Q1) How does the study of numismatics contribute to the unraveling of India’s history? Explain with suitable examples.

(150 Words/10 Marks)

ANS

Numismatics, or the study of coins, is one of the most reliable sources of information for deciphering the history of a country. In India, punch-marked coins from the Mahajanpada period (6th century-2nd century BCE) form the earliest evidence of coinage. The role of numismatics in unraveling India’s history can be seen from:

1. Economic history:
2. The use of metal and craftsmanship in the coin indicate the relative prosperity of the country. E.g., the gold coins of the Kushana and Gupta dynasties indicate general prosperity.
3. The high volume of foreign coins in a region indicates the prevalence of robust trade and commerce. E.g., Roman and Byzantine coins found in South India, during Sangam era, indicate deep trade ties between Rome and India.
4. The coins of Satavahana King Sri Yajana Satkanisha bear the image of two-masted ship with a fish, highlighting an increase in maritime/trade activities.
5. Political history:
6. The coins provide a reliable source of information about the political leadership of the time. E.g., coins bearing the face of King Meander, coins bearing the name of Prithviraj Chauhan.
7. The existence of several dynasties is known solely because of the coins, as no other substantial evidence is to be found. E.g., Nagas of the Mathura region, Malavas, Yaudheyas and Mitra rulers of Panchala.
8. Coins aid us in assessing the chronology of political leadership. E.g., dates on coins are an indication of the coronation of kings.
9. The place of discovery of the coins gives an indication of the territorial extents of a kingdom.
10. Cultural practices:
11. Coins give a general indication about the cultural practices followed during that time. E.g., Gupta coins show the king playing veena, depicting the cultural importance of music.
12. Coins also give an indication of the prevalent languages during different periods of history in different kingdoms. E.g., Chalukyan king Pulakesin I issued coins with Nagari and Kannada languages; Sanskrit language and Brahmi script used by Gupta kings.
13. Religious practices:
14. Coins depict popular religions, religious deities etc., during different phases of history. E.g., Kushana coins have the picture of God Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Shaiva symbols like Nandi (bull) and trident.
15. Coins also depict the prevalence of secular and cosmopolitan culture. E.g., Images of the deities from countries like Iran and Bactria were depicted on Kushana coins; coins of Akbar depicting images of Goddess Sita and God Ram.
16. Kanishka issued coins bearing the images of Buddha, highlighting the prevalence of Buddhism during his reign.
17. Images of the goddess Kali/Lakshmi were found in the coins of Chauhana rulers. The same coins were re-struck by Muhammad Ghori, with original images left untouched.

Numismatics, with regard to India, highlights a rich and diverse cultural, religious, economic and political history.