Description
Hoysala Dynasty, Veera Ballala II, (c. 1173-1220CE), Gold Gadyana, 3.80grms, 9 Punches, 5x Nandi Bull Facing right with Sun & Moon on Back, 2x Shri, 1x Kannada legend Vi Ra, 1x Kannada legend Ba La, bold and deep punches, Exceptional Quality, First recorded specimen- Nolamba Style, Exceedengly Rare and Historically important. A remarkable and previously unrecorded coin bearing the legend “Ve Ra- Ba-La” appears to represent an early issue of Veera Ballala II, struck upon the traditional Nolamba fabric following the Hoysala conquest of Nolambavadi in the late 12th century. The type closely mirrors established Nolamba prototypes in module and style, suggesting a transitional issue produced immediately after Hoysala military absorption of the region. Rather than introducing a new design, Ballala may have retained the familiar local format while asserting authority through the abbreviated royal legend. The coin stands as tangible evidence of political transition — a rare numismatic bridge between Nolamba regional rule and emerging Hoysala imperial control. A historically compelling and potentially groundbreaking attribution. Veera Ballala II greatly expanded the Hoysala Empire, pushing its northern frontier up to the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers. In Hoysala records dating around 1196 CE, Ballala II claims to have been victorious over several regional powers, including the Nolambavadi territory — the traditional lands of the Nolamba dynasty — along with Banavasi, Hangal, Halashi, Bagalkot, and Yelburga. This indicates that the Hoysalas had militarily asserted control over Nolambavadi, effectively bringing former Nolamba domains into Hoysala dominion during his conquests. Archaeological evidence further supports this transition: a Hoysala inscription of Veera Ballala II found at Hemavati (ancient Henjeru), the former capital of the Nolamba Pallavas, records royal donations to a temple there in 1206 CE, suggesting not just conquest but also administrative and religious influence in the region following its incorporation. In short, Ballala II’s military expansion absorbed Nolambavadi into the Hoysala realm, and epigraphic records show he exercised authority there after conquest.
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