A cache of gold coins dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire has been discovered during renovation work at the Adi Arunachaleswarar Temple in Koviloor village, Javvadhu Malai union, Tiruvannamalai district.
The temple, believed to be around 500 years old, was built during the Vijayanagara period. Renovation work began in October after the customary Balalayam ritual was performed on the eighth day of the month. The project, funded by ₹2.49 crore from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and devotees’ contributions, aimed to restore the temple’s ancient structures.
On Monday, workers engaged in renovation stumbled upon a hoard of gold coins while digging in the north-western part of the temple premises. HR&CE and district archaeology officials rushed to the spot and confirmed that the coins dated to the Vijayanagara era.
Officials said 103 gold coins were recovered and subsequently taken to the District Collector’s office for examination and valuation. Preliminary assessments suggest the coins may belong to the reign of Emperor Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century.
The discovery highlights the Vijayanagara Empire’s enduring influence in northern Tamil Nadu and offers valuable insight into the region’s economic and cultural history.
(Source: Dinamani)
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