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Gajapati Fanam - Western Gangas
| Issuer | Western Ganga Dynasty (Indian states) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1080-1138 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Highly stylized elephant facing right in the field, rendered in a bold, primitive hammered style characteristic of medieval South Indian coinage. The elephant's body is delineated by a series of raised beaded ridges and pellets representing the trunk, tusks, and body mass. The head is indicated by globular forms, with the trunk curling downward, and the legs suggested by short vertical strokes at the base. The design fills the flan entirely, with no legend or inscription present. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A prominent spiral or volute scroll dominates the field, rendered in bold relief typical of Western Ganga hammered gold issues. The design consists of a large clockwise coiling tendril originating from the center of the flan, with secondary foliate scrolls and pellet ornaments filling the surrounding field. The overall composition is a stylized floral or vegetal arabesque design, executed in a fluid yet schematic manner consistent with medieval Deccan artistic conventions. No inscription or legend is present. |
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| Additional information |
The Western Ganga dynasty of southern Karnataka issued these tiny gold fanams across a reign defined by constant pressure from the Cholas to the south and the Hoysalas rising to displace them entirely. By the early twelfth century the dynasty was effectively a vassal power, and coinage of this period reflects a political authority that was shrinking faster than the coins themselves. The Hoysalas extinguished Ganga rule entirely by the mid-twelfth century.