Coins of Ancient Indian Dynasties

Coins are an integral part of any state’s economic system. The word ‘coin’ is derived from the Latin word ‘cuneus’ and it is believed that the first recorded use of coins was in China and Greece around 700 BC and in India in the sixth century BC. Numismatics is study of coins and medallions. Since, ancient ages coins playing significant role in the economic field of India.

Also Read: Hinduism – Origin and Hindu Movements

Orthodox Schools of Philosophy in India

Punched Marked Coins

According to Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, punched marked coins are metallic pieces stamped with symbols and each unit is called ‘Ratti’ weighing around 0.11 grams. The first punched marked coins were during the 6^th century BC, during the Mahajanapadas period and these coins were known by different names like Puranas, Karshapanas, or Pana. These coins had irregular shapes, and standard weights, and were made of silver. Different markings like humped bull were prevalent.

Chanakya mentioned different types of punched coins during the Mauryan period such as rupyarupa (silver), suvarnarupa (gold), tamrarupa (copper), and sisarupa (lead). Chanakya also mentioned different weight standards of these coins like silver coins weighing around 50-54 grams.

Indo-Greek Coins

The coins of Indo-Greek rulers contain detailed information about the issuing monarch, written in two different languages; Greek and Kharosthi. They issued silver, copper, nickel and lead. Kushanas introduced Greek custom of engraving portrait heads on the coins. Kushanas coins were adorned with helmeted bust of the king on one side, and the king’s favorite deity on the reverse.

Coins of Satvahanas and Indo-Scythians

Satvahana kings mostly used lead for coin making. The Satvahana coins had figures (an elephant, horse, lion, or Chaitya) on one side and the other side showing the Ujjain symbol. The Western Satraps or Indo-Scythians coins had a great historical importance and they bear dates in the Saka era. These coins have the head of the king side and the other side carries a device of the Buddhist chaitya or stupa, the Prakrit language used.

Coins of Guptas Age

The Gupta coins were mainly made of gold but also issued silver and copper coins. On one side of these coins, we can find the king standing and making oblations before an altar, on the other side Goddess Lakshmi is depicted. They used the Sanskrit language in Brahmi script (the first one to use Sanskrit on coins in History). They also depicted emperors indulging in martial activities like hunting lions and also depicted matrimonial relations, for example, the coins issued by Samudragupta along with his queen from Licchavi.

Coins of Vardhanas and Chalukyan Kings

Harshvardhana was the one who established a large empire after the death of his father and brother. During this period, silver coins were issued by them which contains head of king on one side and a peacock on the other side. The coins of Western Chalukyas had images of temples or a lion and legends, and the other side was left blank. The coins of the Eastern Chalukyas dynasty include a symbol of boar at the center and the other side was left blank.

Thus, coins played a significant role in the thriving of the ancient economy in India.