Rashtrakutas, Govinda III- 'Prabhutavarsha Pratapavaloka Jagattunga', Gold Dinara, 4.15g, Obv: King mounted on a horse, riding to left, with a curved sword held in raised hand, pseudo- Arabic inscription around, Rev: As on obverse, pseudo- Arabic inscription along the margins, in centre, two line inscription in proto Nagari/ Kutila script – “Shri Jagatunga Aprati / hata gata Garudadhwaja” Above the inscription, a row of Vaishnavite and auspicious symbols lotus, Kalasha and Sankha and below the inscription, a half lotus pedestal supporting the legend. Unpublished, exceedingly rare.
The legend on the coin incorporates puns in its choice of words. Its literal meaning would be “The banner of Garuda which has been invincible is the tallest in the World’. However, “Jagatunga” or 'Tallest (by fame/valour) in the World’ was also a title held by Rashtrakuta rulers. More than one rulers were known by this title; however, for the purpose of attributing this coin, Govinda III appears to be the best fit. He was an illustrious king, credited with many victories, including those against the Pratiharas of Kannauj, the Palas of Bengal, the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and the Pallavas of Kanchi. The title 'Apratihata' or 'invincible' applied to him in the coin legend is therefore a very fitting acknowledgement of his triumphs.
The reign of Govinda III fits well with the heyday of the trade between India and the Arabian Peninsula in the 9th century. The fact that he chooses to show him as a horse rider also befits the nexus established between the Arabs and the Rashtrakutas through commercial activities. The mention of 'Garuda-Dhwaja' or 'Ensign of the Garuda' in the legend refers to the dynastic emblem of the Rashtrakutas, who were Vaishnavites and employed Garuda the bearer of Vishnu to show their devotion to their patron deity.