Rare copper plates documenting Devaraya I’s coronation during Vijayanagara Empire unveiled in Bengaluru

The set of rare copper plates that were unveiled in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

A set of copper plates dating back to early 15th Century from the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty were unveiled here on Tuesday by Falcon Coins Gallery with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

These copper plates, belonging to the Vijayanagara Empire, written in Sanskrit and Kannada and Nāgarī characters, are unique as they were issued during the coronation of King Devaraya I. Notably, the seal features an image of Vamana instead of the customary Varaha, the royal insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire, said the organisers.

The copper plates are dated Saka 1328 (Nãga-Chakshu-Guna Sasi), Vyaya, Kārtika ba. Daśami (10), Friday, corresponding to November 5, 1406 CE, which provide a detailed genealogy of the Sangama Dynasty.

They trace the lineage from Chandra, Yadu, and Sangama to his five sons: Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mãrapa, and Muddapa, explained, K. M. Reddy, Director (Epigraphy) at ASI. He emphasised their historical significance, stating, “These copper plates are extremely important as they offer authentic information about our history, being directly issued by the kings.” He added that the plates confirm the previously unverified coronation date of Devaraya I, with the grant issued during the ongoing ceremony.

(Right to left) Deputy Superintendent Epigraphist Archaeological Survey of India S. Nagarajappa, Director Epigraphic, Archaeological Survey of India K.M. Reddy, Managing director Falcon Coins Gallery Kirti Parekh and others displaying the rare set of copper plates.
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN

According to S. Nagarajappa, Deputy Superintending Epigraphist at ASI, the plates record that King Devaraya I, son of Harihara, granted the village of Gudipalli — along with two hamlets, Rājēndramāda and Udayapalli — during his coronation.

The village was renamed Devaräyapura-agrahāra and divided into 61 shares distributed among several Brahmins of various gotras and sutras, well-versed in the Vedas and shastras. The allocation included 26.5 shares to Rigvedins, 29.5 shares to Yajurvedins, three shares to Shukla-Yajurvedins, and two shares as Dēvabhāga to Somanatha (Shiva) and Janardhana. The grant’s boundaries, situated in Mulbāgil rājya, Hodēnāda-sthala, are detailed in the Kannada language.

The copper plates surfaced through a coin collection acquired by Falcon Coins Gallery. Kirti M. Parekh, Managing Director of Falcon Coins Gallery, explained, “A person approached us, claiming the plates belonged to his grandfather and offered to sell them. This copper plate is significant as it sheds light on the Vijayanagara Empire and its history.”

Hardik Parekh, Manager at Falcon Coins Gallery, added that upon discovering the plates, they immediately informed the ASI, which took imprints for study. He noted that this is the first known coronation copper plate to emerge, alongside two others from the Maitraka Dynasty (found in Junagadh, Gujarat) and the Ganga Dynasty (found in Talakadu, Karnataka), which remain undeciphered.

K.M. Reddy highlighted ASI’s efforts to preserve such artefacts, stating, “ASI is spreading awareness among people and doing everything necessary to protect and preserve ancient inscriptions and sealings.” He urged the public to report any valuable historical artifacts to the ASI for proper documentation and conservation.