The Vijayanagara empire came into existence around 1336 AD, founded by Hakka and Bukka, who were (according to some sources) two revenue officials serving under Kakatiya rulers. The empire spanned three centuries and produced four dynasties: Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and Aravidu. Krishnadevaraya, considered to be one of the greatest of the Vijayanagara kings, belonged to the Tuluva dynasty. He restored peace, rearranged the administration, and commanded the allegiance of previously independent kingdoms. When he visited the Tirupati temple to perform the kanakabhishekam (a sacred ritual where an idol is showered with gold), he minted special gold coins just for the occasion. On the front of this coin, you can see Lord Balakrishna seated in the regal Lalitasana pose. The reverse features the name of the king in Nagari—it reads, Shri Pratapa Krishnaraya. Obverse The king is seated with folded legs.