Bharatiya Sikko Ke Vikas Ki Katha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bharatiya Sikko ke Vikas ki Katha" by Indrakumar Kathotiya, focusing on the historical development of Indian coinage:

Overall Theme: The book, "The Story of the Development of Indian Coins," by Indrakumar Kathotiya, traces the long and complex evolution of coinage in India, highlighting its significance not just as a medium of exchange but also as a crucial source for understanding ancient Indian history, culture, politics, and art. The author emphasizes how coins fill gaps in textual sources, provide insights into rulers, dynasties, religious beliefs, and artistic advancements of different eras.

Key Stages and Developments in Indian Coinage:

• Early Forms of Exchange: The narrative begins with the earliest forms of exchange, from bartering goods in prehistoric times to the use of cattle and grains. The inherent difficulties in these early methods led to the adoption of metals.
• Punch-Marked Coins (Aahat Mudrayen):
  • These are considered the earliest form of standardized currency in India, likely dating back to the 7th century BCE, preceding the compilation of the Ashtadhyayi by Panini.
  • Coins were made of silver or copper, cut from metal sheets, and then impressed with various symbols (punch marks) by authorized individuals to ensure purity and correct weight.
  • These coins, possibly referred to as 'Purana' or 'Dharana' in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature, were often rectangular or round.
  • They were issued by various Janapadas and Mahajanapadas before the rise of the Magadha Empire. Examples include coins from Surasena, Panchala, Vatsa, Koshala, Kashi, Magadha, Kalinga, Andhra, etc.
  • The Mauryan Empire, particularly during the period from Chandragupta to Ashoka, saw the widespread establishment of these coins across the Indian subcontinent.
• Cast Coins (Dhalai ke Sikke):
  • Following punch-marked coins, cast copper coins emerged around the 5th century BCE.
  • These were minted by states like Kausambi, Ayodhya, and Mathura until the 3rd century CE, often bearing the names of local kings in Brahmi script.
• Influence of Foreign Rulers:
  • Greek and Bactrian Rulers (from 326 BCE): Alexander the Great's invasion marked a significant shift, introducing coins with the images of rulers and their deities. His successors and satraps continued this practice.
    • Diodotus was the first to mint gold coins among these rulers.
    • These rulers also introduced nickel coins and coins made of glass (by Straton II).
    • Their coins featured Greek language and Kharosthi script, with Prakrit language also appearing. Brahmi script was also used by some.
  • Sakas and Pahlavas (from 135 BCE to 1st century CE): These groups replaced Bactrian rule. Coins of rulers like Maues, Vonones, and Azes I are mentioned.
  • Kushanas (from the 1st century CE): Originating from nomadic tribes (Yuchi), the Kushanas established a vast empire.
    • Kujula Kadphises issued copper coins.
    • Vima Kadphises was the first to widely circulate gold coins of various denominations (quarter, standard, and double dinars). His copper coins bore images of Shiva, indicating influence from Shaivism.
    • Kanishka I issued coins with images of Shiva and Buddha.
    • The Kushana decline began with Vasudeva II.
  • Sasanian Influence: Sasanian kings in Persia began conquering Kushana territories, leading to the issuance of coins similar to Sasanian designs.
  • Kidara Kushanas: This tribal group conquered areas previously held by the Sasanians.
• Post-Mauryan and Gupta Period Regional Coinages:
  • Shunga and Kanva Dynasties: Issued copper punch-marked coins from Vidisha.
  • Tribal Republics: The Audumbaras, Kunindas, and Yaudheyas issued coins in the name of their deities.
  • Various Dynasties and Kingdoms: The text details the coinage of numerous regional powers, including:
    • Agreyas, Shudrakas, Rajanyas, Shivis, Trigartas, Yaudheyas (2nd century BCE onwards)
    • Malavas and Kulutas (1st century BCE)
    • Arjunayanas (2nd century CE)
    • Surasena: Coins of Gaumitra, Sheshadatta, Balabhuti, and Apalata.
    • Panchala: A series of copper coins issued by many rulers.
    • Koshala: Cast coins of Muladeva, Vayudeva, Vishakhadeva, and Dhanadeva.
    • Vatsa: Coins of Bhavaghosha, Ashaghosha, and others.
    • Shilaharas, Bhadramaghas, Veshravanas, Shivamagh
    • Vidisha-Eran regions: Punch-marked copper coins of post-Shunga and Kanva rulers, and Satavahana coins.
    • Eastern Satraps: Issued coins until 350 CE.
    • Padmavati: Independent rule with coins issued by Vishakhadeva, Mahata, Shabalasena, Amitasena, and Shivagupta.
    • Naga rulers (12 officials)
    • Mahakosal (Tripuri): Coins of Mitra, Magha, Sena, and Bodhi dynasties.
    • Orissa: Puri-Kushana coins (3rd century CE).
• South Indian Coinage:
  • Pandyas: Issued silver punch-marked coins.
  • Andhras and Cholas: Issued die-struck coins.
  • Mysore-Canara: Lead coins by the Sadakana family, followed by the Ananda family.
  • Maharashtra (Kolhapur): Coins of Maharathi Kura, Vilivayakura, Shivalakura, Gotamiputra, and Hasti.
  • Satavahanas (after 27 BCE): Issued a wide range of copper, silver, potin, and lead coins, extending their rule to Western India and the Deccan. Key rulers include Shri Satakarni and Gautamiputra Satakarni.
  • Roman Coins: Gold and silver Roman coins were traded in South India, sometimes bearing Indian ruler's stamps.
  • Ikshvakus (Eastern Deccan, 3rd century CE).
  • Kalabhras (Tamil country, 3rd-7th centuries CE).
  • Vishnukundina and Eastern Chalukyas (Vysamasiddhi).
  • Kadambas (10th-11th centuries CE): Issued gold Padma-Tanka coins using the punch-marking method.
  • Eastern and Western Chalukyas, Cholas, and Yadavas: Adopted punch-marking but typically struck coins on one side.
  • Vijayanagara Empire (from 1336 CE): Issued coins with images of Hanuman, Garuda, Uma-Maheshwara, Lakshmi-Narayana, etc. Subsequent smaller principalities also issued coins.
• Gupta Empire (from early 4th century CE):
  • Considered a golden age of Indian history.
  • Most coins were gold, but Chandragupta II also introduced silver coins.
  • Copper coins are found for Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, and Kumara Gupta I.
  • Glass coins are attributed to Chandragupta II, Kumara Gupta I, and Skandagupta.
  • Huna invasions impacted the empire, with Skandagupta repelling them. Toramana and Mihirakula later established rule.
• Western India (Post-Gupta):
  • Traikutakas: Issued silver coins.
  • Eastern Satraps: Ruled Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Malwa for 250 years until 310 CE. Divided into two branches: Kshaharata and Karddamaka.
• Post-Gupta Period (Political Turmoil and Decline of Coinage Continuity):
  • Bengal and Assam: Coins of Samachar Deva, Jayagupta, Shashanka, Birsen, and Devapala.
  • Thanesar: Coins of Harshavardhana.
  • Kannauj: Silver coins of Ishanavarman, Sarvavarman, and Avantivarman.
  • Kalachuri Dynasty: Krishnaraja followed Western Indian Gupta silver coin standards.
  • Pratiharas: Small silver coins issued by Vatsaraja.
  • Gadhiya Coins: Widely circulated, thin and large initially, becoming smaller over time.
  • Chauhans of Shakambhari: Coins of Jayasimha Siddharaja, Someshwar Dev, and Prithviraj.
  • Kashmir: Karkota kings issued gold-alloyed silver and copper coins, followed by Utpala kings' copper coins.
• Muslim Rule:
  • Sindh (712 CE): Entry of Muslims, with small silver coins issued by officers.
  • Ghaznavids: Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions and coin issuance. Later rulers like Farrukhzad, Ibrahim, Bahram Shah, and Khusrau Malik issued coins.
  • Ghori Dynasty: Muhammad Ghori laid the foundation of the first Muslim empire in India. Issued gold, silver-alloyed (bilan), and copper coins.
  • Delhi Sultanate: A succession of dynasties (Mamluk, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi) issued various coins. Sher Shah Suri introduced the silver 'Rupiya'.
  • Regional Sultanates: Governors in Bengal, Gujarat, Malwa, and Jaunpur issued their own coins when central authority weakened.
• Mughal Empire (from 1526 CE):
  • Founded by Babur.
  • Successors: Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan, Aurangzeb, and subsequent emperors issued a wide variety of coins in different metals and denominations. Jahangir's coins are noted for their artistic representations of zodiac signs.
• Marathas and Sikhs:
  • Marathas: Shivaji and his successors, as well as the Peshwas, issued their coins.
  • Sikhs: Banda Singh Bahadur issued coins. Nanak Shahi coins were circulated from Amritsar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also minted coins. Other Sikh states followed suit.
• European Colonial Powers:
  • Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, British, French: Entered India from the 15th century, establishing trading posts and issuing coins in the names of their settlements and companies.
  • The British eventually gained dominance and issued coins until India's independence in 1947.
• Independent India:
  • The first Indian coin was issued on August 15, 1950.
  • The decimal system was introduced in 1957 with 'Naya Paisa', later renamed 'Paisa'.
  • Special commemorative coins have also been issued.

Conclusion: The book emphasizes that the study of Indian coins provides a continuous and verifiable narrative of the nation's history, revealing aspects of its economic, social, political, and artistic heritage that might otherwise remain obscure. Coins serve as invaluable historical documents, offering a tangible link to the past.