The Vijaynagar gold coin Hanumantarai Varaha is associated with ........

The correct answer is - Kishkindha

Key Points

• Hanumantarai Varaha was a renowned gold coin issued during the Vijaynagar Empire.
  • The coin is named after Hanuman, a revered deity in Hindu mythology, symbolizing strength and devotion.
  • It reflects the Vijaynagar rulers' emphasis on Hindu culture and religious symbolism in their governance and art.
• Kishkindha is closely associated with Hanuman and the epic Ramayana.
  • Kishkindha is described as the monkey kingdom where Hanuman served Sugriva, the exiled monkey king.
  • It holds great significance in the Ramayana as the place where Lord Rama formed an alliance with Sugriva and Hanuman to search for Sita.
• The association of the Hanumantarai Varaha coin with Kishkindha highlights the Vijaynagar Empire's acknowledgment of Hindu mythology and its integration into statecraft.

Additional Information

• Vijaynagar Empire
  • The Vijaynagar Empire (14th-17th century) was a prominent South Indian dynasty known for its economic prosperity, military strength, and patronage of art and religion.
  • The rulers issued gold coins like the Hanumantarai Varaha to symbolize power, wealth, and devotion.
  • These coins were widely used in trade and showcased the empire's advanced minting technology.
• Kishkindha in the Ramayana
  • Kishkindha is believed to be located near present-day Hampi, the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire.
  • It is associated with several key events in the Ramayana, including:
    • The meeting of Lord Rama with Hanuman and Sugriva.
    • The search for Sita led by Hanuman, culminating in the discovery of her whereabouts in Lanka.
  • This connection to Hindu mythology made Kishkindha a significant cultural symbol during the Vijaynagar era.
• Religious Significance of Coins
  • Coins like the Hanumantarai Varaha were not only a medium of economic exchange but also a means to project royal ideology.
  • They often featured depictions of Hindu deities to emphasize the rulers' devotion and legitimacy.