New Commemorative Coin: Kavi Muddana

The Government of India will issue a ₹150 commemorative coin to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Kavi Muddana. The Ministry of Finance issued the gazette notification on January 19, 2022, confirming the coin.

Nandalike Lakshminaranappa, renowned by his pseudonym Muddana, was a distinguished Kannada writer and Yakshagana poet. He was often referred to as "Mahakavi" or "Mahakavi Muddana." Among his notable works are Ratnavati Kalyaana (Yakshagana), Sri Rama Pattaabhisheka, Adbhuta Ramayana, and Sri Ramashwamedha. Notably, he coined the term "Kannadam Kasthuriyanthe," wherein he affectionately compares his cherished Kannada language to the fragrance of Kasthuri.

The metal composition of the ₹100 coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin will weigh 35 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coin's description is as follows.

Obverse:  The face of the coin shall bear the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend "सत्यमेव जयते" inscribed  below, flanked  with the  word “भारत” and  "INDIA" at right and left periphery of the coin with Rupee Symbol "₹” and denomination  value “150” in International Numerals below the Ashoka Lion Capital.

Reverse: This face of coin shall bear the image of the Kavi Muddana in the center. The  inscription  “कवि मुद्दण की 150वीं जयंती” in Devanagari script  is  depicted on the upper  periphery of the coin and the inscription  “150th Birth Anniversary of Kavi Muddana” in English is depicted on the lower periphery of the coin. The year “1870-2020” in international numeral shall be written below the image of the Kavi Muddana.

The commemorative celebration is being issued a couple of years later than originally planned, as it was intended for release in 2020.

The commemorative coin is now scheduled for release on January 24, 2022, marking Kavi Muddana's 152nd Birth Anniversary. Notably, in 2017, the India Postal Department had previously issued a commemorative stamp in honour of the occasion.