Telugu Cholas, Nidugal (Nellore) branch, Manuma Siddhi III, Gold Gadyana, 3.42g, Obv: Garuda running to right in a Chapetadāna Mudra, Rev: Telugu legend “Dānava Murāri Bantaru” in three lines. (K Ganesh# 12.10). Very fine+, extremely rare.
The Nidugal or Nellore branch was the most powerful among the Telugu Cholas, who all claimed a connection with imperial Tamil Cholas. They ruled mainly as feudatory under various imperial dynasties like the Eastern Chalukyas, the Cholas and ultimately the Kakatiyas. Towards the middle of the 13th century, it saw its zenith under the rule of Tikka Gandagopala. Manuma Siddhi III was a successor to Tikka. The inscription on their coins refers to their Vaishnava devotion, naming the kings as “servants of Dānava Murāri”, ie. Lord Krishna.