Vijayanagara Coinage
V
ijayanagara had a sophisticated currency system. Coins were minted from many mints in the empire. The main one was located in Hampi. What is now believed to be the ruins of a mint can be seen inside the walled enclosure west of the royal enclosure.Vijayanagara coinage is astonishing with its array of coins in gold, silver and copper. Most of them spotted the images of gods, animals, birds, state emblem etc. Also special coins were made in commemoration with occasions like triumphs over another kingdoms.
The coin with crawling Krishna’s image is an example (made as a mark to celebrate the conquest of Udaygiri by king Krishnadevaraya). He brought the idol of this crawling Krishna from Udayagiri and installed in a new temple (the Krishna Temple) made at Hampi.
In most of the coins the reverse side is inscribed with the king’s name who ordered to mint the coin.
You can see an impressive array of Vijayanagara coins on display at the Archeology museum in Hampi. Each coin on the display kiosk is provided with magnifying lenses to take a close look at both sides of the coin.
Hampi Photos 1
The landscape of Hampi is filled with unending array of carvings. Some may want to call it an open museum. The carvings of religious as well as secular theme are carved on boulders in its natural settings as well as into the manmade structures. The following depicts a sample collection of such images....