Raghunatha Nayak Copper Kasu – Ramayana Type, Thanjavur, c. 1600–1640 AD M98

Raghunatha Nayak Copper Kasu – Ramayana Type, Thanjavur, c. 1600–1640 AD M98

A historic copper Kasu attributed to Raghunatha Nayak of Thanjavur, one of the important rulers of the Nayak period in early 17th-century Tamil Nadu.

The coin belongs to the distinctive Ramayana-themed coinage associated with Raghunatha Nayak. The pictorial side shows traces of standing divine figures traditionally identified with Rama and associated figures from the Ramayana, while the opposite side retains portions of the ruler’s inscription.

Coins of this period were individually struck on small copper flans, so variations in strike, alignment and clarity are common. This specimen has a natural brown patina with areas of green oxidation and retains enough of the main design to make the type recognizable.

Kingdom: Thanjavur Nayaks
Ruler: Raghunatha Nayak
Period: Early 17th Century AD
Approx. Date: c. 1600–1640 AD
Denomination: Kasu
Metal: Copper
Type: Ramayana / Religious Pictorial Type
Obverse: Standing divine figures associated with the Ramayana series
Reverse: Traces of ruler’s legend, traditionally read as Sri Raghunatha on related varieties
Condition: Circulated, with visible principal design and natural patina

The photographs show the actual coin offered. Hand-struck medieval coins naturally vary in flan shape, strike and surface preservation.