Hanuman Prayer Type Palaiyakkarar Dindigul Region Copper Kasu Coin of South India

Lord Hanuman Prayer  “Anjali Hasta” Pose, Palaiyakkarar, Dindigul Region, (Madurai Nayak period), Ruler: Local chief, Reign: c. 17th century CE, Denomination: 1 Kasu, Metal: Copper, Weight: 1.50 grams, Diameter: 11 mm, Scarce. Obverse: Hanuman standing in prayer posture with folded hands (Anjali Mudra); crude regional style. Tamil legend “Raman” visible in the field, though weakly struck. Reverse: Plain or lightly marked field with indistinct or partially struck Tamil legend; off-flan and uneven striking evident. This copper kasu represents a regional devotional coinage from the Dindigul area, struck under Palaiyakkarar authority during the later Madurai Nayak period. Such coins were produced locally for everyday circulation rather than formal state issue, which explains the small fabric, crude engraving, and weak strikes. The depiction of Hanuman, combined with the Tamil “Raman” legend, reflects strong Rama–Hanuman devotion prevalent among local chiefs and communities. Due to their limited minting and poor survival rate, these coins are seldom encountered today and are primarily of interest to specialists in South Indian regional and devotional coinage.