The Abhiraka Coin: Search for a New Identity

Jhanjh, Dev Kumar (2020) The Abhiraka Coin: Search for a New Identity. [Publications (Pre-joining)]

Text - Published Version Download (341kB)

Abstract

A coin is basically a metallic medium of exchange of definite weight made of both precious and base metals. A particular significance of a coin is its connection with long-distance commerce. The intrinsic value of a coin plays a vital role in this context for which the issuer mentions his political profile that also symbolises his political sovereignty. However, the earliest coins of the Indian subcontinent date back to c. 600 BCE, which was found in hoards in Taxila, Bhirmound and Chaman-i-Hazuri without the name of the issuer. The earliest coins belong to different janapadas and had 1–4 symbols, followed by the imperial punch-marked coins with 5 symbols on one side and with kārṣāpaṇa weight standard (3.04 g) of the Magadha-Maurya series.1 These uninscribed silver punch-marked coins inform about the absence of sovereignty in this phase.

Item Type:	Publications (Pre-joining)
Authors:	Jhanjh, Dev Kumar
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences
Divisions:	Azim Premji University > School of Development
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/5214
Publisher URL:

Actions (login required)

View Item