The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c17.s2.t17: (13) The coinage of the Kākatīyas
The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c17.s2.t17
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(13) The coinage of the Kākatīyas
v2.c17.s2.t17.1
The question of the Kākatīya coinage is veiled in obscurity. Early scholars like Elliot had attributed the coins having a Bull between two candelabra to the Kākatīyas, on the ground that their copper plates have a similar emblem.² But this assumption is now shown to have been mistaken.
v2.c17.s2.t17.2
² Elliot, iii, 93-95.
v2.c17.s2.t17.3
The crest of the dynasty was a Boar. The Kākatīyas were, however, devotees of Śiva and there is therefore nothing improbable in the theory that they adopted the Bull as the main motif on their coinage. But this motif is in fact fairly common in South Indian coinage in general, and its presence therefore does not by itself furnish sufficient justification for ascribing the coins to the Kākatīyas. Recent writers on the subject like Mr. Gopalachari have argued that we have no coins which can be definitely ascribed to the Kākatīyas. The *fanams* ascribed to the dynasty have a modern look and appear to be actually coins struck by the Nāyakas of Madura.
v2.c17.s2.t17.4
A few coins have been found, bearing fragmentary legends, which have been attributed to various Kākatīya rulers. Certain pieces were found in the Southern Konkan bearing the motif of the Lion. They have legends in Telugu characters; on some coins it is *Balaya-Śri* and on others *Rudra* written in a circle. These latter coins are commonly attributed to the Kākatīya ruler Rudra.¹ This attribution may well seem probable in view of the fact that the legend is written in Telugu characters; but it is not easy to explain how the coins of a king ruling in Warangal come to be found in the south of the Konkan. We must not forget, however, that gold coins often travel long distances. A copper coin, now lost, is stated to have had the device of the Bull and a fragmentary legend, *Srimat . . . ka . . kakati . . Pratapa-ra . . ya*.² This piece was attributed to King Pratāpa-Rudra of the Kākatīya dynasty. But the legend seems to be unusually long, and as the coin is no longer in existence, we cannot be sure whether its legend has been correctly reported.
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¹ *JBBRAS*, ii, 63.
v2.c17.s2.t17.6
² Elliot, p. 85.
v2.c17.s2.t17.7
In a treasure-trove found at Kavaiyadavalli³ in the Nellore district, a solitary coin was found weighing 56.25 grains. There was a Lion on its obverse and a fragmentary legend [*Ka*]ti-gana in Telugu characters. The attribution of this coin to King Gaṇapati is a possible suggestion, but at present it lacks confirmation.
v2.c17.s2.t17.8
In the hoard referred to above, three cup-shaped gold coins were found, having apparently had a Lion in the centre and a fragmentary legend, which, when pieced together, seemed to read *rayasamu*. Ambaḍadeva, who had usurped the throne after the death of Rudrambā, bore the title *Rāyasa-hasramalla*. It is suggested that the legend *rayasamu* may be a contraction of Rāyasa-hasramalla and that these coins might have been struck by him.³ But the reading of the legend is by no means certain and therefore we cannot be sure of the attribution.
v2.c17.s2.t17.9
³ *J. Andhra His. Soc.* i, 137.