History in coins

Indian numismatists think a correct interpretation of the engravings on the ancient coins could reveal much more information about the culture of that era, writes Anil Sharma

AJAY Dev, a 12th century ruler of the Chauhan dynasty whose kingdom was in Ajmer, loved his wife so much that he had coins issued engraved with her name. Some of his coins were among the over 500 on display at an exhibition of old coins at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur recently.

(Above) Gandharan stone cosmetic tray, 3rd century AD; and (left) Gandharan stone head, bearded male, 1st century AD

A few of the coins dated back to 2,600 years and included the ‘panch mark’ coins (with five marks), which officials say date from 600 BC to 200 BC.

There are other ancient coins too—from the Indo-Greek period (around 200 BC-1 AD) and Kushan period from roughly the same age, Gupta period (320-600 AD) and Mughal period (1527-1707) when Aurangzeb died and the empire started declining).

There were special coins of princely states, including Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner and Marwar. The exhibition was organised by the Archaeological and Museum Department of Rajasthan in collaboration with Jawahar Kala Kendra.

"It’s a modest attempt by the Archaeological Department to display such coins. These are said to be the oldest coins in our country. They provide the source material to know about our glorious past and to educate people about the ancient cultural, political and socio-economic life," said Zafarulla Khan, a known numismatic and circle superintendent with the Archaeological and Museum Department.

The ‘panch mark’ coins are said to be the first known coins to be circulated in Indian history. Most of these silver coins have five marks on them and each weighs 3.2 gm.

Several coins have engravings that look like three human figures and a horse while some show a bent human figure with an object on his shoulders. Others depict a figure carrying two pots on the shoulder slung on the ends of a rod.

On certain coins the images are so blurred and invisible that it is difficult to decipher the impression. These coins were found from different parts of Rajasthan, particularly Virath Nagar, Tonk, Sikar, Chitorgarh and Sambhar areas.

According to Zafarulla Khan, it was noted numismatist John Ellen who first deciphered the marks on the coins in accordance with western terms. But several Indian experts have challenged the interpretation of the coin engravings.

Indian numismatists, including Zafarulla Khan, think the engravings on the coins are purely figures of Indian gods and goddesses. They think a correct interpretation of the engravings could reveal important information about the culture of that era. —IANS