Angavijja Ma Nirdishta Bharatiya Greek Kalin Ane Kshatrap Kalin Sikka

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the coins mentioned in "Angavijja":

Book Title: Angavijja ma Nirdishta Bharatiya Greek Kalin ane Kshatrap kalin Sikka Author: H C Bhayani Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229639/1

This article, authored by H. C. Bhayani, delves into the numismatic references found within the Jain Prakrit text 'Angavijja', which was edited by the late Muni Shri Puṇyavijay. 'Angavijja' is a comprehensive compilation of knowledge from the 4th century CE and earlier, containing a vast vocabulary that leaves very few aspects of life untouched. The editor's detailed, classified word index of around 87 pages is highlighted as a significant resource for scholars.

Key Numismatic References in 'Angavijja':

The author meticulously lists the various coins mentioned in 'Angavijja' across different sections of the book. These include:

• Page 66 (Padmank 185-816): Suvarnamaashak, Rajatamaashak, Deenarmaashak, Naan (?) maashak, Karshapan, Kshatrapak, Puraan, and Saterak.
• Another Section: Ardhamash, Kakani, and Att'ha.
• Two other locations: Further mentions of coins.

Scholarly Interpretations and Context:

The article then brings in the interpretations of other scholars to provide context for these coin names:

• Vasudev Sharan Agrawala: His detailed description in the book's introduction is noted for drawing the attention of history enthusiasts.
• Rasesh Zaveri: In his work "Gujarat no Rajakiya ane Sanskrutik Itihas" (Volume 2, 1972) and "Prag-Guptakaleen Bharatiya Sikka" (1998), he mentions Karshapan and Kshatrapak from 'Angavijja'.
• Bhogilal Sandesara: He references Karshapan, Kshatrapak, and Saterak.

Detailed Analysis of Specific Coins:

Bhayani then proceeds to analyze the meaning and historical significance of several of these coins, drawing upon other texts and scholarly opinions:

• Deenara: Identified as a prominent gold coin of the Kushan period, which continued to be in circulation during the Gupta period.
• Naana: Likely a thick, round copper coin issued by Kushan emperors, with millions of specimens found. Some speculate it relates to the depiction of Nana on coins during the Kushan era, hence the name "Naapaka."
• Puraan: A significant term referring to old punch-marked silver coins used during the Kushan period, even though newly minted coins were also in circulation. An inscription from Huvishka mentions a donation of 1100 Puraan coins.
• Kshatrapak: Popularly known in the time for silver coins issued by the Shaka Mahakshatrapas of Ujjain, with a long series found from the 1st to the 4th century CE. They were also initially called Rudradamaka.
• Saterak: Identified as the Indian name for the Greek Stater coin. Its mention is also found in Central Asian texts and Vasubandhu's "Abhidharmakosa."

Further Coin Denominations and Classifications:

The article continues to elaborate on other coin names and their relationships:

• Page 72: Mentions Suvarna-Kakini, Mashaka-Kakini, Suvarnagunjā, and Deenara.
• Page 189: Lists Suvarna and Karshapan.
• Pages 215-216: Mentions Karshapan, Naanak, Ardhamashaka, Kakani, and Atthabhaga.
• Suvarna: Specifically linked with Suvarna-Mashaka and Suvarna-Kakini.

Classification of Karshapan and Naanak:

• Karshapan: Divided into three types: Uttam Kaahavan, Majjhim Kaahavan, and Jahann (Jahanyā) Kaahavan. While the author doesn't provide details, they are theorized to be gold, silver, and copper coins respectively. Gold Karshapan remain undiscovered, but Panini's grammar and the Kashika commentary mention "Hatakam Karshapan" (gold coin).
• Naanak: Considered solely copper coins, identifiable with the thick copper paisa of the Kushan period. Its mention in the "Mṛcchakaṭika" with the commentary's synonym "Shivaanka Tank" further supports this.
• Smaller Copper Coins: Under Naanak, smaller copper coins like Mashaka, Ardhamashaka, Kakani, and Atthā are discussed. These are related to older copper Karshapan, with specific weight ratios (rattis). Atthā or Ardha Kakani is considered the smallest.

Types of Karshapan:

• Gold Karshapan (Hataka Karshapan): Their existence is debated, whether they were actual coins or for accounting purposes.
• Silver Karshapan: Divided into old (32 rattis, Puraan Karshapan from Maurya-Shunga period) and new ones. New silver Karshapan might refer to coins minted by Indo-Greek or Saka-Yavana rulers.

Mashaka Types:

• Four types of Mashaka coins are mentioned: Suvarna Mashaka, Rajat Mashaka, Deenara Mashaka, and a plain Mashaka (copper), related to Naanak.
• Deenara Mashaka: Possibly a smaller gold coin related to the Deenara, which was in circulation from the Kushan to Gupta periods. Small fractional coins of gold coins, up to one-eighth of the full weight, have been found from Kushan rulers.

Other Sections of the Article:

The latter part of the article deviates from numismatics to discuss:

• Literary Descriptions of Welcome Rituals: It analyzes a poem from the "Gathasaptashati" and a verse from "Amaruśataka," comparing them with poetic descriptions of a bride welcoming her groom, emphasizing symbolic gestures and natural elements like eyes, breasts, and flowers used in the welcome.
• Adaptation of Poetry: It discusses how poetic themes and verses are adapted and elaborated upon by different poets across various literary works.
• A Verse from "Jugaimjindachariyam": The article presents a verse from this work, highlighting its potential influence and its connection to a verse from Magha's "Shishupalavadha."

In summary, the article by H. C. Bhayani is a scholarly exploration of the coin denominations mentioned in the 'Angavijja'. It meticulously lists these coins, discusses their potential historical context, and draws upon the expertise of other researchers to shed light on the monetary system and economic activities of ancient India, particularly during the Indo-Greek and Kshatrapa periods. The latter part of the article, while interesting, shifts focus to literary analysis.