The Chola & their coinage

The Chola Kingdom is an ancient, there has been references made in Mahabharatha and even in Ashokan inscriptions.  It is known that Karikala was the Chola ruler who reigned in the 2nd century AD.  During Karikala's reign, the capital city was moved to Kaveripattanam from Uraiyur.  Nedumudikilli seems to have been the successor of Karikala, whose capital town was set to fire by the sea pirates.  The frequent attacks of Pallavas, Cheras and Pandyas declined the Chola power and it was in the 8th century AD, Cholas glory began to shine when the Pallavas power declined.
Vijayalaya

In around 850 AD, Vijayalaya founded the dynasty probably by starting off as a vassal of the Pallava king.  With the conflict between Pallavas and Pandyas, Vijayalaya occupied Tanjore and made his capital.  He was succeeded by his son Aditya-I.  Aditya-I defeated Pallava king Aparajita and also Parantaka Viranarayana, the Kongu ruler.

Aditya-I

Aditya-I was soon succeeded by his son Parantaka-I and ruled between 907 to 955 AD.  Cholas power reached supremacy under his reign.  He annexed territory of Pandya King and soon conquered the Vadumbas.  He swept away all the traces of Pallavas power, but received a set back at the hands of Rashtrakutas.

Raja Raja Chola

The powerful ruler of the Chola kingdom was Raja Raja - the Great.  He ruled from 985 - 1014 AD.  His army conquered Venginadu, Gangapadi, Tadigaipadi, Nolambavadi, Kudamalai-nadu, Kollam, Kalingam, Ilamandalam of the Singalas.  His first triumph was achieved early in his reign by destroying the Navy of Cheras at Trivendrum.  He annexed north part of Ceylon to his kingdom and sacked Anuradhapuram.  Polonnaruva was made his capital of the Chola province of Ceylon. Political divisions of the Western Ganga's Gangavadi, Tadigaivadi and Nolambavadi were conquered in 991 AD and it remained under them for the next century.  Union of Eastern and Western Chalukyas was stopped by helping Eastern Chalukya ruler .  Towards the end of the reign, the Cholas was attacked by the Western Chalukyas, but Raja-raja Chola won the war.

 One of the greatest rulers of India, who was not only a mighty conqueror, but also a most efficient administrator was Rajaraja I (985-1014). He extended Chola power upto the Tungabhadra in the north and Sri Lanka in the south. Prof. Nilakanta Sastri states, “The thirty years of Rajaraja’s rule constitute the formative period in the history of the Chola monarchy. In the organisation of the civil service and the army, in art and architecture, in religion and literature, we see at work powerful forces newly liberated by the progressive imperialism of the time. A relative small state at his accession that had hardly recovered from the disasters of Rashtrakuta invasion the Chola kingdom had by the end of Rajaaja’s rule grown to be an extensive and well knit empire efficiently organized and administered, rich in resources possessed of a powerful standing army, well tried, equal to the greatest enterprises. More wonderful than the work of this great monarch have been his personality. Rajaraja conquered Ceylon and Maldives islands.”

Rajaraja’s coinage is best known to South Indian numismats. It is found in several thousands. It looks as though for several centuries his coins were the main currencies circulating in Tamilnadu.
Two types of his coins are well known. Type 1, bears on both the sides of the ‘bow-tiger-fish’ emblem and the legend ‘Sri Raja Raja’ written beneath in Nagari characters.The second type carries a standing man on the obverse and a seated figure on the reverse with the Nagari legend ‘Sri Raja Raja’ beneath his left arm. It is the later variety that is found in several thousands. Both these types are found in gold, silver and copper.

Rajaraja’s wars and political annexations have a direct baring on his coinage. First he reduced the Pandyas and Kerala. Then the north-west Gangapadi, Nulambapadi, Tadigaipadi, and Rattaspadi were conquered. In theGengi kingdom he adopted a different policy. He gave shelter to the legitimate successor of Dhanarnava (who was killed by Jata Chola Bhima) Saktivarman and Vimaladitya. He restored Saktivarman to the throne of Vengi and gave his daughter Kundavai in marriage to Vimaladitya, the brother of Sktivarman. Vimaladitya ascended the throne around 1011 after his brother. Under Rajaraja the Vengi kingdom enjoyed his protection.

A point of interest discussed in detail by numismatists concerns the abstract standing or seated figure portrayed in the obverse and reverse of this coinage. What does this figure represent? It seems to us that the figure portrays of the king, as found in Kushan coins. This should have been influenced by Roman coins. The object shown in the hand seems to be a flower, also as found in Kushan coins. While Kushan coins figure a portrait of the ruler, the standing and seated figure of the South Indian coins are clearly abstractions. But why is this portrayal found in Kushan coin not used until the 10th century A.D. and why does this figure dominate South Indian coinage till the 16th century? It is not possible to explain this.

There are a number of types with the legend Sri Rajaraja in Nagari characters. Not all the coins were issued by Rajaraja I. It seems that the same type of coins with the same name was minted in subsequent a certain amount of detrioration. But the largest number of coins found in Tamilnadu are of this type; on the obverse the standing royal figure is seen and on the reverse are the seated figure and below its left arm the legend Sri. Rajaraja in Nagari.

SPECIAL ISSUES OF RAJARAJA

There are three types with this name which require special mention. In all the three types one side carries the same device viz. a seated figure, and below is left arm the nagari legend ”Sri Rajaraja.” On the obverse the devices vary. In one type there is the standing figure and below his left arm is a seated tiger. In another type there is the standing figure with under his left arma fish shown vertically. The third variety carris the standing figure and below his left arm is a pada (foot) mark. A slight variation in the type is the presence of a bow in addition to the foot.

The fact that in all these cases the name “Sri Rajaraja” is found shows that these were issues of Rajaraja I. But the various symbols represented show a definite pattern of thinking. I have suggested in a recent article that Rajaraja deliberately introduced these symbols for circulation in the different territories he conquered. For example the coin with a fish was meant for circulation in Pandimandalam. The coin with the tiger was meant for circulation in Chola territory. The coin with a foot was obviously intended for circulation in the Kerala country, called the Thiruvadi country. The presence of the bow also confirms our presumption. In one instance Desikachari refers to a coin bearing a boar in the place of a seated tiger below the left arm of the seated figure. It is significant that this adoption of the royal crest of the respective regions shows the respect the ruler had for the conquered regions and at the same time introduces his name. Such an approach is quite in conformity with Rajaraja’s personalityand character. Rajaraja changed the name off each country. Tondaimandalam was changed of Jayamkonda chola mandalam; the pandya country was called show the innovatie and personal imprint of the great monarch.(19)

MURALIDHARA & HORSE RIDER

There are two other varieties bearing the name ‘Rajaraja’ that show same variation and both the variations are significant. In one there is the seated figure, below whose arm is the legend Rajaraja. On the other side is shown a figure of Muralidhara Krishna. On the other type is seen a rider on the back of a galloping horse. Rajaraja was a great Siva bhakta and was called Siva Cudamani but his benefactions to all faiths are so well known, that under his patronage, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Jainism flourished alike. But except this one coin showing Muralidhara Krishna, no other coin shows a God or religious motifs. So the ascription of this coin to Rajaraja-I may not go unchallenged. However no other explanation is possible at present.
Rajendra-I

Rajendra-I founded his new capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.  He set up Vaishnava centre and the Vedic college for teaching Vedas.  He had a friendly relationship with the China emperor, and had a peaceful reign of 32 years.  He extended the territory inherited from his father, and subdued the power of Pandyas and Keralas.  He performed Asvamedha sacrifice too.  He was very successful in the beginning but later on he lost his life in the famous battle of Koppam on the Tungabhadra.  The next ruler Rajendra-II (1052-1064 AD) just managed to maintain the Chola empire though he had to struggle with the troubling Chalukyas.

The one Chola ruler, who from the time he was crowned as young prince in 1018 A.D. , till his death in 1055 A.D., spent all his time and energy in war, and died in the war front, was Rajadhiraja I., he son and successor of Rajendra I. Rajadhiraja was more a ruthless fighter than his father. In fact he seems to have been mainly responsible for most of the victories of his father. His prasastis refer to his ruthlessness in dealing with his captured monarchs. Among all the Chola rulers of the Imperial line, he was the only ruler, who performed an Asvamedha yaga.

One gold coin with the legend ‘Rajadhiraja’ has come to light. It shows on the obverse a standing figure and the leend Sri Rajadhiraja’. On the reverse it bears the seated human figure in front of a seated tiger(21). This in all probability was an issue of Rajadhiraja I.

A few types of silver coins found in north Canara bearing the legend Rajadhiraja, Maharajadhiraja and simply Raja are assigned to him.(22) While the reverse of the coin has the legend in Nagari reading Maha Rajadhi Raja, the obverse according to V.P. bears the figure of a dagger on top. There are also other types in the same hoard without giving the name, but various sizes. These are also said to be of various sizes. But judging from the illustration reproduced it is seen that typologically these varieties are not the issues of Cholas. The lion depicted with a dagger, even if it is taken to be a tiger has nothing in common with the Chola tiger. After the sangam age, the Cholas, represented their tiger mostly as a seated figure. The figure on the coin under discussion also resemble a lion than a tiger and seems to me an issue of the Western Indian dynasty, than the Chola. The find spot also seems to confirm our suggestion.

Vira Rajendra

Vira Rajendra (1064 - 1070 AD) was the elder brother of Rajendra-II.  He succeeded his brother to reign for the next seven years.  He met the invasion of Chalukya King and defeated the Chalukya ruler.  He reconquered Vengi and foiled the efforts of Vijayabahu of Ceylon who was trying to drive the Cholas out of Ceylon.  When Someswara-II succeeded the Chalukyas throne, Rajendra made some incursions but later on built a friendly ties by giving his daughter to Vikramaditya.  Soon after the death of Vira Rajendra in 1070 AD, there was a contest for the throne and Adhi-Rajendra, the heir apparent took the throne.  He had a short uneventful reign, Vijayabahu assumed independence in Ceylon.

Kulottunga - I (1070 - 1120 AD)

Rajendra-II succeeded Adhirajendra under the title Kulottunga Chola.  In about 1073, Kalachuri King Yasahkarana invaded Vengi but did not gain anything.  Pandyas and Chera's attack were put down by Kulottunga.  The southern Kalinga revolt were put down too.  In about 1118 AD, the Viceroy of Vengi - the Vikramaditya VI took control of Vengi from Chola and thus succeeded in separating the Cholas from the Eastern Chalukyas.  Gangavadi and Nolambavadi were lost to Hoysala's Vishnuvardhana.

 A few gold coins found in the Nellore district Kavaliavalli Village are said to carry the tiger and the fish on the one side, and on the other the legend Sunga in Tamil characters with the numerical figures 27, 31 and 34.(23) In one type of this variety along with the tiger and fish the legend Kanchi is said to be found in Tamil. While the other side carries the word Sunga(24). Another type of the same variety is said to carry the legend ‘Ne’ in Tamil taken to stand for ‘Nellore’.

Kulottunga I was certainly the master of Kanchi and Nellore region. He had a palace at Kanchi. The Tamil work kalingattupparani extolling his greatness, mention that his commander Karunakara Tondaiman conquered the Kalinga country even while Kulottunga was camping at Kanchi. There is a graphic description of he palace of Kulottunga at Kanchi in the same work. In fact all the Chola monarchs had their palace at Kanchi. But if the reading is correct, the word ‘Kanchi’ would indicate that in 12th century A.D., the custom of indicating the place of minting the coin has come into vogue. Similarly the word ‘Ne’ standing for Nellore. Nellore was equally an important centre and the rulers of Nellore of 12-13th century call themselves Nellore puravaradhisvara

Another coin which is attributed to Kulottunga also needs consideration. It carries on the obverse the usual standing royal figure and on the reverse the seated figure with a Tamil legend said to read Kulottu(nga). Biddaulp reads the legend as Kuna. Chattopadhyaya holds the reading as unlikely. It is the same coin illustrated as No. 140 by Elliot who read it as Kuma Pandya. It is seen from the illustration that only two letters are visible which read “Kula”. It is absolutely clear that there is no possibility of reading the second letter ‘lo’ which would require the curved character before ‘la’ if it is to be read as ‘lo’. The reading is only ‘Kula’ and so the coin cannot be attributed to Kulottunga. Further Paleographially the letter ‘Ku’ seems to be later and

Vikrama Chola (1120 - 1135 AD)

The next successor, the son of Kulottunga-I restored the Chola power by reconquering Vengi and by taking control of part of Gangavadi.  His reign was somewhat peaceful to his subjects though there were floods and famines in the South Arcot. The Hoysala expansion took control of Chola power slowly and subsequently.  The last rulers namely Kulottunga - II, Rajaraja - II, Rajadhiraja - III could not stop the Hoysalas annexation of Chola Kingdom.  Cholas hold on Pandyan kingdom had already weakened.  In about 1243, the Pallava chief declared independence.  The Kakatiyas and Hoysalas partitioned among themselves the territory of the Chola empire and Chola empire ceased to exist for ever.

YUDDHAMALLA

A gold coin, smaller in size, bearing on the obverse the ‘bowtigher-fish device, and on the reverse a two line legend reading “Yuddhamalla” is also noticed. This has been attributed to Rajendra I. It could have been struck at the time of the marriage of his daughter to Chalukya Rajaraja Narendra, the father of Rajendra who was known as Kulottunga, subsequently. Quoting this view of Biddaulp, Chattopadhyaya rightly points out the lack of evidence to support this view point. However, as he rightly points out, it is not unlikely that it was issued by Rajendra I. in belongs to ‘Kulasekhara Pandya’.

 
COINAGE

In the later part of the tenth century, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Sri Lanka kingdoms adopted coinage once again after a brief break of four centuries.  But this time, it triggered off with the gold coinage to initiate major transactions.  Soon silver and copper coinage were minted in plenty to meet the day to day needs of commodities.

Raja raja Chola struck coins both in Sri Lanka and India.  They differed much in fabric, style and in the gold purity.  The monetary economy was well defined with the Imperial Cholan conquest.  In Tamilnadu, Cholas introduced coinage much prior to Raja raja's campaign in Sri Lanka.  They adopted 'Tiger facing two fishes' as their emblem on the coinage.  Having developed a strong navy, they traded with Sri Lanka and soon conquered them too.  They also set voyages as far as the islands of Indonesia and Maldives through ocean.  Subsequently they felt the need to mint coins to trade!
Chola's coinage issues were in all the three metals Gold, Silver and Copper.  Though the coinage was mainly destined for general currency, very few commemoratives could be observed.  Uttama Chola struck silver with the royal emblem of "Tiger facing two fishes" on the obverse and the Nagari legend "Uttama Chola".  Raja Raja struck gld fanams bearing the legend Yuddha Malla" on the obverse and the usual insignia on the reverse.  He also struck silver and gold kahavanus with the standing king on the obverse and the seated king on the reverse.  Nagari legend "Raja Raja" surrounded him on the obverse of some types, and the reverse image of some types.

Rajendra Chola struck coins with the legend "Sri Rajendrah" beneath the usual insignia on both reverse and obverse.  The copper Kasu of Chola started off with the reign of Raja Raja, which passed onto next generations (even Kulottunga) with the same standard "Standing King on the obverse" and "Seated King on the reverse". Sometime legend "Raja Raja" and sometime the legend "Ku appears on the coinage surroundig the image.  These coins can be seen abundantly as the same type of coins with little deformed images were circulated till the Cholas ceased to exist.

The history of the Imperial Cholas begins around 850 A.D. with the advent of Vijayalaya. Till recent times the name of Vijayalaya’s father was unknown. The recently found Velanjeri copper plate of Parantaka Chola gives his name as Orriyuran. He is praised as a great king. Judging from the name assumed by several of his subordinates his claim to greatness is not unwarranted.
Vijayalaya, the great conqueror who established the Imperial Chola line captured Tanjore, fortified the city and consecrated an image of goddess Nisumbasudani. He is praised in later literature as one who had, won several battles. From this time onwards, the Cholas started adopting the titles alternately Parakesari and Rajakesari. Till we come to the time of Rajaraja I, the Cholas mentioned only their title in their epigraphs without giving their names. It makes the identification of the early Chola rulers open to doubt. But at least a few of the inscriptions found in the Tondaimandalam region belong to Vijayalaya.

Vijayalaya’s position remained somewhat subordinae to the Pallavas. But his son Aditya threw off the Pallava yoke, and soon established Chola power upto Tondaimand near Kalahasti (near Madras). In the south he reached the limit of Pudukottai territory, but not beyond. Aditya also conquered the Kongu, and is said to have brought gold to enrich the Chidambaram temple. He built innumerable stone temples, dedicated to Siva all along the banks of the Kaveri. S. R. Balasubramaniam has recently done yeoman service by identifying several of Aditya’s temples.

Parantaka was, like his father a great conqueror. His conquests were at the expense of the Adityas of Madurai, followed by a victory over Sri Lanka. He assumed the title Maduraiyim Ilamum Konda, i.e. the conqueror of Madurai and Lanka. In Sanskrit his title appears as ‘Madurantakan’. After Parantaka many rulers followed with varying fortunes. The immediate predecessor of Rajaraja, the great was Uttama Chola, who also had the title Madurantaka.” The earliest Chola coin which could be definitely attributed to a chola ruler is that of Uttama. His territory extended upto Madras in the north and to Madurai in the south. At least two issues of this ruler are now identified.

UTTAMACHOLA

The first type is a gold coin unfortunately lost. But Elliot has preserved a good illustration of it. His description reads;(2) “No. 151 gold coin lost; facsimile in wood cut; weigh 50 to 60 grains. Obverse and reverse exactly the same; a tiger seated to the left; opposite it a fish etc. The legend running around reads in grantha characters ‘Uttama Chola”. This has been rightly identified with the issue of Uttama Chola.

I have published the other coin with a proper reading in Damilica I. The coin which was imperfectly read all these years bears close resemblance to the earlier one carrying seated tiger and a fish with the legend Matirantakam running around it. As mentioned earlier Matirantakan was one of the titles of Uttama Chola. In early inscriptions the city of ‘Madurai’ was called Matirai. So this coin has also been taken as an issue of Uttamachola.

THE MADAI

“Several inscriptions of the Chola period give the names of coins that were under circulation. From these we gather that the coins were called after the ruling kings either by the names or titles such as Rajarajan Madai, Rajendran Madai. The earliest coin so referred to by name is Madurantakan Madai. It is likely that the coin referred to as Madurantakan Madai is identical with the present coin “Damilica Page 102).
Chattopadhyaya, agreeing with my suggestion, states, “The legend which has so long baffled scholars has now satisfactorily been read as Matirantakam which is the equivalent of Madurantakan. It is thus likely that the type is identical with the Madurantakan Madai of the epigraph and that it belongs to the period of Uttama Chola(16)

UTTAMACHOLA – NAGARI

The third type of coins attributed to Uttama Chola made of silver or copper. On one side the coin bears a seated tiger, two fish and a bow. These are shown on a pedestal. Above this emblem are seen a parasol and two chowris. On the reverse is the legend ‘Uttama Chola’ in Nagari characters. Opinion is divided among scholars about the author of this issue. Prof. K. A. Nilakanta Sastri assigns it to Rajendra I, while Chattopadhyaya holds that it could be an Uttama issue.

BOW-TIGER-FISH EMBLEM

The practice of a ruler adopting all the three emblems was known even in the age of Silapadhikaram. The Chra ruler, Sengut tuvan is said to have carved, these three crests on the Himalayas.(17) In another instance the same ruler is said to have sent an order baring the crests – ‘bow – fish – tiger’ said to be the seal of the Tamil land.(18)
If the ruler was a great conqueror, subduing the two other crowned kings of the Tamil country, he adopted all the three royal crests. In the coin under discussion the three emblems are under the same umbrella. This would suggest that both the Chera and the Pandya had been vanquished. While in the earlier coin of Uttama, only the fish and tiger are seen, in the present case all the three are seen. The conquest of the Chera was accomplished by Rajaraja I, and not under Uttama, his predecessor. It is probably due to this reason that Profesosr Nilakanta Sastri thought that this could be an issue subsequent to Rajaraja I, and assigned it to Rajendra I. The two earlier coins are typologically of the same group, while the later is different. It is not unlikely that the later also was an issue of Uttama Chola.

A point of importance is that for the first time in Tamil coins we find a Nagari legend. Why and how it was introduced? it is not possible to explain at this stage.

SPECIAL ISSUES OF RAJARAJA

There are three types with this name which require special mention. In all the three types one side carries the same device viz. a seated figure, and below is left arm the nagari legend ”Sri Rajaraja.” On the obverse the devices vary. In one type there is the standing figure and below his left arm is a seated tiger. In another type there is the standing figure with under his left arma fish shown vertically. The third variety carris the standing figure and below his left arm is a pada (foot) mark. A slight variation in the type is the presence of a bow in addition to the foot.
The fact that in all these cases the name “Sri Rajaraja” is found shows that these were issues of Rajaraja I. But the various symbols represented show a definite pattern of thinking. I have suggested in a recent article that Rajaraja deliberately introduced these symbols for circulation in the different territories he conquered. For example the coin with a fish was meant for circulation in Pandimandalam. The coin with the tiger was meant for circulation in Chola territory. The coin with a foot was obviously intended for circulation in the Kerala country, called the Thiruvadi country. The presence of the bow also confirms our presumption. In one instance Desikachari refers to a coin bearing a boar in the place of a seated tiger below the left arm of the seated figure. It is significant that this adoption of the royal crest of the respective regions shows the respect the ruler had for the conquered regions and at the same time introduces his name. Such an approach is quite in conformity with Rajaraja’s personalityand character. Rajaraja changed the name off each country. Tondaimandalam was changed of Jayamkonda chola mandalam; the pandya country was called show the innovatie and personal imprint of the great monarch.(19)

MURALIDHARA & HORSE RIDER

There are two other varieties bearing the name ‘Rajaraja’ that show same variation and both the variations are significant. In one there is the seated figure, below whose arm is the legend Rajaraja. On the other side is shown a figure of Muralidhara Krishna. On the other type is seen a rider on the back of a galloping horse. Rajaraja was a great Siva bhakta and was called Siva Cudamani but his benefactions to all faiths are so well known, that under his patronage, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Jainism flourished alike. But except this one coin showing Muralidhara Krishna, no other coin shows a God or religious motifs. So the ascription of this coin to Rajaraja-I may not go unchallenged. However no other explanation is possible at present.

RAJENDRA I-GANGAIKONDA

Rajaraja was succeeded by his might son Rajendra I, who perhaps was the only ruler of India to carry his arms to the far east across the sea and won several victories. So he assumed the title Kadaram Konda Chola. What other Cholas could not accomplish with reference to Sri Lanka Rajendra was able to achieve. He brought the entire Ceylon under his control. In India itself he raced across eastern coast and conquered upto the Bangaladesh and marked his victory by bringing the sacred river of Ganges and assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’. This particular victory of Rajendra himself was proved to be of great interest for he built a new capital and named it Gangaikondacholapuram. The Chalukyas in the west were no match to him. From 1012 to 1044, this mightiest conqueror kept the banner of his family flying high over several kingdoms.

Two series of coins which could definitely be assigned to Rajendra are well known. Both the group show the ‘bow-tiger-fish’ emblem on both the sides. The legend in one series reads Sri Rajendra’ and in the other “Sri Gangaikonda Chola.” Though these two varieties are not so frequently met with, yet they are fairly known.

Another type of coin attributed to Rajendra I shows on the obverse the ‘bow-tiger-two fish’ emblem, flanked by lamp stands and topped by the royal parasol and the chowris. Below this is the Nagari legend reading ‘Sri Raja Rajendra’. On the reverse is the seated figure and to his right is shown a seated tiger(29). 

RajaRaja Chola : 985 - 1014
Copper massa coins

Six different copper massa of selected from the statistically analysed sample of 100 coins of RajaRaja Chola (985-1014) of Thanjavur in TamilNadu. Most of the coins of the lot were of Indian Type with the four balls with a dot in center and cresent above on the right hand side of the standing king. One was of Lanka type with solid ball is probably from the period of Chola occupation of Lanka.

Obverse : Standing king with head to right. Holds an item in left hand which is bent and held up to his face. The right hand is extended outwards and bent downwards over the temple lamp on left to high alter. A group of four spheres on right, surmounted by crescent.
Reverse : Seated king on left facing right holds a conch shell in left hand which is bent and held up to his face. The right hand is extended outwards and bent downwards over knee. Legend beneath on right in 3 lines. Sri Raja Raja in Nagari script

 

On obverse Jasmine flower in left hand, alter visible, spheres with dots,
On reverse Ra below Ja.

On obverse Jasmine bud in left hand, fish facing up hanging from right hand rather than alter, filled spheres,
On reverse Ra level with Ja.

On obverse Sphere with dot in left hand, spheres with dots,
On reverse Ra lot below Ja.

On obverse five petal flower or banana in left hand, spheres with dots,
With the two fingers of hand appearing as legs it look like a stick human. Could this be a medieval die-cutter's hidden expression of oppression by an evil Raja On reverse Ra below Ja.

On obverse Sun and Moon symbol in left hand, spheres with dots, lamp off flan
On reverse Ra lot below Ja, appears to be double struck.

On obverse filled sphere in left hand, spheres with dots,
On reverse Ra below Ja.

Each of the coins illustrated above are different varieties of the same basic design, which was later copied by the traditional Lanka type massa.
Except the second from top have text Rabelow Ja which was used by Mitchiner. It seems more natural to classify using the item in left hand on the obverse as is used to classify gold kahavanu found in Lanka.

For 30 of the coins the variety based on what is held in the hand was indeterminate, From the remaing 70 coins in which the item held up to face on obverse was visible within the struck flan, 67 was of Jasmine flower type with a dot visible in center of sphere in 19 of the higher grade coins among them. In lower grade/cruder diecut coins the same symbol appeares as a filled sphere or ball. I found only one clear example each of varieties with the interesting five petal flower and with Sun and Moon symbol.

Rajaraja Chola (985-1014) invaded Lanka in 990 AD and conquered the northern half. Lanka regained independence from Chola occupation in 1070 under Vijaya-bahu (1055-1110).

Years	985-1014
Value	1 Kahavanu
Metal	Gold
Weight	4.38 g
Diameter	20 mm
Shape	Round
Demonetized	yes
References	MNI# 729

Obverse

Seated king facing right with legend on right, beneath his raised arm: Sri Raja Raja.

Lettering: Sri Raja Raja

Reverse

Standing king with lotus on the left a group of spheres on right, surmounted by crescent.

Edge

Plain

Comments

Ceylon type Issue of Rajaraja Chola (After conquest of Ceylon)

Years	985-1014
Value	2 Fanams (2)
Metal	Gold
Weight	0.74 g
Diameter	7.43 mm
Shape	Round
Demonetized	yes

Obverse

King standing looking right

Reverse

Nagari legend 'Jaya Konda' (The Victorious)

Years	840-1295
Value	1 Stater (1)
Metal	Gold
Weight	0.4 g
Shape	Round
References	Fr# 1

Obverse

Ruler standing

Reverse

Ruler seated

Chola Kings, Uttama Chola, (973-985 AD), Silver Kahavanu, 3.94g. Obv: Chola tiger seated right, an umbrella and a pair of upright fish with bow and lamp behind. Rev: Nagari legend Uttama/Cholah in two lines, MCSI-II 323.

Very Fine+, Very Scarce.

Chola Kings, Raja Raja I (985-1014 AD), Base Gold Kahavanu, issued after circa 1007, 4.45g. Obv: King half seated with raised arm on right; Devanagari legend beneath raised arm Sri/Raja/Raja. Rev: Standing man with lamp on left and group of pellets on right, MCIS-II 337.

Very Fine, Scarce.

Chola Kings, Rajendra Chola I (Gangaikonda Chola) (1012-1044 AD), Gold Kahavanu, Uncertain Tamilnadu Mint, 4.4g. Seated tiger with two fish on obverse and reverse, MCSI-II 332; MNI 741.

Extremely Fine, Very Rare.

Chola Kings, Raja Raja I (985-1014 AD), Gold ⅛ Kahavanu, 0.30g. Obv: Dynastic emblem of bow, umbrella, seated tiger and pair of fish. Rev: Nagari legend Yuddha/Malla, MCSI-II 331.

Very Fine, Scarce.