Description
Venadu kingdom
Vira Kerala Tiruvadi, 1127-1144 Silver
Obverse: Nagari legend Sri Vira/ Keralasya, with open-mouthed crocodile advancing left between the two lines
Reverse: Nagari legend Sri Ganda/rankushasya, with a spider between the two lines
Ref: Mitchiner 802/804
Vira Keralavarman’s stone inscription at Cholapuram is dated Kollam 302 (1127 AD). He regained independence by shaking off Chola overlordship and retrieving the fortunes of his region that had been subjugated by the Cholas for over a century. In order to commemorate this historic milestone it is likely that he issued a new coinage.
An interesting coin type – one of the few silver coins issued in South India in the medieval period. It also carries Nagari legends, not local vernacular legends. The crocodile and spider probably signify the martial victories of Vira Kerala over the Cholas.
