India, known as the Golden Sparrow or Sone ki Chidiya in the past, has a rich history of using gold as both a currency and a symbol of prosperity. In this article, let’s explore some intriguing facts about India’s gold coins, proving that our love for gold is timeless.
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The Early Gold Coins of India: The Kushan Dynasty’s Contribution
The Kushan Dynasty introduced some of the earliest gold coins in India. Here are a few examples:
Kanishka I Gold Dinar
Reportedly the first gold coin issued by an Indian king, Kanishka I of the Kushan Dynasty introduced this coin in 127 CE. Notably, this coin was issued in Greek, while later coins were minted in the Bactrian language. The fascinating design features the image of Kanishka I himself.
Huvishka Gold Dinar
Huvishka, the son of Kanishka, minted numerous gold coins and quarters between 155 and 190 CE. These coins, also in the Bactrian language, depict the Iranian solar deity Mithra.
Vasudeva I Gold Dinar
Vasudeva I, believed to be Huvishka’s son from a Hindu wife, issued this gold coin in 195 CE. The coin showcases Lord Shiva and the Nandi bull, symbolizing divinity.
Kanishka II Gold Dinar
Issued between 227 and 247 CE by Kanishka II, these gold coins also bear the depiction of Lord Shiva and the Nandi bull. While similar to its predecessors, this coin features minor differences in details and inscriptions.
Vasishka Gold Dinar
Vasishka minted this coin between 247 and 265 CE. The image portrays Vasishka on the left and the Iranian goddess Ardochsho on the right.
Vasudeva II
Issued sometime between 275 and 300 CE, this coin bears striking similarities to its predecessor.
Shaka Gold Dinar
The Shaka gold coins, issued around the mid-4th century, present uncertainty in terms of their chronology and ruler. These coins are known for their attractive designs and prominently feature the king and the goddess Ardochsho.
During the Gupta Empire, India witnessed its golden era in civilization, culture, arts, and of course, gold coins. Let’s explore some of the finest gold coins issued during this period.
The Golden Era of the Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire, flourishing between 335 and 375 CE, produced remarkable gold coins representing different types:
Sceptre
Referred to as the “standard type,” this Gupta gold coin portrays the king holding his rajadanda or royal sceptre.
King and Queen
This coin commemorates the marriage of King Chandragupta I to Lichchavi princess Kumaradevi. Historically, this event brought good fortune to the king and aided in expanding the Gupta Empire.
Archer
One of the most commonly found Gupta coins, it depicts the king holding a long bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right.
Battle Axe
This coin showcases the king holding a battle axe in his left hand, with the other side featuring the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, as seen on the sceptre, archer, and king and queen coins.
Ashvamedha
As the name suggests, this coin depicts a horse. The Ashvamedha was a horse sacrifice ritual performed by rulers to expand their kingdoms. The queen is featured on the other side of the coin.
Lyrist
This unique coin showcases the king playing a musical instrument, highlighting King Samudragupta’s skill as an accomplished musician.
Tiger-slayer
The tiger-slayer coin displays the king’s prowess in arms. It depicts the king aiming a bow at a tiger, symbolizing his hunting skills.
Kacha
The Kacha coin, the final type from the Gupta Empire, portrays the king holding a chakra-topped standard at an altar.
Following the Gupta era, coinage in India featured intriguing designs issued by Harsha and early medieval Rajput dynasties. Let’s take a look at some of these fascinating coins.
Post-Gupta Era Coinage
During the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji from 1674 to 1680, unique gold coins were minted. These coins bear the inscription “Sri Raja Shiv” on one side and “Chhatrapati” or Lord of the Kshatriyas on the other.
Throughout history, coins played a pivotal role in India’s relationship with gold. Today, the Indian Gold Coin offers security, purity, prestige, and value all in one. Gold continues to hold a special place in our hearts and pockets!
Sources:
Source1, Source2
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