NUMISMATICS

INTRODUCTION
- Numismatics is the study of coins, currency and monetary history.
- Coins are an important archaeological source for reconstructing history.
- They provide insights into economy, polity, administration, religion and art.
- Coins help in dating archaeological layers.
- Figures of rulers, deities and legends reflect social and political conditions.

PUNCHED MARKED COINS
- Known as punch-marked due to manufacturing technique.
- Mostly made of silver.
- Symbols were punched separately using different punches.
- Initially issued by merchant guilds.
- Later issued by states.
- Represent a period of intensive trade and urban development.
- Considered the earliest coins of India.

MAURYAN PERIOD COINS
- Similar to early punch-marked silver coins.
- Usually contained five punch marks.
- Presence of sun symbol.
- Mostly silver coins, few copper coins.
- Coins varied in size, shape and weight.
- Reflect strong centralized authority.

INDO-GREEK COINS
- Minting technique was refined and advanced.
- Language used was Prakrit.
- Script used was Kharoshthi.
- Introduction of portrait heads of rulers on coins.
- Kushan rulers adopted this practice.
- Coins of Kanishka were minted in Greek characters.

KUSHANA PERIOD COINS
- Issued large number of gold coins.
- Gold content higher than Gupta coins.
- Obverse carried figure, name and title of ruler.
- Reverse depicted deities.
- Legends written in Greek or Kharoshthi.
- Strong Hellenistic influence.
- Deity on one side and monarch on the other.

GUPTA PERIOD COINS
- Mostly made of gold.
- Known as the ‘Rain of Gold’.
- Major issuers were Samudragupta, Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta.
- Coins depicted dynastic succession.
- Themes included marriage alliances and Ashvamedha sacrifice.
- Artistic achievements like Lyrist, Archer and Lion-slayer types.
- High artistic excellence and superior craftsmanship.

POST-GUPTA COINS
- Period from 6th to 12th century AD.
- Decline in artistic quality and metal purity.
- Monotonous dynastic issues.
- Coins of Harsha, Kalachuris and Rajputs.
- Seated Lakshmi coins issued by Gangeyadeva.
- Bull and Horseman type common in Rajput coins.
- Byzantine gold coins used in western India.
- Decline due to rise of self-sufficient local units called Shrenis.

SOUTH INDIAN COINAGE
- Dominated by dynastic symbols.
- Boar for Chalukyas.
- Bull for Pallavas.
- Tiger for Cholas.
- Fish for Pandyas and Alupas.
- Bow and arrow for Cheras.
- Lion for Hoysalas.
- Yadavas issued Padmatankas with lotus symbol.
- Legends written in local languages.
- Minimal decorative elements.
- Religious imagery appeared mainly during Vijayanagara period.

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Subject: Art and Culture

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