Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事！
Sri LankaChola Empire Raja raja I
Gold Kahavanu
Item number: A169
Year: AD 985-1014
Material: Gold
Size: 19.8 x 19.5 mm / thick: 0.5~2 mm
Weight: 4.25 g
Provenance: Spink 2023
This gold coin is a currency known as Kahavanu issued in Sri Lanka during the reign of RajaRaja Chola I of the Chola dynasty.
The obverse of the coin depicts a standing figure facing right, with the left hand holding a flower (lotus or jasmine) in front of the face. The left half of the coin features the ancient religious symbol Shrivatsa, while the right half displays five spheres.
On the reverse side, a similarly right-facing figure is depicted on the left side of the coin, seated on a throne-like pedestal, with the left hand holding a conch shell. On the right side of the coin, there is an inscription in the Devanagari script stating the name of the ruler as “Sri Raja Raja.”
The Kahavanu: Kahavanu was a currency circulated in Sri Lanka from approximately the 10th to the 12th centuries, yet its exact origin and minting period remain uncertain. The obverse of the coin features a standing figure facing right, holding an object in hand (the object varies in different versions), with an indeterminate number of spheres depicted on the right side. On the reverse side, a similarly right-facing figure is portrayed seated on a throne, with the left hand curved to hold an object, while the right side bears inscriptions in the Devanagari script, the content of which varies. Due to the distinctive linear depiction of the figures on the coin, the Kahavanu is sometimes referred to as the “Octopus Man Coin.”
The Shrivatsa: Shrivatsa is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, typically depicted as a knot or emblem on the chests of deities such as Vishnu and Krishna. It is regarded as an extremely auspicious symbol. In Hinduism, the Shrivatsa holds significant religious and cultural significance, revered by devotees as a symbol of divine grace and protection. This symbol typically manifests as a spiral or a series of interlocking loops resembling a flower or a knot, symbolizing auspiciousness, prosperity, and eternity.
The Chola dynasty, originating from the ancient kingdom in the Tamil region of South India, has a history dating back to the Sangam poetry era. Its origins lie in the fertile Cauvery River valley, with its capital at Uraiyur (present-day Tiruchirappalli). Renowned for its efficient taxation system, village autonomy, and irrigation techniques, the Chola dynasty fostered economic prosperity and cultural advancement. The dynasty left a profound impact on South India, making significant contributions to the Tamil cultural heritage.
The expansion of the Chola dynasty bears witness to its growth as a dominant power in South India. Originating from the Cauvery River valley, it gradually occupied the territory of the Pallavas. Around AD 850 to AD 870, the dynasty expanded into the Chola region, subsequently unifying the territories of the Cholas and the Pandyas.
Rajaraja Chola I (AD 985-1014) successfully occupied Gangavadi and Kerala, establishing a strong ruling presence in northern Sri Lanka. Subsequently, Rajendra Chola I (AD 1014-1044) conquered the Malay Peninsula, the Malay Archipelago, and the entire island of Sri Lanka.
However, the dynasty also faced challenges, as wars with the Chalukya Empire resulted in losses. With external interference and internal conflicts intensifying, the Chola kingdom collapsed in AD 1279.
Raja Raja Chola I, one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Chola dynasty in southern India, ruled approximately from AD 985 to 1014. The reign of Raja Raja Chola I symbolizes a pivotal era of expansion, prosperity, and cultural achievements for the Chola dynasty. One of the most significant achievements of Raja Raja Chola I was his successful military campaigns, which greatly expanded the territorial holdings of the Chola dynasty. He annexed several regions of the Indian subcontinent, including parts of Sri Lanka, Kerala, and the Pandya kingdom. His conquests extended the influence of the Chola dynasty, establishing it as a major dominant force in the region.
In addition to his military achievements, Raja Raja Chola I was also renowned for his patronage of art and architecture. He was responsible for the construction of the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in the city of Thanjavur. This magnificent temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the Chola civilization during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I.
羅查羅乍一世（Raja Raja Chola I），是印度南部朱羅王朝歷史上最顯著的人物之一，統治時間約為公元985年至公元1014年間。羅查羅乍一世的統治標誌著朱羅王朝一個關鍵的擴張、繁榮和文化成就的時代。羅查羅乍一世最重要的成就之一是他成功的軍事征戰，極大地擴張了朱羅領土。他吞併了南印度次大陸的幾個地區，包括斯里蘭卡、喀拉拉和潘地亞王國的部分地區。他的征服活動擴展了朱羅王朝的影響力，使其成為該地區的主要強大勢力。
