |
|---|---|
| Year | 1486-1505 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central device depicts a stylized figure, likely a deity or royal emblem, rendered in the crude but vigorous hammered style characteristic of Vijayanagara gold coinage. A bird or animal form, possibly a garuda or elephant, appears in the lower field beneath the central motif. The design is surrounded by a beaded border, typical of Saluva Dynasty fanam-type gold issues. The striking is irregular, as expected of hand-hammered coinage of this period and denomination. |
|---|---|
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
The Saluva dynasty's hold on Vijayanagara was precarious from the start — Saluva Narasimha seized power in 1485 by displacing the last Sangama ruler, and his reign was immediately consumed by military campaigns to reassert control over rebellious feudatories. Small fractional gold denominations like this tara functioned in the dense commercial economy of the Deccan, where temple transactions and fine-goods trade demanded denominations well below the standard pagoda. At 0.11 g, consistent striking at this scale required considerable die-cutting precision the Vijayanagara mints demonstrably achieved.