Satavahana Dynasty, Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, Silver Dramma, Portrait Type (147-154 AD) ( Wt : 2.01 g, Dia : 14.04 mm), (Mitch. K&A # 146/W. Pieper # 686)

Obverse : bust of the king to right wearing large earrings, Brahmi legend around "Siri Pudumavisa Rano Vasithiputasa"

Reverse: Satavahana symbol, Ujjaini symbol, sun and six arched hill with crescent above on right, wavy line below, Tamil legend around " Arahanaku Vahitti Makanaku Tiru Pulumaviku"

Comment :
Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, son and successor of Gautamiputra Satakarni, was an important ruler of the Satavahana dynasty in the Deccan. He is credited with introducing the dynasty’s silver portrait series, a tradition continued by subsequent rulers. Its bilingual legends are particularly significant: the Prakrit inscription on the obverse is complemented by an early Dravidian inscription, commonly identified as Tamil, on the reverse. Both name Pulumavi and refer to his maternal lineage. The combination of royal portraiture, traditional emblems and two languages makes this issue an important record of the artistic and linguistic heritage of the ancient Deccan.