The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c17.s2.t17.4

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.