This coin represents a specific denomination and metallic composition within the coinage system of the Vijayanagara Empire. These small, silver coins, known as tara, were further subdivided into fractional units, with the quarter tara representing one-fourth of the standard tara weight. Examples of these coins provide tangible evidence of the empire’s monetary system and economic activities.
The importance of understanding this fractional coinage lies in its reflection of the daily economic transactions of the time. The availability of smaller denominations facilitated trade among common people. Analyzing the distribution and metal content of these coins provides valuable insights into the economic health, trade routes, and political control exerted by the Vijayanagara rulers over their vast territory. Studying these artifacts contributes significantly to reconstructing the socio-economic history of the period.
