Chennai-based numismatist identifies Chola era coin from Cauvery river bed

“These coins were printed after Raja Raja Chola’s death by his son Rajendra Chola. They depict a king standing on one side, and behind, they showcase Rajendra’s name. This is very unique because Rajendra chose to follow his father’s iconic emblem, rather than his own, after his succession to the throne,” explained Manikandan, adding that this was the first coin of its kind discovered thus far.

According to Manikandan, the two coins – one featuring Utham Malla and the other featuring Sri Rajendraha – weigh 50 m and 4 g respectively. Made of an alloy of copper, gold and silver, the coins were minted between 1012 and 1044 AD.

As coins act as an important source of archaeological evidence, these coins can be key for historians and scholars to better understand the Chola dynasty and politics. Manikandan feels that this coin serves as a rare and important historical marker of the Chola reign.

“This first-edition coins could have been minted for three reason – first, as a tribute to his father after taking over the throne, and second, to mark a smooth change of power between rulers. Thirdly, and very importantly, this coin breaks the tradition of kings minting an emblem that will be associated with their rule,” he said.

An interesting point to be noted in these coins is that they contained the Devanagari script, which Manikandan feels is testament to the Chola kings’ commitment to having an equal economic and political footing with the entire Indian subcontinent. This is driven by the motif of a lamp in one of the coins, which signifies prosperity.

Manikandan hopes to release this coin during the Thanjavur temple kumbabishekam at the Brigadeeshwar Temple, which began on February 5.