Banas of Madurai Copper Kasu – Samarakolakalan Garuda Type, 15th Century M105

Banas of Madurai Copper Kasu – Samarakolakalan Garuda Type, 15th Century M105

A medieval copper Kasu issued by the Banas of Madurai, a South Indian ruling family connected with the Vijayanagara political sphere during the 14th–15th centuries.

The obverse features a stylised Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu, accompanied by Vaishnavite symbols including the conch and discus. Garuda is shown in the characteristic dynamic pose seen on Bana copper issues.

The reverse carries the Tamil title in three lines:

Samara / Kola / Kalan

This title is associated with the Bana rulers of the Madurai–Ramnad region and is one of the better-known identifiable Bana copper types. Comparable coins are catalogued under the Samarakolakalan series.

Dynasty: Banas of Madurai
Region: Madurai–Ramnad, Tamil Nadu
Period: 14th–15th Century AD
Type: Samarakolakalan / Garuda type
Denomination: Kasu
Metal: Copper
Obverse: Stylised Garuda with Vaishnavite symbols
Reverse: Tamil legend “Samara / Kola / Kalan” in three lines
Condition: Circulated, approximately Fine to Very Fine
Reference family: Mitchiner T&K 564–572 / MSI 572, depending on exact Garuda variety