rohilkhand university bareilly thesis · rohilkhand university bareilly thesis ... inscription...

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DEDICATION

Thisistocertifythatthethesisentitled“AstudyofPañcālacoinsin

HistoricalPerspective”isanoriginalworkcarriedoutbySwatiGupta,in

theDepartmentofAncientHistoryandCultureundermyguidance.

She has fulfilled all the requirements, relating to the ordinance,

prescribed under the regulations of the University for submitting the

thesis, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in the Department of

AncientHistoryandCultureofM.J.P.RohilkhandUniversity,Bareilly.

Date: Dr.ShyamBihariLal

AssociateProfessor

CCEERRTTIIFFIICCAATTEE

Foremost, I am grateful to Almighty God for establishing me to

complete this thesis. It’s finally time for me to doctorate! I realize in

writingthisthesisthatIhavespentalongtimeinRohilkhandUniversity!

WhileIamenthusiastictofinallybringthistimetoaclose,Ihavetosayit

hasallowedmetogettoknowsomeoutstandingindividuals.

Firstofall, Iwould liketothankmysupervisorDr.ShyamBihari

Lal forwhomIhavebeen inspiringandhelpingme inundertaking this

work.Youhavebeenagreatmentor. Icouldnot foundsomeonebetter

forgettingmethroughthedoctorateexperienceandlettingmehavethe

freedomofdoingmyresearch. Ihaveproudtohavebeenable towork

withhim.

Iplaceonrecord,mysinceregratitudetoDr.AbhayKumar

Singh HOD, Department of Ancient History & Culture, for his constant

encouragement. I also express my gratitude to Dr. Atul Kumar Sinha,

Dr. Vijay Bahadur Yadav for their support and encouragement during this

course of study.

The preparation of this thesis “A Study of Pa c la Coins in

Historical Perspective” would not have been possible without the

valuable contribution and monetary assistance of Indian Council of

HistoricalResearch.

AACCKKNNOOWWLLEEDDGGEEMMEENNTT

Myspecial thanksalso toCol.RajivRawatwhoablyassistedus in

consolidatingtheseveralchangesthatthethesisunderwentandforhis

contributioninfreehanduseofhisvaluablecollectioninthisregard.

Andfinally,Iwishtothankmyfatherwhohadtobearaheavyload

ofresponsibilityandconcerninbringingthisthesistoasuccessfulend,

indeed in selfless spirit and supported me in my career path. He

provided excellent role model for my educational and personal

endeavors.Ialsoneedtothankmyfamilywhohasbeenthereallalong.

Ithankeveryonewhocollaboratedinproducingthiswork.

I alsoplace on record,my senseof gratitude to one and allwho,

directlyorindirectly,havelenttheirhelpinghandinthisventure.

Lastbutnottheleast,IamthankfultoMr.AnandKumarfortaking

keeninterestintypingthismanuscriptspeedilyandtimely.

Date:‐ SwatiGupta

PAGE NO.

CHAPTER–I : Introduction 1‐4

CHAPTER–II : Pa c la:ABriefHistory 5‐53 Pañcala:‐LiteraryEvidences 5‐11

Pa c la:‐GeographicalExtent 11‐15

EthnographyofPañc la 15‐17

ArchaeologyofPañcāla 17‐32

Religion 33‐40

Pa c la the land of Religious tolerance

andcoexistence

40‐43

Art 43‐48

Political,SocialandEconomicactivities 48‐53

CHAPTER–III : Pa c laCoins:AGeneralStudy 54‐79

OriginofCoins 54‐55

CoinsinIndia 55‐57

PañcālaCoins 57‐58

Appearance 58‐59

Metrology 59‐62

Shape 62

WeightStandard 62‐63 Denomination 63

TheTechniquesofMintingPañc laCoins 63‐66

Type&PatternofPa c laCoins 66‐70

(A)Obverse 66‐67

(B) Reverse 67‐70

PeriodofPañcālaCoins 70‐77

Language&ScriptofPañcalaCoins 77‐79

CHAPTER–IV : Pa c la Coins: Janpad or Tribal, A

Study

80‐88

CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

CHAPTER–V : SomespecificPa c lacoins&itsstudy 89‐103 CountermarkedPañcalaCoins 89‐96 NewtypeofcoinsofRudraguptasaand

Dhruvamitrasa96‐103

CHAPTER–VI : NewlydiscoveredPa c laCoins 104‐126 A rectangular Pancala coin with ‘Mitra’

inscription104‐107

RevatimitasaRarePañcalaCoin 107‐109 Chandramitra a new name on Pa c la

Coin109‐112

AnewseriesofPa c lacoin 112‐113 A unique Pa c la coin with inscription

Vi vagupta114‐117

AgimitastoAgnimitrasya:Footprintsofsomecenturies

117‐123

CoinsofBhadr ghos a:Untoldfacts 123‐126CHAPTER–VII : Acomparativestudywithother

contemporarycoins127‐167

udumbaras 129‐132 yodhya 132‐137 Kau mbi 137‐145 Kanauj 145‐146 M thura 147‐160 UnattributedcoinofBh numitra 160‐162 ConsolidatedTentativeResults 162‐167CHAPTER–VIII : Newfindings,inrespectofPa c la

History168‐187

SignificanceofPañcalaSymbols 168‐173 Pañcala:MonarchialorRepublican

Janpada?174‐187

CHAPTER–IX : Conclusion 188‐194BIBLIOGRAPHY 195‐211APPENDIX i‐viiiPLATES 1‐12

AB : Aitareya Br hmana.

AI : Ancient India, Bulletin of the Archaeological Survey of India.

CAI : Coins of Ancient India by A.Cunningham.

CAR : Archaelogical Survey of India Reports prepared by

A.Cunningham.

CAS : Central Antiquities Section of the Archaelogical Survey of

India, Purana Qila, New Delhi.

CII : Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Vol.III by J.F.Fleet.

EI : Epigraphia Indica.

IHQ : Indian Historical Quarterly.

IMB : Indian Museum Bulletin.

IMC : Coins of Ancient India – Catalogue of the Coins in the Indian

Museum by V.A.Smith.

INC : Indian Numismatic Chronicle.

JA : Catalogue of the Coinsof Ancient India in the British Museum

by John Allan.

JAIH : Journal of Ancient Indian History.

JAINS : Journal of Academy of Indian Numismatics and Silliography.

JASB : Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal.

ABBREVIATIONS

JBRS : Journal of the Bihar Research Society.

JRAS : Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society.

JNSI : Journal of the Numismatics Society of India.

JUPHS : Journal of the U.P. Historical Society.

MASI : Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India.

PIHC : Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.

SBE : Sacred Books of the East.

SPLC : Seminar Papers on the Local Coins of Northern India ed. by

A.K. Narain et al.

1

CHAPTER – I INTRODUCTION

The soul of mankind and society is ascribe to be as ‘history’ which

always known without any doubt as real, universal and immortal-“u tk;rs

fez;rs ok dnkfpUuk;a HkwRok Hkfork u Hkw;%**1Civilizations always emerge with

time, flourish with time, decay with time and afterward re-emerge with a new

format, swing and pattern with time–^^tkrL; fg /kzqoks e`R;q /kqoZa tUe e`rL; pA2**

This is a continuous process. This process is always progress with time such

as revolving earth around sun, revolving moon around earth. Time is an

absolute parameter. The process of continuation gives us a very nascent touch

of life and the life, this newly borne life, grow as a tree of civilization

alongwith singing time with immense possibilities. Today, we are! The

reason we have a past. We progress towards a stunning future because we

have a past. It is very important to know our past because the speed of

continuance makes his path towards the incoming future. Soil of past, dreams

of past, reality of past, images of past, expectation of past, mistakes of past,

sorrow of past…..all are make the present, when consolidated, and for future,

we must have to know all of these. Past is always past and never die. There is

no independent future without past, so who think that by ignoring the past

they will be very progressive and intellectual, they are in great suspense.

These peoples don’t sleep well with history. For incoming future, the re-

1- Jhen~Hkxon~xhrk&v0&2] “yksd&20 2- Jhen~Hkxon~xhrk&v0&2] “yksd&27

2

assessing of past is very necessary. We know the past very well with help of

so many parameters such as artefacts, literature, archaeology, architecture,

coins etc., but there are some dark spots and some unattributed reasons are

here and for a fair projection of then ‘history’, we must be re-thinkbeyond the

old theories and also inclusion of new findings. Lord Byron says ‘truth

sometimes can be stranger than fiction’.

There are many black holes, but a very important one is ‘Post-

Mauryan’ period (C.200 B.C. to 300 A.D.). In words of Anant Sadashiv

Altekar this period known as ‘Dark Age’.3 T.W. Rhys Davids says …..From

the death of Aśoka onward to the time of Guptas the history of India is at

present in a state of the utmost confusion and darkness.4 In this time frame

there were so many dynasties have been ruled in India such as u gas, Kanva

and Satvahana etc. There were so many kingdoms established by foreign

rulers also in India such as Indo-Bactrian, Indo-Sythian, Indo-Parthian and

Kus na. So many republics i.e. Kuninda, Yaudheya, Arjunayan, Malla

etc.were emerged also in Indian political arena. There is an example in a

contemporary Buddhist text that a king of a southern state asks to some

traders of Madhyadesh that who was the king of your country? The answer

was some of us from the country where there is a king but others from the

republican countries-nso dsfp}s”kk x.kk/khuk% dspnzktk/khuk%5According to

Megasthenes there was a tendency of ‘Jantantra’ (Democracy) after

3. Altekar, A.S.: Prachin Bhartiya Shashan Padhati-Vishvidhyalaya Prakashan, Varanasi, 2005, p. 261.

4. Rhys Davids, T.W.: Buddhist India, LPP Delhi, Reprint, 2002 Original T. Fisher Unwin London 1903, p. 308.

5. Avadan Shatak ed. by E.B.Cowell and R.A. Neil, Vol. II Cambridge 1887, p. 103.

3

monarchy in India in and about 4th century B.C.6According to Greek

Philosopher Aristotle (circa. 384 B.C. to 322 B.C) there were six types of

government in 4th century B.C. (i) Democracy (ii) Monarchy (iii) Tyranny or

dictatory (iv) Aristocracy (v) Oligrachy and (vi) Polity.

The period known as ‘Dark Age’, the Jain and Buddhist literature of

this period is still almost entirely, buried in manuscript. From time to time a

ray of light, now in one part of what had been a great Magadha empire, now

in another, illumines the darkness. The labours of numismatists and

epigraphists have been directed to the reconstruction, from such isolated data

as the coins and inscriptions give us, of a continuous chronology and of a

connected history. The progress of this work, especially in the past few years,

has been great, but the field is so vast, the data are so sporadic, doubt as to the

eras used is so persistent an obstacle, that the difficulty of this reconstruction

is immense.7 However the reconstruction has been done with help of coins

but the ultimate aim of knowing that period not fully achieved. The

subsequent history of that period or of the peoples is shrouded in mystery.

The coins are not the last weapon to achieve our goal but they are most

accurate and reliable source of knowledge.

A few centuries after the coming of the Aryans, Pañcāla acquired

considerable significance, in fact, it becomes the matrix of the later Vedic

6. Arrian, Anabasis Indica, Translated by J.W. McCrindle, Ancient India as described by Megasthenes and Arrian London 1877.

7. Rhys Davids, T.W.: Buddhist India, LPP Delhi, Reprint, 2002 Original T. Fisher Unwin London 1903, p. 308.

4

civilization.8 In fact, Pañcāla is a nucleus of Brahmars ideśa, the land of the

mixed tribes, where the mixture of the Aryans and the non-Aryans had come

to stay. S.K. Chatterjee has gone to the extent of saying….as the time when

the Indian Man came into being.9 If we want to know the ultimate tendencies

of that period i.e. C 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. then it will be most prudent to

know Pañcāla and his legacy very closely.

ge lksprs gSa fd fnu [kks x, gSa] ge teha esa lks x, gSaA

ysfdu ugha] ge lks;s ugha gSa tkxrs gSa fd fnu [kks;s ugha gSaAA

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

8. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, p.1. 9. Chatterjee, S.K.: Balts and Aryans in their Indo-European Background, 1968, p.1-29.

5

CHAPTER – II

PA C LA:ABRIEFHISTORY

Pañc la: -Literary Evidences:-

The earliest reference to the Pañc la country and Pañc la populace

occurs in Vedic literature known to be, as far as the period is concerned,

belongs to C 1000 B.C., as per Max Muller’s chronological estimate.10 The

Sam�hitopanis�ad adverts to the existence of a third Pañc la kingdom in

the eastern region. Five tribes are stated to have combined to form the

populace of the country. The atapathabr hmana11 tells us that the Pa c las

and the krivis were identical. The Br�had ran�yaka12 and

Ch ndogyaupanis�ad13 speak of its king Pravāhana Jaivali is described as

engaged in a discussion pertaining to ‘Dh rma’ with runi vetaketu,

Chaikit yna D lbhya, Si ka l vatya. The runi vetaketu, the grandson

of Udd laka and Si ka l vatya both are contemporary to Janaka/Videha

Janaka the well known Vedic king and philosopher also known to have met

Videha Janaka. Aitareya Br hmana, Kaus�itaki Br hmana, Pancavimsa

Brāhmana have vast evidences in respect of history of Pa c la. A most

10. Gonda, J.: A History of Indian Literature, Vol.1, The Vedic Literature (Śam�hitaś & Brāhamnas) 1975, p.22-23.

11. athapathabr hmana XIII 5.4.16 Ed. By Vanshidhara Shastri, 2 Vols, Acyuta Granthamala, Kasi 1947.

12. Br�had ran�yakapanis�ad VI 2 Ed.And Tr.By O. B htlingk, Leipzig 1889. 13. Ch ndagyaopnis�ad 1.8.1.and V. 3.1 Ed. And Tr.By O. B htlingk Leipzig 1889.

6

popular perception is that the am�hita were largely compilled in the land

of the Kuru- Pa c las themselves.

A civilization called as Vedic civilization was flourished in area known

as ry varta, the land of immense importance in Ancient Indian History and

Culture. Many important aspects of Ancient Indian life were portrayed in

‘S tra’ literature. The important s tras where the treasure of the ‘knowledge

of then history’ has been conserved are hraut S tra, Grhya S tra and

Dh rams tra. Many of the S trakaras such as alayana, Baudh yana,

Gautama P raskara, Var havaikh nasa, pastamba, Vasistha Vis�nu at

least two S trak ras pastamba and Baudh yana appear to be familiar with

‘Aryavarta’ in general and the Kuru-Pa c las in particular. Many places of

Kuru-Pa c las and its neighbourhood were mentioned in rautas tra of

pastamba.14 Similarly rautas tra of Baudh yana mentions certain

families and personages of Kuru-Pa c las.15 There can be noticed the

references of Kuruks etra and Kh ndavaprastha.16 The upper limit of the

period of these Vedic am�hitaś has laid down by P.V. Kane in his history

of Dh ram as�tra around 800 B.C.17

The V jasaneyiśam�hita and the K thakaśam�hitaś18 refer to the

activities of the Pa c las. Pa c la means the people who inhabited in

14. pastamba Śrautas tra XXIII.13, 2, 4-5 12-14 Ed. by R. Garbe, Calcutta 1882-1902. 15. Baudh yana Śrautas tra XVIII, 26, 38 Ed. by W. Caland, Calcutta 1904-23. 16. Baudh yana Śrautas tra XVII, 18, XVIII. 45 Ed. by W. Caland, Calcutta 1904-23. 17. Kane, P.V.: History of Dharam as�tra, Vol.III, p. xvii, Poona 1930-62. 18. V jasaneyiśam�hita XI, 3.3 Ed. by A Weber London, 1852. Kathakaśa�hita X.6, XXX.2 Ed. by Von Schroeder, Leipzig 1900-11.

7

Pa c la country or region or the area/land known as Pañcāla. In Astādhyāyi

of Pānini refers as “

^^T;ksfrtuinjkf=ukfHkukexks=:iLFkkuoKkZo;ksopucU/kq’kq”19**-

The clarification by V.S. Agarwala is as – ‘every people has his name

according to his Janpada20 i.e. Pa c las, the inhabit of the Pa c la Janpada,

ng s the inhabit of the ng Janpada’ etc.

There are so many sm�ritis such as Manusm�rti,21Y j avalkya,

Parashara,Narada and Brhas�pati sm�riti also significant for the study of

the life of the peoples in that time frame. All these sm�ritikaras had parts of

ry varta. According to V.S. Agarwal that the Manusm�rti was

promulgated in the Pa c las kingdom itself.22 The description was given in

Manusm�rti is as follows - “dq:{ks=a p eRL;ka”p ikapkyk% ”k‘wjlsudk%A ,’k

czãf’kZns’kksa oS vk;kZoÙkkZnuUrj%”23

The epic Mah bh rata constitutes a veritable treasure trove of Indian

lore. The narration of this epic spread in a time span of nearly one thousand

and four hundred year i.e., tenth century B.C. to fourth century A.D. R.S.

Sharma has observed….its narrative portion looks back to as early as the

tenth century B.C. and the didactic and descriptive portions belong to as late

19. Astādhyāyi of Pānini 6.3.84. 20.Agarwala,V.S., Paninikalin Bharat Varsha, p. 105 Chawkhambha Vidya Bhawan,

Varanasi, 1969. 21. B hler assigned the Manusm�riti to 200 B.C. to A.D. 200. 22. Agarwala,V.S.: India as described by Manu, Varanasi 1970, p.5-6. 23. Manusmriti II Verse 19 Ed. by J.Jolly, London 1887, Trans. By G. B hler SBE (Sacred

Books of East) Vol. XXV, Oxford 1886.

8

as the fourth century A.D.24 The very fact that the nucleus of the whole story

is the feud between the kurus and the Pandavas – a feud which took place in

the Kuru-Pa c la kingdom, is indicative of the paramount significance of

Mah bh rata. For the history of Pa c la – the redactors, compiler have

mentioned numerous peoples which provide us with extremely useful

information about the ethnography not only Pa c la but whole of the

‘ ryavarta’.

The Puranas are of great value from the historic point of view and a

very useful light has been shed on their importance as a source of social

history and there are very important indications of the social structure of

various dynasties and his economic and political status. The verse in Chapter

I of Garura Purana is as ‘ikapkyk% dqjoks eRL;k ;ks/ks;k% liVPpjk%A dqUR;k%

“kwjlsuk”p e/;ns”ks tuk% Le`rk%AA’

‘With the Buddhist literature we gradually emerged into the broad

daylight of history….the darkness of the history of the Vedic and epic

literature is somewhat illuminated by this light’.25 The great reformer Gautam

Buddha was born about 557 B.C and died in 483 B.C.26 (as per A.S. Altekar

the date was 487 B.C.)27 A council of 500 monks was held in Rajagriha, the

capital of M gadha, immediately after his death and they chanted the second

24. Sharma, R.S.: Aspects of Political Ideas and Institutions in Ancient India, Delhi 1968. 25. Winternitz, M.: History of Indian Literature Vol. II, p.1, Calcutta 1927, Reprinted,

New Delhi 1977, p. 13. 26. Thapar, Romilla: Aśoka and Decline of Mauryan Empire p. 12-13, Granth Shilpi

(India) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Reprinted 2010. 27. Altekar, A.S.: Prachin Bhartiya Shasan Paddhati, p. 314, Vishwavidhalaya

Prakashan, Varanasi, 2005.

9

laws together to fix them on their memory. In 242 B.C. Aśoka, the king of

M gadha held a third council in Pataliputra to finally settle the Buddhist

works or Pitakas. About a hundred and fifty years after these Pitakas were

formally reduced to writing and thus we have the most authentic account of

the earliest form of Buddhism in the Pali Pitakas of Ceylon carried by King

Aśoka’s son Mahindra and daughter Sanghmitra. We have thus found in the

scripture of the southern Buddhist reliable materials for the history of India

for the centuries immediately after the time of Gautam Buddha. ‘Hence the

three Pitakas illustrate the manners and life of the Hindus and the history of

Hindu kingdoms in the Gangetic Valley.28 For Pa c la specifically, just a few

random illustrations would suffice to show the importance of this

considerable body of literature. The A guttara Nikāya,29 a part of these

Buddhist literature mentions it as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. Vinaya

Pitaka30 also endorsed the same.

The Janpada Pa c la had abundance of the seven kinds of gems.31 It

had a large army consisting of foot – soldiers, men skillful in fight and in the

use of steel weapons.32 There are references in Kumbhakara Jataka33 and

Gandatindu Jataka34 also. ‘It will not be wrong to emphasize that the Jatakas

28. Dutt, R.C.: Civilisation in the Buddhist Age, B.C. 320 to A.D. 500, LPP 204, p. 10-11. 29. A guttara Nik ya 1.215, 4.252m 256, 260 ed. by R. Morris and E. Hardy, Pali Text

Soceity, London 1885-1900, Trans., The Book of Gradual Sayings by F.L. Woodward and E.M. Here, 5 Vols. London 1932-36.

30. Vinaya Texts 2.146 by T.W. Rhys Davids and H. Oldenberg, Sacred Books of the East, Oxford 1881-85.

31. A guttara Nik ya, Vol.I, p. 213, Vol.IV p. 252-60. 32. Jatakas, Tr. & Ed. by E.B. Cowell Vol. IV, p. 202 Cambridge 1895-1913. 33. Jatakas, Tr. & Ed. by E.B.Cowell Vol. III, p. 379-81, Cambridge 1895-1913. 34. Jatakas, Tr. & Ed. by E.B.Cowell Vol. V, p. 54, Cambridge 1895-1913.

10

represent an extensive period of development from the third century B.C.

down to the third century A.D.’35 However, it would be more appropriate to

use them largely for the post – Mauryan to the pre – Gupta period because the

economic life that obtains in these works, finds its clearest parallels during

this period,36 exactly the period belongs to the ‘Pa c las’.

As of the Buddhist text, the Jain literature comprising the twelve

ngas, twelve up ngas, the ten Prakirnakas, the six chedas tras, the four

M las tras, the Nandi and Anuyuga were formally reduced to writing after a

considerable time span but there is surprisingly little controversy on the

chronology. The origin of the extent Jain literature cannot be placed earlier

than about 300 B.C. Like Buddhaghos�a commentaries on the Pali canon,

the gma literature alongwith Panchāngas of Jain literature i.e., Niryuktis

Bh syas, C rnis and Tikās too was enriched by commentaries and expository

works. Notable Niryuktis are those on the c ranga, S trakrtan�ga and

Utt r dhyayana. The Bhasyas such as Ni itha and Br�hatkalpa were

probably composed between the fourth-fifth centuries A.D. The above

literature alongwith c rnis and various Tikas, Puranas throw considerable

light on the period with which we are concerned. A still later work is the

Vividhatirthakalpa, which was written by Jinaprabhasuri in A.D. 1332 has

one full section devoted to the city Ahicchatra.

As discussed above, the Vedic, epic, puranic, Buddhist and Jain

literature belongs to the period C 1000 B.C. to 1332 A.D. throw some light

on Pañcāla, there were some most useful works to solve the problem of the

35. Winternitz M. – History of Indian Literature Vol. II, p. 121-22. 36. Winternitz, M.: History of Indian Literature Vol. II, p. 121-22.

11

Pañcāla adequately are Astādhyāyi of Pānini alongwith Vartika of Katyayana,

Mahabhasya of Patanjali (C 150 B.C.), Artha stra of Kautilya (C 300

B.C.). Vasudev Sarana Agarwala rightly assigned that the material fact of the

verse of Pānini’s Astādhyāyi may be regarded as authentic as the edicts and

coins37. The very fact such information as they contain, comes from persons

assignable to a relatively known period makes them more valuable and

authentic.

Pa c la: -Geographical Extent:-

The Buddhist text A guttara Nik ya38 mentions Pa c la as one of the

sixteen Mahajanpadas. (Fig.1)

37. Agarwala, V.S.: Paninikalina Bharatvarsa, Chawkambha Vidyabhawan, Varanasi 1969, p. 7

38. A guttara Nik ya Vol. I, p. 213, Vol IV pp 252-60 ed. by R. Morris and E. Hordy Pali text Society, London 1885-1900.

Figure 1

12

The Bhagavati S tra39 and other works40 are now fixed on the map of

India to the general agreement of all. Aitareyabrāhmana41 mention Ko ala

and Videha to the east of Pa c la. To the west lay the kuru kingdom with

which Pa c la had links at various stages of its history. The Himalayan

foothills may be said to have been the northern most extent of Pa c la,

which had another natural frontier, viz the river Chambal as the southern

boundary of a small section of the kingdom. While the river Gomati may be

described as roughly constituting the eastern boundary. The Yamuna can be

taken as a line of demarcation but it should be emphasized that the

relationship between the Janpadas of kuru and Pa c la were so intimate –

particularly in the later Vedic period i.e., sixth century B.C. It is rather

strange that we find no reference to either Pa c la or its capital in Pānini’s

Astādhyāyi, though his commentator Patanjali (C 2nd Century B.C.) refers to

the Pa c la Janpada.42Pānini’s Astādhyāyi refers the region called

‘Pratayagrath’ situated between Ganga and Ramganga rivers.43 The later

literature such as Vaijayanti44 and Abhidhan Chintamani endorsed the same

and gives the name of this region as Pa c la and its capital Ahicchatra.45 The

river Ramganga was known as Rāthastha.46 As per Astādhyāyi Pa c la

39. Sacred Books of East Vol.XV, Uddesa 1. 40. Cullanidesa, Mahavastu, Vinaya Text. 41. Aitareyabrāhmana VIII 14.3 ed. Th. Aufrecht, Bombay 1879, Trans by A.B. Keith

HOS, Cambridge, 1920. 42. The Vyakarana Mahabhasya of Patanjali II p. 324 ed. by Keilhorn Bombay 1892-

1909. 43. Pānini’s Astādhyāyi 4/1/173. 44. Vaijayanti p. 214. 45. Hem Chandra: Abhidhan Chintamani 4/26 izR;xzLRofgN=k% lkYokLrq dkjdq{kh;k% 46. Pānini Astādhyāyi 6/1/157.

13

consist with three parts viz. East Pa c la, North Pa c la and South

Pa c la.47 There is an assumption that there was two parts of North Pa c la

also known as East Pa c la and Upper Pa c la with natural demarcation

line of river Rāthastha. The Epic Mahābhārata stipulates that the two

portions of the kingdom were situated on the northern and southern banks of

the Ganga.48Ahicchatra and Utt r Pa c la are synonyms to each other as

per Mahābhārata ‘vfgN=a p fo’k;a nzks.k% lekfHki|r] ,oa jktuufgPN=k iqjh

tuink;qrk] ;qf/k fuftZR; ikFksZu nzks.kk; izfrikfnrk’49

As per Cunningham that the great kingdom of Pa c la as a whole

extended from the Himalayas to the Chambal valley.50 North Pa c la

embraced the whole of Rohilkhand to the north of the Ganga, while South

Pa c la included the upper half of the Doab between the Ganga and

Yamuna.51 Cunningham was identified the Ahicchatra with a place north of

Aonla on account of H ien – Tsang memoirs.52 H ien Tsang says that he

reached Ahicchatra by travelling 400 li or 66 miles approximately south-east

of Govi ana,53 the capital was 17 or 18 li in circuit and that it was defended

by natural obstacles. The circumference of the kingdom was 3000 li, nearly

47. Pānini Astādhyāyi 7/3/13. 48. jktkfl nf{k.ks dwys HkkxhjF;kgeqRrjsA ljok;a eka fotkuhfg ikapky ;fn eU;lsAA egkHkkjr vkfn ioZ 138&74 49. egkHkkjr&vkfn ioZ 137&76] 77 50. Cunningham, A.: The Ancient Geography of India, p.413, ed. S.N. Majumdar Sastri

Calcutta 1924. 51. Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India, p. 79 London 1891, Reprinted 1963. 52. Cunningham, A.: Ancient Geography of India, Indological Book House, Delhi, p. 412. 53. A mond situated at present near Kashipur (U.S. Nagar) Uttarakhand.

14

500 miles.54 According to the Jain text vividhartrthakalpa, sam�khyavati

was the earlier name of Ahicchatra.55Br hatśam�hita of mathematician

Varahamihira speaks of the king of Pa c la as the chief king of

Madhyade a.56 V tsy yana in his K mas tra speaks of the preponderance of

the Aryas in Madhyadesa.57 V tsyayana was the well known commentator of

Babhrabya’s kamshastra. Babhrabya was a brilliant Pa c la scholar with

immense knowledge in his field.

There are some inscriptions such as two pabhosā inscriptions58

mentioning Ahicchatra by name; two inscriptions of Scythian period59 give

only references to Pa c la and Ahicchatra. There is another small inscription

inscribed on a yaks a image discovered in Ahicchatra and it refers to one

‘pharagulavihara’ of Ahicchatra.60 The Allahabad pra asti of

Samundragupta refers to the two kings belongs to Pa c la, chyuta and

Nandi. According to K.M. Shrimali former is to be identified with cyu

whose numerous coins have been found from the Pa c la region. Nandi may

be śrinandi of coins inscription.61

54. Hs an Tsang, Si-yu-ki, translated by S.Beal, Buddhist Records of the western world, London 1884, reprinted, New Delhi, 1982, and T. Watters, On Yuan Chwang’s Travels in India 2 volumes London, 1904-05, Reprinted, New Delhi, 1973, p. 331-32

55. Vividhartitrthokalpa- ed by Jinavijaya, p. 14, Singhi Jaina Granthamala Series Santiniketan, 1934.

56. Shastri, A.M.: India as seen in the Br�hatśam�hita of Varahamihira, 1969 p. 92, Delhi.

57. Kāmas tra: ed. Damodara Lal Goswami p. 125, Banaras 1929, Translated by B.N. Basu, Revised by R.L. Ghosa Calcutta, 1944.

58. Epigraphia Indica Vol II 1894 p. 240. 59. Epigraphia Indica Vol X 1909-10 p. 108-120. 60. Journal of U.P. Historical Society (N.S.) 24-25, 1951-52 p. 193-195. 61. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla Vol. I, p. 23.

15

The Kuru-Pa c la region may be said to have been lying between 260-

300 northern latitudes and 770-800 eastern longitudes or the area covered by

the modern districts of Meerut, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit, Bareilly,

Budaun, Farrukhabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Aligarh, Bulandsahar, Shahjahanpur,

Hardoi, Etawah, Saharanpur, Muzzafarnagar, Bijnor, Udham Singh Nagar

and some parts of Himalayan foothills.

Ethnography of Pañc la:-

It is very well known fact of the ancient history that all the major

civilizations of the world have been flourished in valleys of rivers; all major

cities have been situated at the bank of various rivers also. When numerous

tribal constituents from the North West frontiers suppose to be settled in

fertile valleys of rivers and there were a slow and steady process of

urbanization going on; another process of mutual understanding in line of

‘principle of easement’ also occurred. By the time some tribal constituents

reached in Gangetic valley, settled in area known to be as Pañc la and they

had undergone a process of amalgamation and there has been a culture

growned generally known as Vedic culture. There are so many references in

R�gveda the word ‘Pa caj na’ and its synonymous like Pa ca-krsti,

Pa ca- ksitis, Pa ca-j tas, Pa ca-cars�an�is, Pa ca-m nava62 who have

considerable significance. In various time frame they have various and

different connotations. The reference of is also Aitareya

62. R�gveda I 7-9, 176-3, III 37.9, 59.8, IV 38.10, V 35.2, VI 46.7, VII 15.2, 75.4, 79.1, VIII 9.2, 32.22, IX 65.23 & 24, 92.3, 101.9, X 45.6, 60.4, 119.6.

16

Br hmana63 and tharvaveda.64 According to Br�haddevat 65 (c 500-400

B.C) whatever other creatures, terrestrial or divine, if proper to be

sacrificially worshipped, are included in ‘Pa cajanas, Som is referred to as

being among the five tribes66 that Indra is ‘Pa caj nya’-belonging to five

people….67 ryans alone are meant and in particular the five tribes of the

Anus, Druhyus, Yadus, Turva as and P rus who are all mentioned together

in one or perhaps two hymns of the R gveda (I.108.8, VII.18) and four of

whom occur in another hymn (VIII.10.5) described by Zimmer.68 Basis of

contention of the atpatha Br hmana,^fdfo% bfr g oS iq: ik¡apky vkp;Urs69

Keith and Macdonell in his Vedic Index says that the name of the region

came to be known as Pañc la only when it became the home of no fewer than

five tribes the Krivis, the Turva as, the Kesins, the Sr jayas and the

Somakas, which eventually merged into one larger tribe with the Krivis as the

original predominant element.70 B.C. Law endorsed this contention.71

According to K.M. Shrimali is that the Krivis were the most important group

among the people of Pañc la.72 In past R�gvedic age there were evidence of

that there was an admixture had been going on between Purus and Bharatas

and this resulted in the formation of the new tribes named Kurus. As there

was the alliance of the Bharatas and the Tr�tsus, an another constituents of

63. Aitareyabrāhmana-III 31, IV.27. 64. tharvaveda-III 21.5, XII 1.15. 65. Br�haddevat VII, 67-72. 66. R�gveda IX 65.23. 67. R�gveda V 32.11. 68. Zimmer, Altidisches Leben p. 120-21. 69. atpathabrāhmana XIII 5.4.7. 70. Vedic Index: A.B. Keith and A.A. Macdonell I p. 469. 71. Law, B.C., Ancient Mid – Indian Ks�atriya Tribe I, 1924 p. 51-52. 72. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la – Vol I p. 23.

17

five tribes of Pa c la, the Sr jayas are also described as allies of the

Bharatas just as the Tr�tsus are73 but it seems that this was a later

development because there are also indications of their association with the

Bhrgus.74 Another theory suggests that the process of amalgamation of

‘pa cajana’ or five tribes was completed at the time of Somaka the grandson

of the hero of ‘D arajna’ (A war between the ten kings and Sudasa

occurred at the time of R�gveda). Sudasa the son of Divodasa, king of ryas

(Tr�tsu) and in result a new janpada came in light.

In a nut shell, from the point of view of ethnography, the Pa c la

region may be described as matrix, where the process of the development of

the ‘Indian Man’ was taking place.75

Archaeology of Pañcāla:-

Although it is impossible to reconstruct any historical nucleus from so

many literary accounts including Vedic, Epic-Puranic, Jain & Buddhist text,

it may be useful to summarize the conclusions that may be drawn on the basis

of these texts in the hope that further archaeological research may enable us

to arrive at a more reliable reconstruction. History, even when it claims to be

factual, is coloured by the perception of the narrator. From the death of

A oka onwards to the time of Guptas, the history of India is, at present, in a

state of the utmost confusion and darkness. The labours of numismatists and

epigraphists have been directed to the reconstruction, from such isolated data

73. tharvaveda V. 19.1, Vedic Indiex II p. 470. 74. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la – Vol I p. 27. 75. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la – Vol I p. 29.

18

as the coins and inscriptions give us, of a continuous chronology and of a

connected history.76 Infact, the archaeology of this region (Fig.2) holds the

clue too many a vexed problem of Indian History. Particularly for the Pañcāla

an ancient site named as Ahicchatra have been partially excavated. There

were so many archaeological sites related to Pañcāla, but the excavation have

been conducted mainly at the site of Ahicchatra, 55 km. south – west from

Bareilly near Ramnagar.

Figure 2 Distribution of the undivided Pañcāla Sites

All the archaeological evidences such as coins, inscriptions, artefacts

etc. have been taken for unearthing the Pañcāla history based on only and

only Ahicchatra and nearby excavation. In Northern India, it was at

Ahicchatra that the first sherd of the Painted grey ware was found. Another

type of pottery, older than even the painted grey ware i.e., the ochre coloured

76. Rhys Davids, T.W.: Buddhist India p. 308, Low price publication Delhi, 2002 (original T. Fisher Unwin, London 1903).

19

pottery (OCP) was found for the first time at Bisauli, District: - Budaun,

again within the Pañcāla region. The area is also linked with copper hoards of

the Ganga Valley. (Fig.3 to 16)

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7 Figure 8

20

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12 Figure 13

21

Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16

The above evidences make it clear the region belongs to as old as

nearly C 2000 B.C., however the site of Ahicchatra belongs to C 1000

B.C.77Ahicchatra as identified by A. Cunningham, apart from the wordy

description he left the most near accurate drawings and his first hand

observation, (Fig.17) is roughly triangular in shape enclosed by 30 to 35fts

high rampart wall with wide base running North-South for 1462 metres

towards west and the longer, pointed end wedges into east for more than 2000

metres. The high rampart with bastions at regular interval dotting the entire

length opens at several points to allow entry into the city. Considering the

dimensions of the site covering an area of 187 hectare. It is no doubt one of

the area wise largest and probably the longest surviving site in India.78 The

earliest known culture here is that of ochre coloured ware and the habitation

moves along with changing paraphernalia in tune with changing times until

the iconoclastic tendencies coupled with the catastrophic earthquake disrupt

the city of good around 11th – 12th century A.D. With whatever modest and

77. Banerjee, N.R.: ‘Ahicchatra: An account of Recent Exploration’, Indian Museum Bulletin, July 1970 Vol.2, p.19.

78. Bhuwan Vikram: Archaeology of Pañchāla with special reference to Ahicchatra p.301.

22

conservative estimation settlement here survived for more than 3000 years

(from 2000 B.C. to 1100 A.D.)79

Figure 17 Archaeological Plan of A.Cunningham1861-62

Major events belong to this site as follows:-

S.No Year Supervised By Status Finding 1. - Captain Hodgson Survey

Only The ruins of an ancient fortress about 34 bastions in circumference and is known in the neighbourhood by the name of the ‘Pand s Fort’.80

2. 1861-62 Sir Alexander Cunnigham

Excavation Ruins of twenty temples, a Buddhist stupa supposed to be built by king A oka, existence of an inscription from a nearby mound (Kātari Kherī) which refers to the erection of a P r va temple belongs to fourth century A.D.81

79. Bhuwan Vikram: Archaeology of Pañcāla with special reference to Ahicchatra p.301. 80.Archaeological Survey of India Reports, Vol I, p. 257. 81. Archaeological Survey of India Reports, Vol I, p. 258-265.

23

3. 1888 Sadr-ad-din Khan of Rampur, Zamindar of Ramnagar

Excavation Several large wrought slabs of red sandstone, Buddhist railings an elaborately carved ceiling stone with a dedicatory inscription of the Indo-Scythian period and large quantities of moulded bricks which was believed by Cunnigham to be a Buddhist monastery.82

4. 1891-92 A.A. F hrer Excavation Few remains of temples on the site.83

5. 1940-44 K.N. Dikshit, A. Ghosh, K.N. Puri, K.C. Panigrahi, Krishna-Deva, C.C. Dasgupta, S.S. Mukherjee

Systemtic Excavation work done

Sequence of Cultures a cross- section of ceramic traditions through the centuries,84 terracottas85 and beads86 etc.

6. 1963-65 N.R. Banerjee Further Excavation

As stated above with remark ‘Perhaps no other site in India offers such scope for work as Ahicchatra does.87

7. 2003 Bhuwan Vikram A Survey for further excavation 8. From

27th of Dec. 2007 to till date

D.N. Dimri, Bhuwan Vikram, Krishna Bihari Sharma

Excavation yet not completed

Charcoal remains, PGW sherds, carbonized seeds, terracotta water disposal systems and fruit remains etc.

In year 2006 there was a archaeological survey conducted by

Archaeological Survey of India in association with Indian Institute of

Technology Kanpur, using latest satellite imaging system, but the end results

82. F hrer,A.A., The Monumental Antiquities and inscriptions in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Allahabad 1891 p. 27 & 28.

83. F hrer, A.A., Progress Report – Epigraphical and Archaeological Branches of North – Western Province and Oudh 1891-92.

84. Ghosh, A. and Panigrahi K.C. – Pottery of Ahicchatra U.P. – Ancient India, Bulletin of the Archaeological Survey of India, No. 1 1946, p. 37-59.

85. Agarwala, V.S. “Terracotta Figurines of Ahicchatra” No. 4, 1947-48, p. 104 to 179 Human Figurines only.

86. Dikshit, M.H. Beads from Ahicchatra U.P. No. 8, 1952 p. 33 to 63. 87. Banerjee, N.R. ‘Ahicchatra – An account of Recent Exploration’, Indian Museum

Bulletin, July 1970, Vol. 2, p. 15.

24

are yet now only for academic purposes.88 Satellite imageries of various

resolutions clearly show the intelligence of the early settlers in the selection

of the site for their habitation which was approachable only from the west,

north – west and which was protected by natural barriers as observed by

H ein – Tsang as defended by ‘natural obstacles’. Seasonal runnerls on either

side of the site render it more inaccessible.89

Figure 18 Figure 19

Excavation work done (Archaeological Site-Fig. 18-19) by

Archaeological Survey of India in 2007-09 using the GIS based study results

88.Tare, Amit: A. GIS based approach to study of Archaeological site: A case study of Ahicchatra (A thesis submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Civil Engineering IIT, Kanpur 2007.

Bhuwan Vikram, Omkar Dikshit at – ‘Preliminary investigation for Ahicchatra using Geo – informatics Techniques’, Journal of Inter disciplinary Studies in History and Archaeology Vol.2, No.2, p. 287-299, 2007.

89. Bhuwan Vikram: Archaeology of Pañchāla with special reference to Ahicchatra p. 302.

25

supervised by D.N. Dimri, Bhuwan Vikram, Krishna Bihari Sharma etc

gives the findings as follows :-

1 – No perennial river flows by the site, this large settlement was well

sustained by large and small natural bodies and some modified by the settlers.

The ground water could have been the easiest water source.

2 – Total area as far known under PGW is 40 hectare (Fig.20). Infact

the PGW settlement must have much larger than what has been estimated at

present as lot of PGW mounds have gone into the making of the first

fortification wall raised by the NBP ware using people.

Figure 20 Coverage under PGW

3 – Applying some parameters, there were ‘nine’ gates, of these six

were major entry point, while the remaining three were smaller and

occasionally used.

4 – The layout of the city may be tentatively attributed to the period

between C 300 B.C to C 300 A.D. The period maximum expense, though

generally considers with Mauryans, u ga, Kus na and so called ‘Pañcāla’

26

who has produced maximum number of coins (Fig.21). During the excavation

we received stone and metallic beads (Fig.22) and the coins belonging to so

called ‘Mitra’ dynasty with ‘Mitra’ ending inscription and depicted with so

called symbols of ‘Pañcāla’.

Figure 21 Figure 22

5 – The strata also did not produce the typical kus na ware and pots

therefore; the period has been termed at the site as that of Pañcāla.

6 – A settlement which had made a modest beginning with OCP using

people became a substantial settlement under the PGW using people. It

flourished with people using NBP ware when the site was fortified (PGW

settlement must also have had a defence wall) (Fig.23 to 34) and considerably

expanded. It is not yet confirmed whether the entire length of the defence was

built in the NBP period or the settlement was somewhat smaller. GRP profile

at one spot suggest of another defence wall like evidence. This indicates that

either the present shape is the latest not the original or different mounds had

their own defences. However the point of maximum expense of the site was

achieved during the ‘Pa c la’ period when the defence wall could not

contain the population and perforce population was allowed to spill out to the

27

west of the city and continued to the Gupta period. The population settled

outside appears to be that of craftsmen, coppersmiths, potters etc., as the

activity areas could be identified in the excavation with very shabby houses.

In the post Gupta period the settlement again start shrinking as the eastern

part in cordoned off.

Figure 23

Figure 24

28

Figure 25 Figure 26

Figure 27 Figure 28

29

Figure 29 Figure 30

Figure 31 Figure 32

Figure 33 Figure 34

30

7 – The story of sad demise of the city of Ahicchatra as per the

Cunningham’s views do not matched with the archaeological evidences

unearthed during the excavation of 2007-2009. The evidence gathered

indicate that this was not the raison detre (‘……to ascribe the fracture to the

hammer of the Muhammadans’.) a seismic wave, which probably caused the

structures to buckle, twist, sink and slump in a much larger area, was not too

far separated in time, caused the damages which proved beyond the resilience

and the rebuilding capacity of the populace still left which either shifted to

‘Vodamayuta’ (modern Budaun) or perished. Thus the collapsed city was

allowed to bury itself in its own dust by 11th-12th century A.D.

8 – Archaeologically the area is inhabitated only by the time of the earliest

culture known i.e., the OCP. The post OCP scene in the Ganga-Yamuna

divide is interesting as suddenly there appear a set of deluxe pottery i.e.,

PGW and in another locale i.e., middle Ganga plain appear another set of

sophisticated pottery called NBP.

31

Sequence of cultures: Terracotta, Beads, Seals etc.

(Mauryans, u ga, Pa c la, Kushana and Gupta)

(Fig.35 to 44)

Figure 35 Part of Stone Pillar (Gupta 4th C. A.D.)

32




33

Religion:-

The apparent theme of ‘R�g Veda’ the earliest source of knowledge is

an exposition of the cultural and racial conflict between the Dasas and

Dasyus, on one hand and marauding invaders on the other hand. Later on

there is a call for reconciliation and fervent appeal for unity and accord. In

this scheme, there appears on the scene a number of ‘Dev s’ and ‘Devis’

with the analysis of their ‘Power’ as a weapon of war. One of them is ‘R dra’

also called ‘ iva’, the wild God a furious hunter, with his formidable bow

and ‘tri l’’. He is also called ‘Pashupati’, the lord of animal world. ‘R dra’

is synonymous with ‘Agni’ (the fire God)90 in a few hymns, ‘ iva’ the

‘R dra’ is described as the ascetic, a wanderer practicing nomad’s life. Vedic

tradition in Ancient Indian civilization does not believe in accumulation of

material wealth. It is primarily spiritual in character where pleasure is sought

after in poverty and R dra is the embodiment of the same. Therefore he is

called ‘ iva’, the auspicious. ‘Rodasi’ is the wife of ‘R dra’ and she is the

manifestation of the divinity ‘Agni’, who supports heaven and holds up

heaven and earth as a ‘Pillar of fire’.91 The lightening as a phenomenon is

perceived as joining the sky and earth as a pillar of fire. Lightening is the

mother of ‘Maruts’. Many and varied are the ways in which the Maruts

accouterments are connected with lighting also with their armour or weapon

as revealed through the hymn of R�g Veda.92 Thus ‘Rudasi is to be identified

90. Bhatt, S.K.: Nishka – The R�g Vedic Money – Academy of Indian Numismatics & Sigillography, Indore, 1998. p. 10

91. R�g Veda 5.46.8 (R�g Vedic Studies – Translation by M. Sundar Raj). 92. R�g Veda 5.54.11 (R�g Vedic Studies – Translation by M. Sundar Raj).

34

with the glittering three pronged spear (representing earth, heaven and

antariksa the area of sprayed of the lightning). Therefore tri l becomes

naturally the ‘Shakti’ of ‘R dra’, whose strength is derived from ‘Jyoti’,

through ‘Aditi’, the sun. Aditi is also the progenerator of vajra, the Shakti of

‘Indra’. Vajra is four angled made of rock, a stone or piece of iron.93 ‘Tri l’

is the decoration of the R dra. He is also called ‘Trayambaka’ having three

mothers – Ila (Prayer), Bharti (Speech) and Saraswati (Music). All these

virtues make him a wanderer on Kailash Mountain, with bhaktas (devotees),

bhakti (prayer) and Prasad (favour or curse).94

It is a general perception that much of the later Vedic literature was

compiled in Kuru-Pa c la region.95 This region was a most prominent centre

of post-Vedic rituals, in northern India or so called ‘Brahmarshi Desh’.

According to the atapathabr hmana96 the Brahmins who had settled in

different parts of Pa c la and were being patronised by its kings were to be

counted not by hundreds but by many thousands. At another place, the same

text records, ‘speech sounds higher among the Kuru Pa c la’-the speech

denoting the recitation of Vedic Texts.97 According to hraut S tras of

Sankhyayana & Latyayana the Yajna process of Pa c la was the best.98

93. R�g Veda 4.22.2; 8.6.6.and 7.104.19 (R�g Vedic Studies – Translation by M. Sundar Raj).

94. R�g Veda 7.59.12 and 8, 90.15 (R�g Vedic Studies – Translation by M. Sundar Raj). 95. Vedic Index: A.B. Keith and A.A. Macdonell, Vol. I. p. 272. 96. atapathabr hmana, XIII. 5.4.7 & 8. 97. atapathabr hmana, III. 2.3.15. 98. hraut S tras of Shankhyayana, 15.11.15 &……. of Latyayana, 8.11.88

35

In the sixth century B.C., India witnessed the commencement of a

great revolution. Her ancient religion, which the ryans had practised and

proclaimed for fourteen centuries, had degenerated into forms. The Gods of

the R�gveda as discussed above, whom the ancient Rishis had invoked and

worshipped lovingly and fervently had come to be regarded as so many

names, and ‘Indra’ and ‘Ushas’ raised no distinct ideas and no grateful

emotions. The simple libations of the Soma-Ras, or offerings of milk, corn

etc., which the Rishis of old had offered with a fervent heart to their gods,

had developed into cumbrous ceremonials, elaborate rites and unmeaning

forms. The descendants or successors of those Rishis had now stepped forth

as a powerful and hereditary caste, and claimed the right to perform elaborate

religious rites and ulter sacred prayers for the people. The people were taught

to believe that they earned merit by having these rites performed and prayers

uttered by hired priests.The religious instinct, the grateful emotions which

had inspired the composers of the Vedic hymns, were dead, vast ceremonials,

dead forms remained.

In a time frame, religion in its true sense had been replaced by forms.

Excellent social and moral rules were disfigured by the unhealthy distinctions

of caste, by exclusive privileges for Br hmanas, by cruel laws for udras.

Such exclusive caste privileges did not help to improve the Br hmanas

themselves. As a community they became grasping and covetous, ignorant

and pretentious, until Br hmana S trakaras themselves had to censure the

abuse in the strongest terms.

36

Before we proceed further, we feel that Pa c la, a dominating part of

upper Ganga valley was an important centre of Pre Aryan beliefs such as the

cult of N gas as well as that of Yaksas. Alongwith the racial intermixture

went the process of adjustments in the socio-economic set up; which in its

own turn could not leave the religious framework unaffected.

The Upanis�ads present yet another facet of the religious life of the

Pa c la. Prav hana Jaivali, vetaketu, Udd laka runi, G rgy na are the

famous names for their philosophical thinking, viz, the doctrine of

immortality of the soul, recognition of the belief in rebirth and retribution.

Udd laka was one of the most celebrated thinkers of his age. He was an

earnest seeker of truth and an intense lover of wisdom. His ‘Mantha

Doctrine’99 which conceived of matter as a whole, in which all things are

mixed up and are infinitely divisible though qualitatively distinct is called in

the val yana Gr�hya S tra as a canonical basis of its rules regarding the

practical application of the principles of eugenics V tsy yana himself singles

out. vetaketu, the son of Udd laka as the first human originator of the

Indian erotic science. The atapathabr hmana100 gives numerous examples

to show how the eastern kingdom of Janaka’s Videha was flocked by the

Br hmans of Kuru-Pa c la. A story is recorded in the K thakasam�hita101

that a dual ensued between V ka D lbhya from Pa c la and Dhr�tar s�tra

V icitravirya from kuru. There is no doubt that Pa c la is an important

99. Brah dary n ka Upanis�ad, VI.3. 100. atapathabr hmana, XIV.6.1.1. 101. K thakasam�hita, X.6.

37

centre of religio-philosophic deliberations and had little faith in karma-k nda

and was, therefore, antagonistic to their westerly neighbours.

Pa c la was also an important Jaina centre. P r vanatha’s wandering

in Ahicchatra and K mpilya and his protection by the N gas at the former

site have already been noted in Jain literature. The echo of association of the

Jainas with Pa c la can be seen in late works such as the

Vividhartirthakalpa. It gives numerous details of Jain temples, shrines in

Ahicchatra to be made in honour of P r vanath. Not only these another

temple in the Siddha-ksetra of P r va where the tirthamkara was attended

by Dharanin�dra.

Cunningham’s explorations in Ahicchatra shows that the Buddhist

remains were quite extensive. Nearly twenty St pa were found near the

modern villages of Jagannathpur, Alampur and Nusratganj alongwith a large

st pa of solid brickwork, which the people call ‘chhatr’.102 Cunningham

identified it with the one described by H ien-Tsang, which was supposed to

have been built by A oka. An inscribed Yaks a image discovered by K.D.

Bajpai in the village of Ramnagar and now in the Lucknow Museum, speaks

of Ahicchatra’s Pharagula Monastery. The inscription has been dated back to

the early part of the second century A.D. on palaeographic grounds.103 There

were some most important findings in excavations of Ahicchatra are red

sandstone image of Maitreya Buddha (now in National Museum), red

102. Archaeological Survey of India, Reports I, 1871, p.249-50. 103. Bajpai, K.D.: ‘A new Yaksa image from Ahichhatra’ JUPHS (NS), 24-25, 1951-52, p.

193-95.

38

sandstone seated Buddha statuette (now in Mathura Museum), Buddha image

(now in National Museum) comparable to the well known Katra Buddha104

and another Buddha image (also in National Museum) with a three-line

inscription dated year 32 of the Kus na kings and script, too, is of early

Kus na period may be the reign of Haviska.105 ‘The spirituality and

enlightment’ given through his teaching by Buddha,’the father of whole

world’106 referred by prominent Indian mathematician Var hamihira,

venerably taken by Pa c la populace.

Amongst the theistic cults, both Vis nuism and ivaism in their fully

developed form can be traced in Pa c la. However, if the material remains

are an index of popularity, the latter appears predominant.107 The worship of

iva, the great God, in Pa c la is better attested than that of Vis nu.

Architectural and other remains are more numerous. In his account of

Ahicchatra, H ein-Tsang writes: ‘There are some nine deva temples with 300

sectarians. They sacrifice to I vara and belonging to the company of ‘ash

sprinklers’ (P upatas).108 So many objects related to iva mythology were

unearthed in and around Pa c la region testify the popularity of ‘ aivism’ in

Pa c la and its populace.

According to Indian mythology, both Gan e a and Skanda-K rtikeya

are iva’s sons. While the reference of Ganapati in the R�gveda is in the

104. Vogel, Ph.: Catalogue of the Archaeological Museum at M thura, p.47-48, Pl. VII. 105. Debala, Mitra: ‘Three Kus na sculptures from Ahichhatra’ JASB (Series III), 21,

No.1, 1955, p.63-67. 106. Br�hatsam�hita of Var hamihira, LVIII.44. 107. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, p.126. 108. Beal I, p.200.

39

sense of a tribal chief, the allusion to the chanting of hymns in praise of

Ganapati in the V jasaneyisam�hita109 is in all probability to the elephant-

headed god. (Fig.45 to 48)

Figure 45 Figure 46 Figure 47 Figure 48

Skanda-K rtikeya, known as commander of the celestials, he also appears as

a Mah yog and a patron of learning. The Pa c la region has also yielded

some remains. There is one such specimen in the Allahabad Museum

(No.4896), which comes from Ahicchatra, shows the god riding on a

peacock. The terracotta finds of Ahicchatra attest the existence of the sun

worship as well. Tereware terracottas of the goddess ‘Mahis suramardini

Durga’ killing the Mahis sur (Buffalo demon), worshipped even by the

Jainas under the name of ‘Saccik devi’.110 The other terracottas were also

here, the representatives of other gods and goddess such as Agni, Nr si ha,

N ga, Kubera etc. A red sandstone statue of pot-bellied Kubera from

Ahicchatra has been with the National Museum.

In Pa c la whether it is Buddhism or Jainism or the pure form of

naturism, the strength of folk-religion becomes apparent in its anxiety to

assimilate cults like those of N gas, Yaksa. The famous Yaks a-

109. V jasaneyisam�hita, IV.44-45, 52-53. 110. Agarwal, R.C.: ‘A unique sculpture of the Jaina goddess Saccik ’, Artibus Asiae,

XVII 1954, p.232-34.

40

Yudhis thira samv da of the Mah bh rata ran�yakaparva111 was to be

occurred in Pa c la region (now known as Lilore Lake).

Thus, we see that Pa c la have his legacy intact from the beginning of

Vedic era to the coming centuries for the benefit of mankind, although there

were a tendency of preservation of myths alongwith so many rituals.

Pa c la the land of Religious tolerance and coexistence:-

Pa c la the land of so many cults, religions, faiths and sects, (the brief

outlines as given above), but a type of harmony always exist irrespective of

the mindset of its populace. How this was? The foremost aim of all the sects,

cults, faiths, schools is the benefit of mankind and most of spiritual leaders of

that time suggest to his disciples a system of self culture and self-restraint. So

there was no conflict between so many doctrines and beliefs, especially the

period belongs to so called ‘Dark Age’. Dark Age means ‘the period with

desolation’, if there will conflicts, then there will so many texts to discuss the

same. The religious tolerance and coexistence in Pa c la region seen by its

different coins along with manifold notions and massages associated with

these coins also.

Reverse of these Pa c la coins have so many figures including

religious deities, mythological symbols, the symbols who impacted the day

today life of then habitants of Pa c la, irrespective of their faiths, and many

typological devices. There has been hardly any difference of opinion on one

111. Mah bh rata, III.296-98.

41

score, viz, that the reverse devices of the Pa c la coins are manifestations of

various religious beliefs.

So many devices depicted on the reverse of coin have also been

interpreted in religious terms. Of these the rayed disc is considered to be the

most direct representation of the ‘Sun’, shown in the coins of S ryamitra &

Bh numitra. Other examples are in case of Bhadr ghos a, Allan identified

the female representation as ‘Bhadr ’ in allusion to the name of

“Bhadraghos a’.112 Providing a cue to this V.S.Agarwala identified her with

Bhadr , who is mentioned in the Mah bh rata (I.191.6) as the wife of

Vai ravana (Kubera) and who is also seen alongwith Kubera in early Kus na

sculptures from M thura.113 An almost similar representation of

Ph lgunimitra was identified by Allan as a personification of the

‘Naks�atra’ Ph lguni.114 Generally speaking, these representations are

broadly characterized as those of L ks mi, and Bhadr , Durg , etc. are

considered as variations.115 The reverse devices of Dhruvamitra and

Rudragupta have been interpreted on the assumption that these names show

Śaiva affiliations so that the symbols must be connected with ‘ ivaism’.116

112. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p.cxvii. 113. Agarwal, V.S.: ‘Some notes on new Pa ch la Coins’ JNSI, Vol.3, 1941, p.79-82. 114. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p.cxviii. 115. Banerjee, J.N.: The development of Hindu Iconography, Calcutta, reprinted, New

Delhi, 1974, p.151, 116. Chattopadhyay, B.: Coins and Icons, A study of Myths and symbols in Indian

Numismatic Art, Calcutta, 1977, p.253.

42

The reverse device of Vis numitra has been identified with his earliest

iconic representation.117

The most favoured ‘Dev ’ of Vedic age ‘Agni’ and ‘Indra’ whose

representations have been recognized on the coins of Agnimitra and

Indramitra respectively. The symbol which figures prominently on the

coins of Bhadr ghos a, Bhumimitra, Ph lgunimitra and V ngapala may

well be a crude representation of the rivatsa, which is considered to be

equally auspicious by the Jainas and Buddhists too.118 Some type of coins of

Bhumimitra, Jaymitra, Rudragupta may have its genesis in the three forked

palm standard of Sa kars�ana, which would indicate the prevalence of the

N ga cult. The so-called taurine symbol is associated with solar cult. The

symbol looks like a Bodhi tree according to Carlleyle119 and V.A.Smith120

interpreted it as a st pa, both the Buddhist symbols. The

symbol interpreted by Carlleyle121 linga guarded by two serpents and the

two intertwined serpents with their two heads extending out above and two

tails below also belongs to N gas or di N ga122 and by some scholars of

aivism. There is indeed a striking similarity between the triangle-headed and

legged base of the Sun in Suryamitra’s coin and the Bhadr sana, one of

117. Chattopadhyay, B.: Coins and Icons, A study of Myths and symbols in Indian Numismatic Art, Calcutta, 1977, p.195.

118. Coomaraswamy, A.K.: Yaks�as, Washington 1928-31, reprinted New Delhi 1980, p.31, pl. II.

119. Carlleyle, A.C.: JASB, 1880, p.24. 120. Smith, V.A.: Catalogue of coins in Indian Museum, Calcutta, Vol.I, p.186. 121.Carlleyle, A.C.: JASB, 1880, p.24. 122. Banerjee, J.N.: The develpoement of Hindu Iconography, Calcutta, reprinted New

Delhi 1974, p.161.

43

the eight auspicious motifs among the Jainas, which is represented as in

one of the Jaina yagapatas from M thura.123 There are some other Jaina

motifs to be seen in coins of Bhadr ghos a and Indramitra. In words of

Coomaraswamy – ‘These symbols could well be utilized for all sects for their

religious purposes and were never the monopoly of any particular sect for all

times and all places’.124 The period of Pa c la coin series, when there was no

means of communication as of now, these Pa c la coins suppose to be the

medium of communication of various massages and insignia, as well as, to

fulfill the monetary purposes.

We have also added and rather emphasized another dimension that is

the religious tolerance of the issuers of these coins. And as far as this motive

is concerned, it should be considered ‘polity without religious influence’.

Hence we can say that Pa c la is the originator of the doctrine

‘Dharm sambhav’ now known as ‘Secularism’.

Art:-

Particularly the period known as Pa c la period, viz, C. 2nd C.B.C. to

4th C. A.D., there was a specific time slot from 2nd C.B.C. to 1st C.A.D., the

‘Dark Age’ or the ‘period with desolation’ in actual sense. This time slot is

very important to determine the gradual impact on then Art, Culture and

Socio-economic conditions after the disruption of the Mauryan Empire in

northern India. We are not very much aware of then conditions due to lack of

123. Coomasaswami, A.K.: Yaks�as, Washington 1928-31, reprinted New Delhi, 1980, part II, pl. XXXI.2.

124. Coomasaswami, A.K.: History of Indian and Indonesian Art, p.44.

44

reliable evidence. The evidences we have, are Architectural remains, and

Archaeological findings. As of now there were so many archaeological sites

belongs to Pa c la, but our findings mostly based on the excavations of

Ahicchatra and surrounding area.

As far as the Ahicchatra monument is concerned, we propose to regard

it not only pre-Gupta but of Buddhist affiliations as well. That the Buddhist

remains at Ahicchatra were both more extensive and more ancient than those

of the Br hmans was emphasized even by Cunningham in his report of

1860.125 The so called temple of iva, the one of the very few of its kind in

northern India is possibly of non-brahmanical origins because its terrace type

structure and the terracotta plaques depicting episodes from iva’s life, which

were fixed only in upper terrace. Some of structures have been built by using

very beautifully molded bricks with ornamental designs such as lotus petals,

ornamental swastikas, incised lattice design, a chequer pattern with

alternative square grooves etc. Structures of Ahicchatra show a gradual

inclination towards various time frames that is from N gas, Buddha, u ga,

Kus na and pre Gupta to Gupta.

Terracotta’s have been one of the most ancient forms of expression of

the artistic creativity of man. Ahicchatra has been one of the richest sites

from the point of view of the total yield of terracottas; some of these can well

claim to be masterpieces of the Indian terracotta art. Ahicchatra has the

distinction of yielding two life-size terracottas of Gang and Yamuna and

125. Report of Archaeological Survey of India, Report Vol.I, p.260-64.

45

these can justifiably be regarded as among the largest known terracottas.126

Human figurines from Ahicchatra have been studied by V.S.Agarwal127 and

animal figurines by K.M.Shrimali128 very adequately and require not to be

repeated here. (Fig.49 to 68)




126. Now in the National Museum Delhi. 127. Agarwala, V.S.: ‘Terracotta figures of Ahicchatra, Ancient India, Bulletin of

Archaeological Survey of India, No.4, 1947-48, p. 104 to 179. 128. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.I, p.152-158.

46



The history of beads is quite interesting. It is at least 5000 years old.

Beads are found from before 3000 B.C. at Kish and Ur in

Mesopotamia.129The Persian beads dates from about 2500 B.C.130 European

beads were reaching India long before the time of Alexander. Ahicchatra

yielded numerous beads of different varieties and materials. Most of beads

dating from 700 B.C. to 500 A.D., and they were made of etched carnelian

and agate, glazed and plane quartz, chalcedony, garnet, amethyst,

aquamarine, green jasper, faiencecolored glass and metals also. Among these

129. Beck, Horace. C.: The beads from Taxila (Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India No.65) 1941, p.3.

130. Beck, Horace. C.: The beads from Taxila (Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India No.65) 1941, p.5-6.

47

beads cemented eye-beads are extremely rare and significant. The making of

eye beads out of stone for protection against various forms of evil dates back

to a remote antiquity.131 On the basis of shape, beads are classified as

lenticular, cone lenticular, piriform, long, medium and short bicone,

cylindrical, barrel, spherical, ellipsoid, ring, disc, oblate and so many shapes.

Some are representing man, animals and birds. These beads present yet

another facet of artistic manifestations of the people of Pa c la (Fig.69).

Figure 69

The importance of pottery was not restricted in the context of the

protohistory of the region alone from the point of view of decoration; various

techniques may be applied such as painting, stamping, making incisions and

131.. Beck, Horace. C.: The beads from Taxila (Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India No.65) 1941, p.5-7.

48

rouletting etc. The earliest decorated pottery from Pa c la is undoubtedly the

so-called Painted Grey ware. On the grey surface of the body are painted

linear and dotted patterns in black executed before firing. The painting

occasionally in red, chocolate, whitish, grey and bichrome also (Fig. 70 to

74).

Figure 70 Figure 71 Figure 72 Figure 73 Figure 74

The elementary patterns are from single horizontal band to more

complex patterns such as intersecting lines, rows of dots, dots and dashes or

groups of wavy lines also. The individualistic designs include swastikas,

concentric semi-circles, circles with radiating rows of two lines each and

hooks rising from a circle or from vertical lines. In first century A.D. onward

a pottery is of reddish colored texture decorated with so many motifs reached

the peak of its popularity in Pa c la region.

Political, Social and Economic activities:-

The Sixth century B.C. can be described as the century of universal

curiosity.132 The century when the great reformer Gautama Buddha was born

and mankind responded his touching appeals so intensely and Buddhism in

the course of a few centuries become the prevailing faith, not a sect or a

132. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&4

49

country, but of the continent of Asia.133 There has been considerable

difference of opinions among the scholars that after the disruption of the

Mauryan Empire and spilting into various political fragments, what was the

position of Pa c la in political front? From the point of view of the political

background, one passage in Artha stra of Kautilya134is of considerable

significance. There Kautilya describes the Kurus and Pa c la alongwith the

Licchavis, Vrijis, Mallas, M drakas and Kukuras as ‘sam�ghas’ which lived

by adopting the title of –‘jktu&jkt”kCnksithouk%’. There has been a difference

of opinion also, the terms such as sam�gha and gan�a-suggestions include

republic or oligarchy, democracy, confederacy and government by

discussion. ‘Sam�gha’ and ‘gan�a’ were synonymous.135 It would be best to

describe them simply as non-monarchical. Kautilya provides a useful clue by

putting the Kuru-Pa c las alongwith the Licchavis, Vrijis and Mallas, about

whom we do have considerably more information in Buddhist and Jaina

literature. The oft-quoted passages in the c rangas tra and the

Avad na ataka at least indicate the involvement of multitude of people in

non-monarchial political set ups.

P nini refers to vyavah ra, vanik, nim na etc, which imply trading

activities.136 Similarly, such references can be found in the Dh rams tras as

well-they even prescribe the performance of certain rites for those who desire

133. Dutt, R.C.: ‘Civilisation in the Buddhist age’, Low price publication, Delhi, Reprint 2004, p.4.

134. Kautilya’s Artha stra, XI.1.5. 135. Agarwala, V.S.: India as known to P nini, p.423. 136. Agarwala, V.S.: India as known to P nini, p.438 to 247.

50

to gain success in trade.137 Still, trade and commerce had not become

ingrained in the economic fabric of the Pa c la. The general tenor of the

Dh rams tras is rural life centering round an agrarian economy. This

predominantly rural base nurtured by agricultural activities of the vai yas and

village-based craftmen provided the framework of the social organization as

well.

The period known as Pa c la period has been witnessed in context of

the social organization is the emergence of various ‘j tis’ within the original

‘varna’ divisions. The whole idea of ‘Varnasam�kara’, the mixed castes can

be traced to this period due to frequent inter-caste marriages, the marriages

between two different ‘varnas’. A step ahead the consequences of these

marriages, the further marriages have been reffered as ‘anuloma’ and

‘pratiloma’ by then law texts. pastamba, Vasistha, Gautam and

Baudh yana refer to three, six, eleven and fourteen varnasam�kara

respectively. Manu himself enumerating sixty one varnasam�kara, does

speak of social mobility in the social organization but no one can deny that it

was far from being an open society.138 Even the movement of the Buddha

himself had its limitations. The social mobility, too, was largely restricted to

the upper classes of the society, who in the absence of more rapid

technological changes in the mode of production had vested interest in

developing the ‘j ti’ system as it did.139 Both the Mah vira and Buddha were

137. Ram Gopal: India of the Vedic Kalpas tra, p.139 to 147. 138. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p.80. 139. Ray, Niharranjan, Nationalism in India: An Historical Analysis of its stresses and

strains, Aligarh 1973, p.103 to 120.

51

unable to break away completely from the caste organization. The period

known as ‘Dark Age’ or ‘the period of desolation’ under review indeed

emerges as one of the formative periods of Indian history,140 when we go

through in depth analysis of fractured historical data’s of that time. According

to literary and archaeological evidences the Mauryan period seems to be the

period of expandable economy.141 The Mauryan administration has been

based on centralized bureaucracy.142The post-Mauryan polity is characterized

by the functioning of almost autonomous governments in certain cities, which

even issued their coins.

From the point of view of economy, the most striking developments of

the period consist of thriving trading activities, multiplication of crafts and

industries and resultant guilds, organizations, perceptible growth of

monetization and distinct urbanization.143 Agriculture was an important facet

of the economic life of the people of Pa c la. There are references to

granaries in the Manusm�riti,144Mah bh sya145 and Milindapa ha146 show

that there must have been surplus production. Foreign writers like Pliny and

the author of the Periplus even refer to the exports of various food materials.

So many reports point to various similarities in antiquities such as beads from

R jgh t, Taxila and Ahicchatra and pertinently raise the question if

140. A Cultural History of India, edited by A.L.Basham, p.3. 141. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&86 142. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&55 143. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p.181. 144. Manusm�riti, IX.280. 145. Mahabhasya, I.2.45. 146. Milindpanha, IV, 1.27.

52

Ahicchatra was an intermediary trading station between Taxila and

Varanasi.147

It was also an age of developed monetary economy-the presence of a large

number of alloys copper-bronze coins, which are available in various weight

standards, clearly show the extent to which money had permeated in the

economic life of the people. These Pa c la coins belong to the period which

is noticeable for an excessive penetration of monetary economy.

A study of the metal content of the coins of the Indo Greeks, Indo

Scythians, Indo Parthians, Kus nas etc, has shown that the trend was marked

by steady decline in the use of silver and the growing use of copper.148 As far

as the coins from Pa c la are concerned none-being in silver. In Kus na’s

time, it is reasonable to assume that the Pa c la must have participated in the

silk trade between china and the Roman world. The effect of intense trading

activities is clearly seen in the distinct urbanization of the region. The

intensification of the guild system helped in the accumulation of wealth in the

hands of vai yas and s dras and this, alongwith their role of primary

producers, helped a great deal in enhancing their importance.

So many evidences already been shown that Pa c la became part of

the Gupta empire under Samudragupta. That it continued to be so until at

least the time of Skandagupta is clear from the Indore copper plate inscription

147. Narain A.K., and Purushottam Singh: Excavation at Rajghat (1957-58, 1960-65), part III, p.54.

148. Prasad, H.K.: ‘The economic aspect of coins of northern India between 185 B.C. to A.D. 320 INC, VII, 1969, pl. 1-2, p.36-44.

53

of the year (A.D. 465-466),149 which describes antarvedi (region between

Ganga and Yamuna) as part of the Gupta empire.

Figure 75

A seal with the legend ‘Jh mikfjdf/k djuL;’ was found during the

Ahicchatra excavations of the 1940’s. Further more, seals of other Gupta

officials? Like ‘dqekjkekR;’, ‘cykf/kd.kZ’ and ^n.Muk;d* are also not unknown

from Ahicchatra (Fig. 75 & 76).

Figure 76

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

149. Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Vol.III by J.F.Fleet, Inscription no. 16, p.68-72.

54

CHAPTER – III

PAÑC LACOINS:AGENERALSTUDY

Origin of Coins:-

The Vedas are the oldest prime source of knowledge about cosmic

world.150 The R�gveda is earliest in the series, occupies the highest place

amongst the source of knowledge on classical literature on Ancient

Civilization of the world. Its hymns have not only glorified the Vedic religion

and civilization but also aptly contributed to the origin and development of

Proto-Numismatics.151 (IV 24.10) (VIII 32.20). ‘Money begins with man’.

Primitive man, primitive money, progressive man, progressive money or in

other word, refined metallic money.152 In the code of Hammurabi,153 the

Amraphel of the Bible and perhaps the contemporary of Abraham, the society

have passed beyond barter. The Europeans got their coins from Asia

Minor.154 As per Herodotus155 view the Lydian’s are the inventors of coin.

‘So far as we have any knowledge they were the first nation to introduce the

use of gold and silver coins’.156 A coin is a piece of metal of prescribed

weight, embellished with designs and/or legend and produced under the

150. Bhatt, S.K. Nishka: The R�g Vedic Money, Academy of Indian Numismatics and sigillography Indore 1998, p.9.

151. Chhaparwal, B.C. on forword of Nishka – The R�g-Vedic Money. 152. Bhatt, S.K. Nishka: The R�g Vedic Money, Academy of Indian Numismatics and

sigillography Indore 1998, p. 15. 153. The Historians History of World, Vol. 1, p. 498. 154. Gardner, P.: The Earliest Coins of Greece, Proper p. 5. 155. Rawlinson, G.: The History of Herodotus (Everyman’s Library) Vol. 1 p.50. 156. The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. IV, p.127.

55

direction of an authority (private or public) for its use as a medium of

exchange.157

Coins in India:-

It is the most well known opinion of the Indian Numismatic history

that the punch marks coins are the oldest coins available to us. The term

Punch mark first used by J. Princep158 because the peculiar process of

punching of these coins. These coins belongs to the period C.700-C.600

B.C.159 when the urbanization began. P.L. Gupta160 is of the view that coins

most probably originated some time in the seventh century B.C. in India at

least a century before Lydia or China thought of them. A.K. Narain and

Lallanji Gopal161 placed the punch marked coins in the sixth century B.C. at

the earliest. These punch mark coins manufactured solely by the traders for a

long time after the Indus period.162 So many punches on these coins denote

the system of these traders to provide authenticity and accuracy of these

coins. The theory favoured by M. Babelon, advocates that the stamps were at

first impressed by the different bankers and that the political communities

followed on the footsteps of the enterprising private individuals.163 The great

reformer Gautam Buddha was born about 557 B.C., the century when these

punch mark coins was first widely accepted the medium of transactions for

157. Mukherjeee, B.N.: The Techniques of Minting coins, 57th session of India History Congress University of Madras, Chennai 28.12.1996, p.1.

158. Princep, J.: Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 1835 Vol. IV, p. 627. 159. Altekar A.S. JNSI XV p. 26 Kau ambi, D.D.: Indian Numismatics, New Delhi 1987. 160. Gupta, P.L.: Coins, New Delhi 1969. 161. The Chronology of Punch-marked coins p.5. 162. Kau mbi, D.D.: Indian Numismatics, New Delhi 1981, p. 91, 153. 163. Head, B.V.: Historic Nommorum – p. xxxiv.

56

shake of simplicity over the complexity of barter system. Man always has a

hidden creativity to do something new, hence so many experiments done on

coins after origination of coins. The literary and archaeological sources

broadly agree in placing the innovative period of Indian coinage in the 6th-5th

century B.C. (or between C 600 and 325 B.C.?)164P nini knows the coins

frequently.165The devices have been impressed by separate punches with

various dies applied irregularly at various points on the surface. Most writers

agree, as indeed their shape, form and weight suggest that the ‘Punch-

Marked’ coins are indigenous in origin, and owe nothing to any foreign

influence. As to the period during which they were in active circulation we

are not left so completely at the mercy of conjecture. Finds and excavations

tell us something: contemporary writers, Indian and foreign, drop us hints. Sir

John Marshall records during his excavations around Taxila, the find of 160

‘Punch-Marked’ coins of debased silver, with a coin in fine condition of

Diodotes of Bactria (Circ. 245 B.C.)166 Then there is the interesting statement

of the visually trustworthy Latin writer Quintus Curtius (Vit.Alex.viii.12,

42.), that Onphis ( nbhi) presented ‘Signati Argentic LXXX talenta’- ‘80

talents of stamped silver’ - to Alexander at Taxila. These and similar pieces

of evidence show us that ‘Punch-Marked’ coins were well established in

Northern India during the 4th and 3rd C B.C., when the great Maurya Empire

was at the height of its power. The large quantities continually being

unearthed suggest a long period of circulation, so that in their earliest forms

164. Mukherjee, B.N. and Lee, P.K.D.: Technology of Indian Coinage, Calcutta 1988, p. 58.

165. Ast dhy yi of P nini II,4.21. 166. Marshall, J.: Guide to Taxila p. 117.

57

‘Punch-Marked’coins may go back to the 6th century, and may have remained

current in some districts of the North as laid as the 2nd century B.C.167

;g vlafnX/k gS fd vkgr eqnzk,a vkfndkyhu Hkkjrh; dykd`fr;k¡ gSaA vusd

mnkgj.k “kS”kqukx&uUn ;qx rFkk dqN ekS;Zdky ds Hkh gSaA muesa c)ewy tkrh; dyk

dh yksd/kkjk dk vtL= izogeku Lo:i ifjyf{kr gSA mR[kuu esa dbZ LFkkuksa ls ;s

flDds lqfuf”pr izkaM ekS;Z Lrjksa ls izkIr gq, gSaA Hkjgqr ds “kqax f”kYih ;k vejkorh

ds bZ0iw0 f}rh; “krh ds dykdkj ds vuqlkj bUghsa flDdksa dks /kjrh ij fcNkdj

vukFk fi.Md us cq) ds fy, tsrou dk Ø; fd;k FkkA tXx;isV ds dykdkj us

ikSjkf.kd vuqJqfr ds jktk eka/kkrk dh dFkk esa vkdk”k ls cjls /ku dk izrhd bUghsa

flDdksa dks cuk;k gS] vFkkZr~ cq) iwoZ ds vR;Ur izkphu dky ds lanHkZ esa Hkh bu

flDdksa dk vadu lkFkZd ekuk x;k FkkA ;g rF; fdlh vKkr iqjkdky esa muds

izpyu dh lkekU; /kkj.kk dk |ksrd gSA168

Pañcāla Coins:-

We are lucky to have a long, most uniform, wide ranged series of coins

known as Pa c la coins. In ancient India, only this series of coins have a

long, wide ranged most uniform and unique characterized series of coins.

This unique series of coins is a marvelous stroke on the numismatic canvas.

These remarkable series of coins were mainly found at so called Utt r

Pañcāla region with Ahicchatra of its capital.

167. Brown, C.J.: The Coins of India, Indological Book House Varanasi 1973, p. 16. 168. vxzoky] i`Foh dqekj&izkphu Hkkjrh; dyk ,ao okLrq] fo”ofo|ky; izdk”ku okjk.klh] 2002

i`0&93

58

Cunningham can be said to be the first scholar to attempt a coherent

classification of Indian coins including Pa c la on the basis of provenance

and typology. He was followed by Allan, Smith and many more.

Appearance:-

At first sight the appearance of Pa c la coins are appered as round

metallic pieces of various sizes and thickness with metallic gray coating;

even though the most coins do not bear the complete or any coating due to

climatic conditions. In direct touch of water or humidity the coating of coin

suffers badly. There are references of a silver coin of Vi numitra by

Subhendra Singh Rai,169 a gold plated coin of Ph lgunimitra (Fig. 77) by Col.

Rajiv Rawat of Bhopal in his collection, some five coins, by K.M. Shrimali

as Type E170 and K.D. Bajpai has called them Tri la cum parasu type and

contends that these copper coins have silver plating on them.171

Figure 77

He says that same silver alloyed coins of the Pa c las seem to have

been issued. One such coin of Indramitra with heavy alloy of silver has

recently been acquired by him. Similarly Pa c la copper coins with silver

169. JNSI Part XI June 1943, p.153-154, Pañchāla Rajya ka Itihas – Sushma Arya, p. 90. 170. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla Vol. I, p. 89. 171. Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI 01 Vol. 26 p. 7-10.

59

coating are also known. One such coin of Rudragupta and another of

Agnimitra with very clear silver traces are in his collection.172

K.D. Bajpai refers ten Yaudheya coins under class II were found

silver-plated from Muradnagar, Distt. Meerut in 1970 also.173

Initially there was not any technique to coat any type of coating at the

time of minting of coins in Ancient India. When the Pa c la coins were die

strucked there was no coating on it at all. As the alloy has a high tin content,

we presume that the grey coating on the coins due to this reason.If copper

contains very small quantity of silver or gold, than after a very long period

the copper seems to be silver or gold plated.

When hoarding of copper/bronze coins with gold and silver coins done

in considerably long period than the traces of gold and silver have been

transmitted to copper and bronze coins also, due to some chemical reactions

in favorable climatic conditions such as humidity, heat etc.

Metrology:-

The Pa c la coins were not of pure copper but high tin-bronze contents

alongwith some impurities already exist in metal due to poor purification

techniques adopted at that time. The percentage of tin in these coins are as

high as 20.

172. Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI II p.119 to 121 pl. XA 1-2, IV p.18 pl.I-19. 173. Bajpai, K.D.: Yaudheya Coins – A Critical Study; Indian Numismatics Study, Indian

Numismatics Study, Abhinav Publication, New Delhi 1976 p. 27.

60

The chemical analysis carried out by Satya Prakash & Rajendra

Singh174 on eight Pa c la coins from different sources and their findings are

that these coins are made of very high tin – bronze in which the percentage of

tin is about 20 or even higher.

S. No

Wt. in gms

Diameter in mm

Cu copper

Sn Tin Fe Iron

Ni Nickle

S Sulphur

Ca Calcium

Total Oxygen by Difference

1. 5.81 17.0 73.28 22.67 1.14 0.02 0.21 0.11 97.43 2.57 2. 4.11 15.0 71.22 16.72 0.59 0.05 0.34 0.09 89.01 10.99 3. 2.54 12.0 72.89 21.56 1.66 0.02 0.36 0.10 96.59 3.41 4. 2.63 15.0 74.88 20.74 1.19 0.08 0.41 0.06 97.36 2.64 5. 2.44 13.0 64.02 18.79 0.66 0.01 0.30 Traces 83.78 16.22 6. 2.64 15.0 68.71 17.76 0.87 0.08 0.28 0.07 87.77 12.23 7. 1.65 10.0 62.30 16.70 0.63 0.05 0.51 0.10 80.29 19.71 8. 1.70 10.0 67.52 18.72 1.17 0.08 0.47 Traces 87.97 12.03

This high percentage of tin in Pa c la coins cannot be taken as an

impurity it was clearly intentional because it makes coins harder. In the light

of above inferences we can refer the Arthaś stra of Kautilya generally

attributed to the Mauryan age (late 4th century to the 2nd century B.C.),175 the

period exactly before the Pa c la. According to Kautilya the

Lakshanadhyaksha (i.e. Mint master) should manufacture ‘silver coins’ with

one fourth part copper and an m sha of supporting material ( jiva) i.e.

hardening alloy consisting of iron, tin, lead, or antimony.176 In a silver coin of

pana denomination, weighing 16 m shas only 11 m shas were of pure silver.

In case of a copper coin the sustaining material ( jiva) i.e. hardening agent

174. Satya Prakash and Rajendra Singh: Coinage in Ancient India – A Numismatic, Archaeological and Metallurgical Study of Ancient Indian Coins, p. 512-18.

175. Majumdar, R.C.: The Age of Imperial Unity, Bombay 1951 p. 274-275 and 285-287. Mukherjee, B.N.: A Note on the Arthaśāstra (Forward to the Kautilya’s Arthaśāstra

by P.N. Sil) Calcutta, 1985. 176. Arthaśāstra II 12.24.

61

was one fourth of its total weight.177 In Pa c la coins the metal tin was used

as a hardening agent and the mass of the hardening agent was nearly

according to the Artha stra of Kautilya.

The study of the metal contents of the coins of the Indo Greeks. Indo

Scythians, Indo Parthians, Kus nas etc. has shown that the trend was marked

by steady decline in the use of silver and the growing use of copper.178 Coins

of the Kus nas are of almost pure copper with an average of 98.5% but in

some cases as high as 99.4%. They do contain some other metal and

impurities in varying quantities but tin are conspicuous by its absence.179

Though the uninscribed cast coins – including the famous lanky – bull

type form Kau mbi have tin content up to almost 10%, which is well within

the ratio of normal bronze.Later Magha coins from the same site show a

perceptible increase ranging from 17 to 20%.180 Whereas uninscribed coins

were cast, the Magha coins were struck. The high percentage of tin in

Pa c la coins may, therefore, be accounted for by the fact that these, too, are

struck coins.

The mint master of that time had sufficient idea about the metal with

such a composition. As per our discussions in previous paras the use of tin is

as hardening agent, for sake of good inscription on coins. Use of tin in

177. Arthaśāstra II 12.24. 178. Prasad, H.K.: The economic aspect of coins of northern India between 185 B.C. to

A.D. 320, INC, VII, 1969, pl. 1-2, p. 36 to 44. 179. Satya Prakash and Rajendra Singh, Coinage in Ancient India, p.473 to 482. 180. Satya Prakash and Rajendra Singh, Coinage in Ancient India, p.461-62, 581-20.

62

Pa c la coins as hardening agent, resist the metal loss in circulation and

prevent the wear of inscription also.

Shape:-

Most of Pañcāla coins so far discovered are round in shape but

thickness varies according to its weight. Some square coins without

inscription but with Pañcāla symbols are also known. (Fig.78 to 80) A very

curious rectangular coin with inscription is also known.


Weight Standard:-

Standarisation of weights was done by Nandas; 181 we presume that the

coins have been included in this process also. According to K.M. Shrimali182

the Pa c la coins were struck with the traditional Indian weight standard of

80 Rattis and that their weights do not correspond with a ‘centenary’ piece of

100 Rattis or 180 grains’ as thought by Cunningham183 and S.K.

Chakraborty.184 It is worthy of notice that the weights of the Pa c la coins

do not correspond with the common Hindu standard of the pana of 80 Ratti or

144 grains and its multiples and division.

181. Agarwala, V.S.: India as known to P nini, Chaukhamba publication, Varanasi 1963, p.259-74.

182.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la Vol II p. 29. 183.Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India, from the earliest times down to the seventh

century A.D. p. 80. 184.Chakraborty, S.K.: A Study of Ancient Indian Numismatics, p. 90 to 94.

63

Here a very curious fact is that there is complete divergence in weight

standard of Pa c la coin series. A non monarchical tendency is the reason of

this divergency.

Denomination:-

So many studies shows that the Pa c la coins betray and quite erratic

behaviour in weights. There was about 82% coins are upto the half pana

categories –the largest number being even less than 1/8 pana.185 Of the higher

denomination one notices a very remarkable concertration is that all coins

above 9.33 grams are distributed amongst only six kings Agnimitra,

Bhadr ghos a, Bh numitra, Bhumimitra, Ph lgunimitra and S ryamitra. It

is difficult to generalize about the weights of the Pa c la coins. In the first

place they are not struck or cast so carefully as the silver coins and secondly

they have suffered much more in course of time. In most of Ancient coins

series we have not so many weight standards as of Pa c la coins. Here the

point to be noted that it seems that there was no authority to check the

weights of these coins at the time of minting. Hence we can say that these

coins could not follow any standard in denomination.

The Techniques of Minting Pañc la Coins:-

On the basis of discernible minting techniques, ancient Indian coins

can be broadly divided into four classes i.e. (i) archaic die-struck including

the so called ‘Punch-marked’ (ii) cast (iii) repousse and (iv) die-struck.The

Pañc la coins initially falls in 4th group but may be characterised as

185. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla Vol. II, p. 30.

64

‘sophistically’ ‘die-cast’. Three chief methods for preparation of coins were

current in this country: - punching, moulding and die-striking.186 All these

methods of minting the coins were indigenous. The die striking method was

known in the country before India came into contact with the Greek Coinage.

This is proved by the die-struck coin of Dharmapal from Eran, District

Sagar M.P. The Hiranasame coins minted at Taxila and a good number of

such early coins known from the Betwa valley of central India.187

As the Pañcāla coins carry devices in reverse which are not as sharply

cut or clear as those on a great number of archaic coins including the ‘punch-

marked’ series. These devices seem to have been impressed on coins not by

hard striking but by casting metal in moulds bearing the required impressions

in negative. The process of manufacturing these coins involves preparation of

moulds, melting of alloy and casting of the latter in the mould(s). The

negative of the intended coin-type could have been engraved or etched on a

blank mould made of heat-resisting clay or stone or on a mould in cast metal.

It was perhaps technically also possible to have the metal mould with the

intended impression by casting the required amount of molten metal in a clay

mould bearing the positive of the impression in relief. Similarly according to

an alternative and possibly more convenient method of preparing a clay

mould for producing coins, the intended coin device could have been carved

in relief on a lump of clay or on a piece of metal. It was not difficult to rectify

186.Bajpai, K.D.: Ancient Indian Numismatics, p. 111-12. 187. Sircar, P.C.: Journal of Ancient Indian History, Vol. IV, p. 180. Bajpai, K.D.: History & Culture of M.P., p. 46-53. Whitehead, R.B.: Punjab M. Catalogue p. 17-18, pl. 11, 51.

65

the positive impression, if it was found necessary. The later, made either in

clay or metal, served as a model. By pressing this positive impression on a

lump of heat-resisting clay, specially prepared according to the shape and size

of the intended coin, a mould was made, consisting of the intagliated negative

impression. The mould with raised rim around the coin-socket was then

baked. Molten metal, of pre-determined quantity and quality, was now

poured into the mould. Gradually hardened, it would receive the positive

impression of the type found in negative on the mould. The Pañc la coins

were destined to carry devices on both obverse and reverse; a second mould

had to be prepared in positive. By means of this positive mould a metallic

square die had to be prepared with in the negative of the intended coin type

etched on it. When the molten metal gradually cooled and in lumpen state, by

means of metallic square die prepared as above the obverse of the coins were

hard strucked and the required impressions impressed on it. So many types of

copper coins of contemporary period were made through the two separate

moulds bearing obverse and reverse devices facing each other were joined

and an opening made through the rim of each of the moulds for pouring the

molten metal into the cavity thus formed.188 These types of coins are known

as ‘Double-die’ coins. As well as ‘Pañc la’ the other are Kau mbi and

some of Māthura. According to C.J. Brown this method of striking may have

been introduced from Persia and was perhaps a derivative from the art of seal

engraving. The benefit of this technique, coins shows not only greater

188. Sahni, B.: The technique of casting coins in Ancient India, 1945 pl. IV nos. 110-116.

66

symmetry of shape, either round or square, but an advance in the art of die-

cutting.189

Ongoing a very careful examination of nearly 800 (eight hundred)

Pañcāla coins of weight standard of 2 grams and above we found that all

coins bears the reverse a convex appearance. This proves our contention that

the reverse of Pañcāla coins were cast by means of clay mould(s) with raised

rim with the required impression in negative. The outer rim of these Pañcāla

coins also convex.

Type & Pattern of Pa c la Coins:-

(A) Obverse:-

The obverse type of Pa c la coins is the same throughout. The

obverse was made by a square die impressed on round coins in the incuse

characteristics. This described by John Allan as ‘Indian incuse’.190 This

characteristic seems in a number of early Indian coins such as Taxila,

uninscribed and inscribed. Inscribed Taxila coins known as Negama

(Sanskrit-Naigamah) is regarded one of the very early inscribed Indian coins.

The deeply struck device would look like independent incuse on flat and

fairly broad surface. The incuse bears some symbols and inscriptions in two

horizontal lines. As the Pa c la coins series is a long, wide ranged and a

unique characterized series of coins of amass quantity, there is some

exceptions also. The first line of incuse obverse bears three symbols

189. Brown, C.J.: The coins of India, Reprint Indological Book House, Varanasi 1973, p. 19.

190. Allan, John: Catalogue of the Coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. cxxvi.

67

in a row described as Pa c la symbols by all the historians. Maximum coins

bear these Pa c la symbols without disturbing the sequence as shown above,

there are some interesting exceptions also. A very simple question arises in

mind of all the student of Pa c la that why they are called Pa c la symbols

and what the significance of these Pa c la symbols? We will discuss this

prime question in appropriate chapter (Fig. 81).

Figure 81

The second horizontal line of the obverse of the Pa c la coins contains

an inscription known to be the name of than Pa c la rulers. So many

inscriptions inscribed in this second line beneath the line of Pa c la symbols

shows so many rulers of Pa c la territory.

(B) Reverse:-

Reverse surface of Pa c la coins contains so many motifs, symbols,

devices including Pa c la symbols as discussed above. In other words the

reverse bears depictions of the deities or some times of their attributes.

According to K.M. Shrimali, there was 55 (fifty five) devices known up to

the then study.191 The new devices found after that study given herewith.

(Fig. 82 to 85)

191.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p. 90.

68


Concerning the reverse devices on the Pa c la coins, the views of the

writers as follows:-

John Allan – John Allan pointed out in 1936 that ‘The reverse type is a

deity or his symbol, in most cases the former-whose name forms as a rule a

component of the issuer’s name and who was his patron deity’.192

V.A. Smith – The rude devices on the reverse sometimes refer to the

Raja’s name; e.g. the coins of Agnimitra exhibit a personification of ‘fire’

and those of S ryamitra and Bh numitra have ‘solar’ emblems.193

A.Cunningham – ‘The reverse, which is not sunk, has either a symbol

mounted on a Buddhist railing or the figure of some God, as Agni or Indra,

referring to the name of the king’.194

B.P. Bhatt – ‘That the reverse devices were an attempt to portray or

give a visual impression of the names of the kings inscribed on the

obverse’.195

Amiteshwar Jha – “ihNs ds Hkkx ij “kkld ds uke ls tqM+s nsork ;k izrhd

dk fp=.k jgrk gSA196

192. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. xcvii. 193. Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India; IMC Calcutta–Indological Book House 1972, p.

185. 194. Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India; London 1891 p. 80. 195. Bhatt, B.P.: Pa ch la coin types – their significance JNSI 24, 1962 p. 149-159.

69

P.L. Gupta – with the name of issuer197

K.D. Bajpai – “The reverse occasionally shows a deity usually

connected.198 The other scholars such as B. Lahiri,199 J.P. Singh200 Rekha

Jain201 etc are also endorsed the above view in respect to reverse of Pa c la

coins. However there are so many cross opinions. K.M. Shrimali clearly says

that – ‘We think that there are many reasons to reject this theory’.

A. A king issuing coins in more than one reverse devices, as we have

already seen, or when the device is common to more than one king, the

examples of which are also quite numerous. (Fig. 86 to 89)

Figure 86 S ryamitra Figure 87 Bh numitra

Figure 88 Bhumimitra Figure 89 Agnimitra

B. Reverse devices of Yugasena, V ngapala, Anamitra, Vis numitra,

(Fig. 90) Yagbalas (Fig. 91) and D magupta respectively can by no

196. Jha, Amiteshwar: Hkkjrh; flDds&,d ,sfrgkfld ifjp;&IIRNS Publications, Nasik, p. 29-30.

197. Gupta, P.L.: Coins - National Book Trut – Reprint 2000 p. 49. 198. Bajpai, K.D.: New Pa ch la coins and the problems of Pa ch la Chronology,

Indian Numismatic Studies, 1976, p. 83. 199. Lahiri, B.: JNSI Vol 33, 1974, p. 29-53. 200. Singh, J.P.: JNSI Vol. 33, 1974, p. 19-29. 201. Jain Rekha: Ancient India Coinage; D.K. Printworld (P) Ltd., New Delhi, p. 125-126.

70

stretch of imagination be interpreted as visual representations of the

inscribed names of the kings.202 Vidya Prakash has already pointed out

that ‘Gods were not that cheap’ so as to be depicted to give visual

impression of king’s names.203

Figure 90 Vis numitra Figure 91 Yagbalas

Period of Pañcāla Coins:-

A comprehensive study was conducted by K.M. Shrimali to ascertain

the period of Pañc la coins. The highlights of this study are given here with:

Undoubtly the pañcāla coins belongs to the Post-Mauryan period, basis

of various scholars and historians views, a comprehensive chart is given

below to show the total span of the Pañc la coinage :-

HISTORIAN TENTATIVE SPAN TENTATIVE REASONS A.C. Carlleyle204 C.178 B.C Belonging to Śun ga or Mitra

dynasty. A. Cunningham205 C.178 B.C to 66 B.C. Belongs to śun ga or Mitra

dynasty. Inscription in Aśokan Characters.

E.J. Rapson206 C.176 B.C to 66 B.C. Equation of Pañcāla kings with Śun gas. Style and epigraphy of the coins.

202.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, p. 97. 203.Vidya Prakash: Reverse device of Pañchāla Coinage SPLC p. 60. 204.Carlleyle, A.C.: Coins of the Śun�ga or Mitra dynasty found near Ramnagar or

Ahicchatra JASB pt. 1, p. 21. 205.Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India, London 1891, p. 79. 206.Rapson, E.J.: Indian Coins-Indological Book House, Varanasi 1969, p. 13.

71

V.A. Smith207 C.100 B.C to A.D 100 Palaeography of the legends. John Allan208 About C.200 B.C to A.D 100 Palaeographical ground. A.H. Dani209 About C.150 B.C to A.D 100 Equalization of the two verticals

in letters such as sa, sha, ha, pa, gha and la. Thickening of the top heads. Top florish in medial ‘i’. Indo-Greek influence.210

D.C. Sircar211 Middle of first century B.C to the three centuries following about 50 B.C to A.D 250.

Angular and developed form of letters like Ja, la, ha, ma etc. cannot be much earlier than the age of Ayodhyā inscription of Dhanadeva (end of the first century B.C) and the records of the Śakas of M thura (beginning of 1st C.A.D.

T.P. Verma212 0 to A.D 100 Palaeography. P.L. Gupta213 215 B.C to 306 A.D. Local powers sprang up

immediately after the fall of Maurya which he fixed C.215 B.C. Average of 18 years for each king, for 21 kings of Pañcāla known till then he assigned a period of 378 years i.e. 215 B.C to A.D 306. Dating cyuta in 350 A.D. he sought to explain the difference of 44 years by suggesting three possibilities :- Coins of few more kings have not come to light. Average was too low or The initial date was not as early

207.Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India-Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum, Calcutta Vol. 1, 1972, p. 185.

208.Allan, John: Catalogue of the Coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. cxx. 209.Dani, A.H.: Indian Palaeography p. 59-62, pl. Va, b. 210.Dani, A.H.: ‘Punch marked coins in Indian Archaeology’ JNSI Vol 22, 1960, p. 4. 211.Sircar, D.C.: HCIP II, The Age of Imperical Unity 1951, p. 159-172 & Introduction to

Indian epigraphy and Palaeography pt. II JAIH IV pts. 1-2, 1970-71, p. 140. 212.Verma, T.P.: The Palaeography of Brāhmi Script in North India…, p. 90. 213.Gupta, P.L.: The coinage of the local kings of northern India and the date of Kaniśka-

Papers on the date of Kaniśka (ed. A.L. Basham) p. 144-20.

72

as had been postulated. The Kus nas had little or no effect over the kingdoms of Ahicchatra and Kauśāmbi.214

K.D. Bajpai215 C.225 B.C to C. 25 A.D. IIndSpell C. 275 A.D to 350 A.D.

The deities on coins give some indications as to their early date. Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayāga Praśasti) of Samudragupta.

Nisar Ahmad216 C.200 B.C. to 0 A.D. The inscribed money commenced with the close of the third century B.C. Coins of M thura and Kauśāmbi are contemporary with Pañcālas. The north-western region of our country was familiar with the inscribed coins before the Indo-Greek occupation.217

Bela Lahiri218 C. 100 B.C. to 350 A.D. Coins with rulers’ names are to be dated from the second half of the second century B.C. The issues of the various local dynasties came to an end with the successful establishment of Gupta supremacy in the fourth century A.D.

Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya219

C. 150 B.C to 150 A.D. Pabhosā records. The monarchical states of the Ganges-Jamuna valley like M thura, Pañcāla, yodhya, Kauś mbi, etc continued their existence… till they were conquered by the Kus nas in the second half of the first century A.D.

214.Gupta, P.L.: Bearing of the local coins on the history of Northern India SPLC p. 150. 215.Bajpai, K.D.: New Pañchāla coins and the problem of Pañchāla Chronology-Indian

Numismatic studies p. 84-85. 216. Ahmad, Nisar: Uninscribed cast and Inscribed coinage JAIH IVth p.175 to 180. 217. Ahmad, Nisar: Uninscribed cast and Inscribed coinage JAIH IVth pts 1-2, 1970-71. 218. Lahiri, Bela: (1) Typological study of the local coins of Northern India SPLC p.29 (2) Indigenous states of Northern India C200 BC to 320 AD p.187-188. 219.Chattopadhyaya, Sudhakar: Early History of North India p. 25, 51 & 55.

73

Jagannath220 C.123 to 200 A.D Pañcāla kings probably started its independent career during the first century B.C .or even earlier and probably came to an end with the eastward expansion of the Kus na power under Kaniśka in the first century A.D.

K.M. Shrimali221 C.150 B.C to 125 A.D. IInd Spell C. 300 A.D to 350 A.D.

Stratification of the hitherto excavated sites in the Ganga Valley. Kings like Śrinandi, cyuta etc who were perhaps nearer to the time of Samudragupta.

C.J. Brown222 C. 200 B.C to 1st Century A.D.

In the execution and design of some die struck coins from the North-West there are undoubted traces of foreign influences: but such devices as the humped bull, the elephant and the religious symbols are purely Indian. There is on the other hand little foreign influence traceable in the die-struck coins all closely connected in point of style, which issued during the first and second centuries B.C. from Pañcāla, yodhya, Kauś mbi and M thura. A number of these bear Brāhmi Inscriptions, and names of ten kings, which some would identify with the old Śun gas dynasty, have been recovered from the copper and brass coins of Pañc la found in abundance at Ramnagar in Rohilkhand, the site of the Ancient city Ahicchatra.

220. Jagannath: Post-Mauryan dynasties-A comprehensive History of India (ed. K.A.N. Saśtri) Vol. II 1957, p. 104-107.

221.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. 1, p. 62. 222.Brown, C.J.: The coins of India-Reprint Indological Book House, Varanasi 1973, p.

20.

74

Our Assessment:-

1. As per the views of all the scholars as stated above the first thing is that

the Pañc la coins falls in Post-Mauryan coins series i.e.; Taxila, Kāda,

Yaudheya, rjunāyanas, Kauśāmbi, yodhya, M thura, Kun indas

etc. it means the period of Pañcāla coins start somewhere the c 2nd

century B.C. (upper limit should be placed about close of 3rd C.B.C.

There is a new coin listed with legend Dāmgupta also shows the upper

limit of Pañc la coins to be placed about C 200 B.C.223

2. There are some interesting specimens listed and unlisted, who give us

the very useful information about the lower limit of Pañc la coin

series, A chart is given below :-

S. No.

Accession no.

Locus Obverse Reverse Palaeography Size Wt. in GMS

1. CAS 66/594 AC III KIXP/5a 45’

Leg indistinct 1.2 1.492

2. CAS 66/1256 AC III KXA/9h 36’

1.1 0.914

3. Self Collection

1.4 1.480

4. CAS 66/1267 AA III RIXK/10a/41’

1.4

5. CAS 66/1335 AC III KIXK/5e 44.1/2’

1.3 1.550

6. Lucknow Museum LM10490(2)

Lucknow Museum

Agnimitrasya

1.25 1.330

223. Om Prakash Lal Srivastava, Col. Rajeev Rawat-A new coin of Pañcāla ruler Dāmagupta I-JNSI Vol LXX, part I & II 2008 p. 32 & plate I.

75

7. ALD/561 Allahabad Museum

Agnimitras…

1.2

8. Pañcāla coins Ashmolaen Museum Doughlas Coll (1950) Gift of Mrs. Muirhead

Agnimatrasa 2nd& 3rd symbols interchanged

1.25 1.642

9. JNSI Vol. 26 pl I N 7-10, pl VII 1

K.D. Bajpai Collection

Agimitrasa

1.25 1.328

10. PI VII 2 K.D. Bajpai Collection

(A)gimitrasya

1.3 1.684

11. JNSI, 24 1962, p. 12, pl.I 6

K.D. Bajpai Collection

Agnimitra(sa)

1.5 1.575

12. Pañcāla coins Ashmolaen Museum Doughlas Coll (1950) Gift of Mrs. Muirhead

Agnimitrasa

1.15 1.201

13. Pañcāla coins Fitzwillian Museum

Agnimitrasa

1.3 1.250

14. CM 109-1951

Fitzwillian Museum

Agnimitrasa

1.25 1.343

15. Prachin Bhartiya224 Ithihaas Shodh Parishad, New Delhi

Agnimitr(sya) 2nd& 3rd symbol interchanged

16. Col. Rajeev Rawat225 Collection

Agnimitrasya 2nd& 3rd symbol interchanged

1.6 2.510

17. Self Collection

Agnimitra (sya) 2nd& 3rd symbol interchanged

1.6 2.620

224. Sushma, Arya: Pañcāla Rajya Ka Itihas, p. 47, pl. 137. 225. O.P.L Srivastava & Rajiv Rawat: Coin of hitherto unknown king Agnimitra III from

Ahicchatra JNSI Vol LXXI part I & II 2009 pl. I. 3.

76

Ongoing a careful inspection these coins can be divided in two groups.

A. The coins with the three Pañcāla symbols placed as usual &

B. The coins with the three Pañcāla symbols as usual but the second

symbol are depicted as third symbol and the third symbol is depicted as

second symbol.

All coin of these two groups certainly belongs to Agnimitrasya with

two die-varieties one with usual placement of three Pañcāla symbols and

second with second and third Pañc la symbol interchanged. In both the types

there are some palaeographic change especially in ‘tā’ and ‘mā’. When a

comparison is made between these two groups, two features become clear:-

(A) The first group is older than that of second group because we find

triangular loop of is become nearly flat and also the flatish pattern

of to in second group.

(B) Not only is there a marked change in the forms of m , t and s , there

is also to be noticed a great sense of stylization. Hence it is clear that

the period of second group is later than first but not much more.

In both the groups the legends ‘Agnimitrasya’ is inscribed in Brāhmi

script of C.3rd – 4thC.A.D. The language of these coins is Sanskrit beyond any

doubt as used in period of Gupta kings. The second group belongs to the

period of Gupta king ‘Samundragupta’226 or may be the later. As usual the

Pañc la coins have the language ‘Parkrit’ and the script is the Post-Mauryan

Brāhmi, but these groups of coins show that the Pañc la coins was minted

226. A chart is appended: Inscription of Allahabad Pillar of Samudragupta.

77

upto the second quarter of the 4th C.A.D and also in circulation upto that time.

Hence our assessment is that the Pañc la coins belong to the period C 200

B.C to A.D. 350. According to K.M. Shrimali that there was a second spell

may be tentatively dated between A.D. 300 and 350. Here a very important

question is to be solve-what about C A.D.125 to C.A.D. 300? There is two

specific types of Pa c la coins with legends Śivanandi and Śrinandi have

been grouped together and placed nearer to the times of the Guptas227 and

Śrinandi has been identified with ‘Nandi’ of the Allahabad pillar inscription

of Samudragupta228 and K.D. Bajpai places them in the second or third

century A.D. also.229 Here a very remarkable new Pañcāla coin is in my hand

with legend ‘Chandramitrasya’ in Sanskrit belongs to the pattern of Gupta

kings. This coin belongs to C 4thCentury A.D according to its palaeographic

character as well as the similarity of Allahabad Pillar Inscription. K.M.

Shrimali himself in doubt about the Agnimitrasya coins as refers above

belongs to this or another Agnimitrasya?230 Our assessment is that there is a

possibility of unearthing the new Pañc la coins to fill the time gap between C

125 A.D. to C 300 A.D.

Language & Script of Pañc la Coins:-

The Pañcāla coin series is a monographic coin series. The language

used in most of Pañc la coins is Prakrit. There are no pronouns, numerals and

verbs and most of the inscription are ending in ….a. All the Pañc la coins

227.Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI Vol 24, p. 15 & 19. 228.Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI Vol 24, p. 19 & R.R. Tripathi-some new and rare copper coins in

the Allahabad Museum JNSI Vol. 24, p. 22. 229.Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI Vol. 24, p. 15. 230.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol I, p. 89.

78

reveal a uniform pattern in declension-genetive singular. According to K.M.

Shrimali the Pañc la coins have clearly ‘prakritic’ feature and is comparable

to inscriptions of K atrapas Nahapana, Castana etc.,231 (first century

A.D.)232 He also says that the Pañc la coins do not have double consonants

on its language-a prominent feature of non-sanskritic languages is again quite

conspicuous in the legends of Pañc la coins. Double consonants are not

normally written before the Gupta period-even if they were pronounced

which is possible.

However, most prakrits use double consonants. He gave a footnote233

as – in our study of over 2000 coins we have, however came across one coin

of Agnimitra (IM/10490(2)) where sanskritic case ending (Agnimitrasya) is

noticeable however due to poor condition of coins there was a confusion to

assess the coins numbers 129-130, 134 to 136234 belongs to Agnimitrasya

clearly with sanskritic legends. Here, ‘gni’ is clearly a double consonant

belongs to ‘Gupta’ character. A very clear specimen published by O.P.L

Srivastava & Col. Rajiv Rawat235 is evident to our contention. In a previous

chapter we refer a new Pa c la coin with legend ‘Chandramitrasya’ has

Sanskritic character beyond any doubt. Hence the Pañc la coins are

represents not only Prakrit as well as transitional to pure form of Prakrit and

Sanskrit, on its inscriptions. The script of Pañc la coins vary from Mauryan

231.Shirmali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, p. 81. 232.Brown, C.J.: The Coins of India-Reprinted Indological Book House, Varanasi, p. 30. 233.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, p. 81. 234.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. II, p. 57-58. 235. O.P.L. Srivastava & Rajiv Rawat: Coin of hitherto unknown king Agnimitra III from

Ahicchatra JNSI Vol. LXXI, Part I & II 2009, pl. I. 3.

79

Brāhmi to Post Mauryan Brāhmi and finally to Gupta Brāhmi according to

the period in which they minted. The coin with inscription Dāmagupta

(Dāmagupta 1)236 has the inscription in Mauryan Brāhmi. Coins with

inscription of Śivnandisa, Śrinandi, Chandramitrasya have the inscription in

pre Gupta Brāhmi and Agnimitrasya in Gupta Brāhmi similar to Allahabad

pillar inscription of Samudragupta. The coins with legend cyu undoubtedly

belong to Gupta period as the legend on these coins can be easily compared

with the writing of Gupta coins.237

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

236. O.P.L. Srivastava & Rajiv Rawat: JNSI Vol. LXX Part I & II 2008, p. 32, pl.I. 237. Upasak, C.S.: Some silent features of Brāhmi on Gupta Coins JNSI 23, 1961 p. 216-

240.

80

CHAPTER – IV

PAÑC LACOINS:JANPADAORTRIBAL,ASTUDY

Pañc la coins: Janpada or Tribal

Cunningham238 can be said to be the first scholar to attempt a coherent

classification of Indian coins including Pa c la on the basis of provenance

and typology. He was followed by Vincent A. Smith and John Allan. These

coins form an important series of the indigenous coinage period ranging

between middle of 3rd C.B.C. and the middle of 4th C.A.D. as long as six

centuries. The Pa c la coins belong to that class of Indian Numismatics,

which has been termed differently- Local, Tribal, and Native239 Janpada etc.

The Pa c la series is devoid of any terminology in his scheme of

classification by Smith. John Allan gives the name of these coins as

‘Tribal’.240

The term ‘Janpada’ as used in later Vedic texts such as ‘Aitareya

brāhmana’,241 the Taittiriyabrāhmana242 and the atapathabr hmana,243

signifies a community or people of a particular geographical and cultural unit.

Early coins, of the Raja yas, the M lavas, the ivis, the Agreyas and the

Yaudheyas etc., clearly mention the word ‘Janpada’ alongwith the names of

238. Cunningham, A; Coins of Ancient India, London 1891, p. 79 239. Rapson E.J., Indian coins, strassburg, 1897, p 10 240. Allon, John, BMC, 1936 241. Aitareyabr hmana, VII. 14. 242. Taittriyabr hmana; Chapter II. 243. Satapathabr hmana;Chapter XIII.

81

these communities, which undoubtedly had republican traits. In the case of

certain republics e.g., the Yaudheyas, the Kunindas and the Arjunayanas

coins bearing both the traits of sovereignity and democracy are known. The

list of sixteen Mahajanpadas in Buddhist texts is fairly well known but there

were straight away polity is not known. Closer to the times of the Pa c la,

the word had similar connotation. It is invariably used for one of the seven

elements of the state.244 For Janpada sometimes the words Jana or rastra or

desa and vis aya are also used.245 Moreover, janpada also implies both the

territory and people.

Particularly in case of Pa c la there are so many confusions in mind

of so many scholars due to names as inscribed in coins, however the

contemporary texts did not endorsed such ruling kings. The Artha stra of

Kautilya gives a clear inference that there was rule of Sam gha in

Pa c la.246 We have not been any solid proof that the names inscribed in

Pa c la coins belong to then king of Pa c la. Our previous discussion

shows that the coins of Agnimitra have been in circulation in so many time

slots between three centuries.247 In such a way the coins of Rudragupta and

Dhruvamitra are also in circulation in a considerable period.

There are so many ‘counter-marked’ coins248 with inscriptions ending

‘Mitra’. The general perception for counter-marking is that (i) to extend the

244. Artha stra of Kautilya; VI 1.1. 245. Manusm�riti IX-294 and Yāj avalkya Sm�riti I. 353. 246. Artha stra of Kautilya; ed. Sham Shostri, Mysore, 1924, 7th edition, 1961, p. 407. 247. Agnimitas to Agnimitrasya Footprints of some centuries, p. 117-123. 248. Countermark Pa c la coins, p. 89-96.

82

geographical area in which the coin would be accepted as legal tender (ii) to

continue in use a coin and (iii) to designate a new authority. There is a full

series of Mitra coins with countermarking and the symbol have been

countermarked is a usual Pa c la symbol. It completely vanish the

possibilities (i) and (iii). There is only second possibility which shows a

continuous circulation irrespect of inscriptions on the coins. This Pa c la

coin series without usual Pa c la symbols shows a very important aspect that

there was fragmentation in ‘Pa c la Sam ghas’ and process of emerge;

reemerge and consolidaton have been occurred in due course of time.

The contemporary coins with their legends and inscriptions for relative

assessments given as follows:-

City State Series:-

Coin Series Type Period Inscription Remark Kau mbi249

Cast & Die Struck

3rd C. B.C. to

2nd C. B.C. onward

Kosābi Square Copper

Shuktimati250

Cast 3rd C. B.C. to

2nd C. B.C. onward

Sugimati/ Shutimati

Square Copper

249. Capital of Vatsa; 30 miles from Allahabad known as Kosam. 250. According to Mah bh rata the capital of Chedi, Near Banda in U.P.

83

Arikachcha251

Cast & Die Struck

3rd C. onward B.C. and 1st C. B.C. onward

Arikacha…. & Mugmukhe

Square & Round Copper

Varna252

Die Struck 3rd C. B.C. to 1st C. B.C.

Bārānāye Square Copper

Ujjayani253

Die Struck 2nd C. B.C.

Ujeniya Round Copper

Mahismati254


Mahisati Square Copper

Vidisha255

Die Struck Early 2nd C. B.C.

Vedish/Veddas Square Copper

Tripuri256

Die Struck 3rd C. B.C.

Tipuri Round Copper

Eran257

Punch-Mark 3rd C. B.C.

Kurarāy Square Copper

251. Airichch a village near Jhansi U.P. 252. Bulandshahar in U.P. 253. Ujjain in M.P. 254. Maheshwar District Nimar M.P. 255.Besh Nagar (Vidisha) M.P. a very important city at the time of u ga. 256.Village Tewar near Jabalpur M.P. 257.Earn near Vidisha M.P.

84

Bhagila258

Punch-Mark 3rd C. B.C.

Bhagilaya Square Copper

Taxila259


Negama Reverse Talima(…) ta or sa, Dojaka Pam canekame

Copper Square and Round both

Uddehika260 Die Struck Early 2ndC. B.C.

Udehaki261

Suyamitasa262

Copper

Monarchial State Series :-

Coin Series Type Period Appearacne & Metal

Inscription

Koshāmbi (Vat a)

Cast Die Strucked

2nd C. B.C. onward 2nd and 3rd century A.D.

Round copper Round copper Copper

Br ahaspatimitra, Agnimitra, Shuryamitra, Sharpmitra, Varunmitra, Jyesthmitra, Prajapatimitra, Ashwaghos a etc. & …… Magh

Kos l ( yodhya) 1st Series

Cast & Die Strucked

2nd C.B.C. onward

Square Copper Mooldeva, Vishakhadeva, Shivdatta, Vayudeva, Dhandeva and Jyesthadeva

258.District shihore in M.P. village Nadner & Village Jamunia, District Hoshangabad M.P.

259. North West India near Afghanistan. 260. As per Var hmitra (xiv.3). Uddehika was located in middle country. In writing of Al-

Biruni (11th C.A.D), Uddehika is near ‘Bazana’, 112 miles south west of Kanauj. 261. Rapson – JRAS 1900 p. 98-102.

262. Countermarked either with as in the text or as suggested by Rapson.

85

Kos l ( yodhya) 2nd Series

Die Strucked Upto 1st and 2ndC. A.D.

Round Copper Kumudsen, Ajawarman, Madhav Barman, Sanghmitra, Vijaymitra, Satyamitra, Ayyamitra, Devamitra etc.

Sursen (Mathura) 1st Series

Die Strucked Late 3rd C. B.C. onward

Round Copper Gomitasa, Suryamitasa, Brahmmitra, Drdhamitra, Vishnumitra, Dradhmitra etc.

Note : The coins with inscription Gomitasa, Br ahmamitasa, Suyamitasa, D(r)dh(a)mitasa have three symbols and below these symbol have a tree in railing. These three symbols are likely to be the pattern of Pa c la or vice – versa. These inscriptions are also ending with ‘Mitasa’. Sursen (M thura) 2nd Series

Die Strucked 2nd C.B.C. onward

Round Copper Purushdatta, Sheshdatta, Ramdatta, Kamdatta, Bhavdatta, Uttamdatta and Bhalabhuti

Shaka K atrap 1st Series

Die Strucked 1st C. A.D. Round Copper Rajubulas, Shodas (Mahakstap Rajubulas)

Shaka Ksatrap 2nd Series

Die Strucked 1st C. A.D. Round Coppery Hagan, Hagmas, Shivdatta, Shivghosha

86

Eran (Vidisha)

Punch Mark & Die Cast

2nd C. B.C. onward

Square Copper Dambhadra Ravibhuti, Bhumidatt, Vashumitra, Bhanumitra

Vidarbha

Die Cast 2nd C. B.C. onward

Square Copper Dambhadra, Satyabhadra Kanhmitra

Tribal/Jana

Coin Series Type Period Appearacne & Metal

Inscription

Agr 263

Die Strucked 2nd C. B.C. onward

Round & Square Copper/Bronze

Agodake Agachh Janpadasa Agachh Mitpadbhishyan

Rajanya264


Round copper Rajanya Janpadasa

Trigarta265


Square/Copper Trakat Janpadasa

Sibi266 Die Strucked 2nd C. B.C. onward

Round/Copper Majhimk ya ibi Janpada

Majhamikāya ibi-Janpadasa

Yaudheya267


Round/Copper Yodheyanam Bahudhanyake

Die Strucked 1st C. A.D. Round/Silver Bhagwat Swamino

263. Agrota District Hisar (Haryana) 264. Near Mathura 265. Jalandhar, Punjab 266. Nagari, near Chittore, Rajasthan 267. Between Satluj and Yamuna river

87

Brahmanya Yodheya

Die Strucked Around 1st C. A.D.

Round/Copper Bhagwat Swamino Brahmanya Devashya Kumarashya

Die Strucked Around 1st C. A.D.

Round/Copper Bhagwato Chitreshwar Mahatmana

Die Strucked 2nd-3rd C. A.D.

Round/Copper Yodheya Ganashya Jayah...

n

Tribal/Jan-Janadhipati (King?) Coin Series Type Period Appearacne &

Metal Inscription

udumbara268

Die Cast Die Strucked

2nd C. B.C. onward

Square/Copper Round/Silver

Mahadevas Raj (a name?) Audubaris king? Shivdas, Rudradas & Dharaghosh Vispamitas (Vishwamitra?)

Vemaki269


Round Copper Round Silver

Ragyo Vemikis Rudravarman Vijayake/ Bhabvarman Vijayke Bhagwat Mahadevas Rajragya

Kuninda270

Die Strucked 1st C. B.C. Round Silver Round Copper

Ragya Kunindasya Amoghbutishya Maharajasya Ra a Kunidasa Amoghabhutisa

268. In the region of Pathankot- Kangara 269. Palanpur (Kangara), Ambala – Palanpur region. 270.Kullu, Mandi (H.P.), Almora, Kashipur (Uttrakhand) & some region of Punjab,

Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

88

Vriṣni271

Die strucked 2nd C. B.C. Round/Copper Vrs nirājajnāganasya bhūbavasay

Arjunāyana272

Die strucked 2nd C. B.C. Round/Copper Ajunāya… Ajunāyanāmomjaya

Kada273 Die strucked 3rd C. B.C.

Round/Copper Bhadrārāmas Kādasa

Almora274 Die strucked 2nd – 1st C. B.C.

Round/Copper Śivadatasa Śivapolita(sa) Haridatasa

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

271. May be from Sunet District Ludhiana, Punjab. 272. South Haryana and area of nearby Rajasthan. 273. Shug in Haryana. 274. Almora in Himalaya Mountain Uttrakhand.

89

CHAPTER – V

SOMESPECIFICPAÑCĀLACOINS&ITSSTUDY

Countermarked Pañc la Coins:-

There are so many studies done on Pañc la coins, it is surprising that

there is not at least one comprehensive text available on the subject. The

definition of a countermark has for unknown reasons been avoided by most

writers on the subject. This may have caused some past confusion with such

terms as “Punched”, “Counterpunched” and “Over struck”. So let us begin by

saying: -a countermarked coin is one which has had a secondary stamp

impressed upon it at sometime subsequent to its original minting.275

Sometimes these coins are referred to as a ‘counter stamp’. This

countermarking could be done to relatively new coin or to a coin which had

been in circulation for many years. Countermarks usually marked or stamped

or punched due to the following reasons:-

1. To extend the geographical area in which the coin would be accepted

as legal tender.

2. To continue in use a coin which had been in circulation for a

considerable period of time.

3. To designate a new authority usurping the coins of another for their

own use.

275. Milne, J.G.; Greek and Roman Coins and the study of History, Greenwood Press, Westport Connecticut 1971.

90

In Ancient word there was many authority adopted the practice for

circulating the countermarked coins, such as Ancient Roman Republic. In our

knowledge there were so many specimens of countermarked coins listed in

various publications. These coins belong to c. 5th B.C. to date. In Ancient

India, there was some countermarked Pañc la coins available to us to

increase our curiosity. The detail of some listed countermarked Pañcāla coins

are as follows:-

Bhadrāghos a: - Ashmolean Museum (Mrs. Muirhead Douglas

Collection 1950276

Indian Museum, Calcutta 277

Bhānumitra: - Central Antiquities section of the Archaeological

Survey of India, Purana Qila, Delhi CAS 66/1718278

A. Cunningham-Coins of Ancient India, p. 82, Fig.

7&8 Pl. VII.

Prachin Bhartiya Itihas Shodh Parishad, Narela,

New Delhi279

Agnimitrasa: - Prachin Bharitya Itihas Shodh Parishad, Narela, New

Delhi280

276. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla Vol. II, p. 62, No. 19. 277. Smith-V.A.: Coins of Ancient India, Catalogue of the coins in the India Museum,

Calcutta Vol. I, p. 187. 278. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla Vol. II, p. 68, No. 123. 279. Arya, Sushma: Pañchāla Rajya Ka Itihas pl. 47, Fig. 140. 280. Arya, Sushma: Pañchāla Rajya Ka Itihas pl. 47, Fig. 137 (k).

91

Apart from published coins there are so many such coins also, with so

many museums, institutions and in collection of private collectors. As per our

knowledge, there was another contemporary authority who issued such type

of countermarked coins was Kauśāmbi in Ancient India. There was a

countermarked series of coins with inscription of Br�haspatimitra II (Late

second century B.C.) in Kauś mbi coins. Such a series listed in catalogue of

the coins of Ancient India in British Museum.281 In these coins

countermarked done with ‘tree in railing’ and ‘tri l’. Another coin with

inscription Agnimitra, countermarked with ‘Tri l’ also in Kauśāmbi series

listed as 34. Apart from Kauśāmbi, there is a countermarked coin in

Uddehikā series of Ancient Indian coin with inscription ‘Sūryami(tasa)' of

Sūryamitra.282 (Symbol Countermarked ) Interestingly the inscription of

these countermarked coins ended with ‘….mitasa’ as the countermarked

coins of house of Pañc la. Apart from countermarked, there are so many

specimens of Pañc la coins counter-strucked. Such a coin in Ashmolean

Museum, Oxford, and the coin of D magupta was counter-struck by

V ngapala (Fig. 93). K.D. Bajpai was also published such a coin in his

article.283

Figure 93 : D magupta Counter-struck by V ngapala

281. Allan, John: Catalogue of Coins of Ancient India, British Museum London 1936, p. 152-53, No. 26 to 32, pl. xxi, No. 16, 17, 18, No. 34, pl. xx, 5.

282. Allan, John: Catalogue of coins of Ancient India, British Museum, London 1936, p. 240, No. 2, pl. xxxv. 17.

283. Bajpai, K.D.: New Pa ch la coins and the problem of Pa ch la chronology-original article JNSI Vol. 24, 1962 p. 18-19, Indian Numismatic studies, Abhinav Publications, p. 80.

92

In all counter marked Pa c la coins interestingly the motif or symbol

countermarked is always one of a Pañc la symbol within the three Pañc la

symbols already depicted in obverse incuse of the coin , irrespective

or without ascertain the legends of coins.The second symbol/central usual

symbol is obliterated by countermarked of right hand/third symbol

(Fig. 94- 95).

Figure 94: Type I Bhadr ghos a Figure 95 : Type I Bh numitra

There are two types of countermark Pañcāla coins types known to us.

First type discussed above and the second type where the three Pañc la

symbols obliterated by a new set of symbols on the shallow incuse of the

obverse of the coin, above the usual inscription. These coins form a series

with different legends i.e., Agnimitrasa, Bhānumitrasa, Bhumimitrasa,

Sūryamitrasa and Ph lgunimitrasa. These coins have exactly same reverse.

These coins are described by some authors as series II or Tribal series or

coins minted in another mint, without assigning any reason (Fig. 96 to 101).

Figure 96 Figure 97

93

Figure 98 Figure 99

Figure 100 Figure 101

Type II

On obverse of coin, there is a countermark with third Pañc la symbol

on the left central space usually, on some of coins or the series of coins. Not

only the set of symbols as stated above there are ‘Lion’, ‘Human Figure’

some type of ‘Diety’ also depicted in place of usual three Pañc la symbols on

the shallow incuse of the obverse of the coins (Fig. 102-103).

Figure 102 Diety Figure 103 Lion

There are two more subtypes of coins basis of the obverse with the new

set of symbols/motifs but the different reverse i.e., Bhadrāghos asa and

Indramitrasa, so these coins excluded from the above series for the time

being. There are numerous types of Pañc la coins, with so many sizes,

weights, reverse motifs etc and approximately/nearly 41 (Forty One)

94

inscriptions up to date on obverse with usually three Pañcāla symbols or a set

of symbols with some exceptions but the countermarking was done only the

coins having the inscriptions ending with ‘Mitra’ and the usual Pañc la

symbols obliterated by a new set of symbols . These coins have

approximately same size, weight, and also same appearance. These coins are

also assessed to be same based on ‘provenance,’ ‘fabric’ and ‘type &

symbology’. All these coins attributed the period nearly C 1st century A.D.

onward according to its palaeography, no one historian give us the tentative

span of period of each of so called king’s coins except K.M. Shrimali & K.D.

Bajpai respectively. According to K.D. Bajpai we cannot be quite definite

about the Pa c la chronology in the present state of our knowledge, this

much can be said on the basis of palaeography and other considerations, that

among the Pa c la rulers V ngapala, D magupta, Rudragupta and

Yaj ap la probably flourished between C. 200 B.C. and 150 B.C. The rest of

kings mostly the Mitras may have ruled after Pushyamitra u ga, say from

150 B.C. to the middle of the third century A.D.284As per K.M. Shrimali, the

span of these kings is given herewith285 :-

Sūryamitra C 10 B.C. to A.D. 1

284. Bajpai, K.D.: New Pañch la coins and the problem of Pañch la chronology, Abhinav Publications, New Delhi 1976, p. 85.

285. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa cala, Vol. I, p. 116.

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Bhānumitrasa C A.D. 1 to A.D. 20

Bhumitmitrasa C A.D 65 to A.D 80

Agnimitrasa C A.D 80 to A.D 100

Ph lgunimitrasa C A.D 110 to A.D. 120

As per above list the total span of this series is 130 years. As per our

assessment it is very difficult that there could be no material change in fabric,

type, symbology and palaeography occurs on these coins in more than a

century’s time. Apart this a very curious point is that all these coins have the

same countermarks, not only the size, but also the third Pañcāla symbol to be

struck have same striking pressure, on nearly all the coins which was

examined by us. This contention has been derived from the deepness of the

countermark, strucked on the coins. Are all these coins countermarked at the

same time? It is quite possible.

Not only this, it may be possible that this series of coins may be minted

within five to ten years span instead of the 130 years as known to us. The

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coins of this series also available to us without countermarked and only few

specimens have countermarked.

New type of coins of Rudraguptasa and Dhruvamitrasa:-

I have some Pa c la coins in my possession acquired by me from a

coin hoard in May 2011. These Pa c la coins are very peculiar in type and

fabric. Although the coins with inscriptions almost similar to these coins are

already known to us, but these coins shows very unique characteristics in

term of inbuilt features associated with these coins. A comprehensive study

of these Pa c la coins with already known Pa c la coins with similar

inscriptions give us an amazing results compel to alter our previous theories

and assessment in connection of Pa c la Coins. Inscription wise these

Pa c la coins can be divided in two separate groups.

(A) First Group of Pa c la coins with inscriptions ‘Rudraguptas(a’)

S.No. Obverse Reverse Size in cms. Wt. in gms. 1- 1.9 5.29

2- 2.0 4.23

3-

2.0 4.52

4-

1.9 4.19

5-

2.0 4.19

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6- 2.0 4.58

7- 2.0 4.38

The coins with inscription ‘Rudraguptsa’ already known to us as

Accession No. 36319 Lucknow Museum,286 Accession No. ALD/470

Allahabad Museum, ALD/691 Allahabad Museum,287 Accession No. 2 & 3

British Museum (Cunningham Collection 1894)288 described by K.M.

Shrimali as Type A are seems to be the type of the above stated one, the coins

with Ashmoleum Museum (Douglas Collection of 1950, Mrs. Murihead

Gift)289 described by K.M. Shrimali as Type B is also same as stated above.

These specimens are wrongly classified due to lack of clarity on reverse.

After going in depth, there are some interesting features shows that these

coins belongs to a separate group with a considerable difference in style,

fabric, and die varities. Some points are as follows:-

1. The coins are thin in fabric.

2. The size of coins is nearly 1.95 ± 0.10 cms in width.

3. The weight of these coins varies from nearly 4.0 gms to 5 gms.

4. As the previous perception there is neither any device like ‘Tri l’

belongs to Vedic deity ‘Rudra’ nor any traces of such object on the

286. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.88, s.no.10, pl.X.10. 287. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.88, s.no.11, 11 & 12. 288. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.88, s.no.10, 13 & 14, pl. X.11. 289. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.88, s.no.21, pl. X.12.

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reverse of the coins. K.D. Bajpai admitted this fact as “The coins of

Rudragupta and Dhruvamitra appear to exhibit the emblems of iva

and Dhruva (Star) respectively, although in the latter are case the

symbol seems to be doubtful.290

5. The resemblance of the palaeography of these coins is clearly Gupta

instead of post Mauryan Brāhmi.

(B) Second Group of Pa c la coins with inscriptions ‘Dhurvamitras(a’)

S.No. Obverse Reverse Size in cms. Wt. in gms. 1- 1.9 4.06

2- 2.0 4.48

3- 1.9 4.05

4-

1.7 3.46

5-

2.0 5.05

6-

1.9 3.93

7- 1.9 4.26

290. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatic studies, p. 84.

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Three listed coins with inscriptions ‘Dhruvamitrasa’, Accession no.

BMC/53, BMC/54 & BMC/55 (British Museum, Cunningham Collection

1894)291 are also the said type. The above said series of coins are clearly

different from the coins received in various Ahicchatra excavations from time

to time. These coins are thin in appearance instead the usual coins. Other

differences are as follows:-

1. The size of coins is nearly 1.95 ± 0.10 cms in width.

2. The weight of these coins is in range of 3.5 to 5.5 gms.

3. The reverse of these coins differs from most of the listed coins. Some

of the listed specimens with inscription ‘Dhruvamitrasa’ wrongly

inserted in list of the coins Type A292 dues to lack of clarity in reverse.

4. The reverse of the coins of Type A described by K.M. Shrimali is not

exactly same in all cases. There are more than three die varieties are in

existence.

5. The existing device in reverse of these coins not necessarily exhibits

the emblems of Dhruva.

6. The palaeography of these coins clearly Gupta br hmi instead of post-

Mauryan br hmi.

As the coins of both the groups (a) and (b) with inscriptions

‘Rudraguptsa’ and ‘Dhruvamitrasa’ received by me in a single coin hoard and

all the characters such as appearance, fabric, size, weight, palaeography are

291.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.73, s.no.7, 8&9, pl.VII 4&5. 292.Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.II, p.73, s.no.7, 8&9, pl.VII.

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almost the same, I assume that all coins of this hoard belongs to the same

time frame. In this coin hoard there are not a single coin with another

inscription except ‘Rudraguptsa’ and ‘Dhruvamitrasa’. Although the reverse

device exhibit some minor change in pattern or die but there are very close

resemblance in both the reverses.

The coins No. 1 & 2 shown above with inscription, ‘Rudraguptsa’ have

same reverse but object No. 1 & 3 on pedestal interchanged. How it can

possible? It can be possible only when there was two separate dies were used.

The coins No. 2 & 3 shown above with inscriptions ‘Dhruvmitrasa’

have reverse exactly the same as coin No. 1 with inscription ‘Rudraguptasa’.

This shows that the reverse die of the coins with inscription ‘Dhruvamitrasa’

and ‘Rudraguptasa’ are same. It occurs only when both types of coins minted

at the same time. It alters our all the previous theories that suggest that

‘Rudragupta… probably flourished between the period C 200 B.C and 150

B.C. The rest of the kings, mostly the Mitras, may have ruled after

Pushyamitra u ga, say from 150 B.C. to the middle of the third century

A.D.293 K.M Shrimali place the period of ‘Dhruvamitra’ at C 65 B.C. to 50

B.C. In his contention he gives as R.D Benerji had published an inscription

from Ramnagar (El, X, 1909-10, p. 107-8) which is dated in the first year of

the reign of a king (?) whose name is lost. However, the inscription not only

mentions the name of Pa c la (line 8) but also that of the great – grandfather

of the reigning king (line 5). Of the name of this great – grandfather (…..)

293. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatics Studies, p. 85, Abhinav publications, New Delhi 1976.

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vamitrasya is quite legible and the editor has restored the name as

Dhruvamitrasya on the basis of coins. On the date of the inscription, he says

‘The alphabet belongs to the class, which B hler called K atrap characters’.

The beginning of the K atrap period at Māthura has been placed in the last

quarter of the first century B.C. This would be the date of Vis numitra,

whom we have described as the great grandson of Dhruvamitra. Accordingly,

the latter’s date should fall in the second quarter of the first century B.C. as

proposed by us on independent grounds.294 As the coin shows above the

inscription ‘Dhruvamitrasa’ in Gupta character and a part of coin hoard with

the coins with inscription ‘Rudraguptsa’ also in Gupta character does not

verify the above contention. As per K.M. Shrimali ‘the Pa c la kings had

another spell of about fifty years beginning from the fourth century A.D.

Rudragupta, rinandi and chyu probably reigned between C A.D 300 and

350, when the Pa c la region came under the Guptas’.295

A very interesting similarity pertaining to the coins with ‘Rudragupta

& Dhruvamitra of older period are the reverse of these coins. These are same

reverse with die varieties. How it can be possible that with same reverse one

coin belong to the period between C. 200 B.C. and C.150 B.C. and one C.65

B.C. and C. 50 B.C.?

When we synchronized above theories there is only one possibility that

the coins in question are belongs to another ‘Dhruvamitrasa’ and

‘Rudraguptasa’ and undoubtly the time frame is second half of fourth century

294. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p.116. 295. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p.116.

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A.D. The coins in question also shows a very peculiar character that there

was no minting gap of both the type of coins and all other parameters shows

that there are no difference other than inscription, three or may be four

reverse dies were used irrespective of obverse inscription for minting the

coins. Palaeography of these coins shows that both the type of coins minted at

the same time. A very close observation shows that the flow of the legends of

the inscription ‘Dhruvamitrasa’ and ‘Rudraguptasa’ are exactly same to

suggest that engraver of these dies is suppose to be one person so, there is no

chance to ascertain that the coins with inscription Dhruvamitrasa comes first

and with inscription Rudraguptasa comes later or vice-versa.

The apparent result is as that these coins are later version of the coins

with inscriptions ‘Rudraguptasa’ and ‘Dhruvamitrasa’. Hence it is clear that

the issuer of both the types of coins is different. The kingship of Rudragupta

and Dhruvamitra are under cloud. May be these are not king! The inscriptions

on coins may be the commemoration of deity ‘Rudra’ and ‘Dhruva’ and in

broader framework that there has not been the monarchial set up in Pa c la

itself.

K.K. Thapliyal in his presidential address, discussed a very interesting

historical fact pertaining to Kuninda coins (C. 1st century B.C) that these

coins with inscriptions ‘Ragya Kunindasya Amoghbhutisya Maharajasya’

recovered from various stratas from VII to III in so many excavations that

means, these Kuninda coins are in circulation nearly upto the ninth century

A.D. How this can be possible that the king Amoghbhuti’s time span was

from first century B.C. to ninth century A.D. i.e. nearly 1000 years. His

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contention in this regard is that the ‘Amoghbhuti’ is not a name of a king but

a ‘phrase’ to show the ‘immortal wealth’ of Kunindas. This phrase has been

strucked year after year on Kuninda coins. So many scholars also highlighted

this fact long ago.296K.P. Jayaswal297 has suggested that Amoghbhuti is an

official title meaning ‘of unfailing prosperity’ and that the coins are

anonymous. Vincent A. Smith says that ‘they very much is execution, and

probably extend over a considerable period.”298

We may assume that there was a practice to struck the ceremonial

legends on coins, from the beginning of inscribed coins i.e. the close of the

third century B.C.299 Few rulers had now begun to issue coins with their own

names on them.300

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

296. Ojha, Om Prakash: Prachin Sikke (Ancient Coins), Prakashan Kendra New Building, Aminabad, Lucknow 1971, p.5.

297. Jayaswal, K.P.: Hindu Polity, p.82. 298. Vincent, A.Smith.: Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, Reprinted

Indological Book House 1972, p.161. 299. Nisar Ahmad: Unscribed cast and inscribed coinage JAIH IVth 1970-71, pl.1-2, p.175

to 180. 300. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatics Studies, Avhinav Publications New Delhi 1973.

104

CHAPTER – VI NEWLYDISCOVEREDPAÑCĀLACOINS

A rectangular Pa c la coin with ‘Mitra’ inscription:-

In Ancient India, the inscribed money commenced with the close of the

third century B.C.301 Other views on the issue are those of D.C.Sircar: coins

bearing such legends should preferably be assigned to a date later than the

early decades of the second century B.C.302 Bela Lahiri: coins with rulers

names are to be dated from the second half of the second century B.C.303

A.H.Dani series I assigned to the second century B.C. includes the well

known Negam coins.304 The ‘Negam ’ type of coins of Taxila is supposed

to be oldest inscribed coins of Ancient India. These rectangular inscribed die

struck copper pieces with the characteristic Indian incuse on one side bear the

inscription negam in br hmi belongs to be first quarter of the second

century B.C. according to John Allan.305 Recently a similar piece relatively

small was acquired by me from Ahichhatra, the Ancient site of Pa c la. This

coin is to be said the very early specimen of Pa c la coin. This is an unusual

coin. On deciphering it, I found that the coin contained the legend ‘Mitra’,

not known indvidualy so far.

301. Ahmad Nisar: ‘Uninscribed cast and inscribed coinage’, JAIH, IV, pl. 1-2, 1970-71, p.180.

302. Sircar, D.C: ‘The age of Imperical Unity’, HCIP, II, 1951, p.159 & 172. 303. Lahiri, B: ‘Typological study of the local coins of northern India’, SPLC, p.29. 304. Dani, A.H: ‘Indian Palaeography’, p.59 to 62. 305. Allan John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. cxxvii.

105

The description of this coin as given below:-

Coin Series : Pa c la

Locus : Ahichhatra

Type : Die struck

Metal : Copper

Shape : Rectangular

Size : 1.0 cm X 1.30 cms.

Weight : 3.55 gms or 55.5 grains approx.

Obverse: Within a square incuse (Indian type) in centre the legend

‘Mitra’ in A okan Br hmi not later then 2nd century B.C.

Reverse: Indistinct, but apparently there is some legends or symbols.

The resemblance of this Pa c la coin is nearly as of ‘negam ’ coins of

Taxila. It is well known fact that there was a very close relation between

Kuru- Pa c la and north-west India including Gandhara (Taxila was a part of

Gandhara) in Mah bh rata era. Gandhari the princess of Gandhar was the

queen of King of Kuru Dhratrastra. No doubt relations have been maintained

in coming centuries in trade, commerce and economy also. As we know that

most of the scholars are of the view that the inscription ‘negam ’ on coins a

nominative plural corresponding to a Sanskrit naig mah, the traders, or

106

possibly an adjective from nigama, ‘market merchant gild’306…..In any case

it indicates ‘mercantile money taken issued by traders’307 or ‘trade taken’,

‘coin of commerce’.308 It means that Negam coins are not the monarchical

money. In line of negama coins, the coin in question is not having any

indication of monarchical tendencies. The coin is clearly a Pa c la coin

because firstly, the locus of this coin is Ahichhatra and secondly the period

which this coin belongs i.e. about 2nd C.B.C., there were no other series of

copper rectangular coins with ‘mitra’ or ‘mitra’ ending name. The Indian

incuse on obverse of this coin is also indicative of Pa c la feature. The

square and rectangular copper coins have been generally attributed to early

date and also suppose to be non-monarchical issues.309 On going to

discussion for ‘Trigarta Janpada’, John Allan says-‘The square shape of the

coin is further evidence of its early date’.310

The inscription on coin in question ‘Mitra’ is very curious. There is

independent description of dev ‘Mitra’ in

R gveda.311 Mitra is a dev who mostly associated with other dev s. Agni is

creator of Mitra and Mitra always helpful to Agni. In various hymns of

R gveda ‘mitra’ is with ‘varun’. There is very close relationship between

S rya and Mitra.312 A passage is as ^fe=% lezktks o:.kks ;qoku vkfnO;kl% do;%

306. Allan John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. cxxvi. 307. B hler, Indian Studies, iii, 2nd edition, Strassburg, 1898. p.49. 308. Archaeological Survey of India, Report, by A. Cunningham, Vol. XIV, p.20. 309. >k] vfers”oj] Hkkjrh; flDds] IIRNS Publications, Ambajheri, Nasik, p. 21. 310. Allan John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p. cxl. 311. R�gveda, 3.59.1. 312. R�gveda, 3.59.02.

107

izFkkuk%*313 A very important hymn314 says that ‘Pancaj na’ pray to Mitra for

so many good acts, he associated for Jan Gonda315 describe thoroughly the

complementary character of these gods. Actually the association of deva

Mitra with other devas gives a super natural strength for ‘good’ and

‘beneficial to all’ acts.

Pa c la coins are the testimony of Indian wisdom and this very early

Pa c la coin also on evidence of non-monarchical set up in Pa c la.

Revatimitas a Rare Pañc la Coin:-

A study conducted by col. Rajiv Rawat,316 yet unpublished, on various

Pa c la coins reported so far, I presume that, even though he tried his best to

accompain all the varieties, denominations, weight standards reverse and

obverse devices and inscriptions, there are some interesting coins to be added

and studied separately for a broader conclusion in this regard, one such

Pa c la coin is with inscription Revatimitra (Revatimitas) . In 1921,

C.J. Brown published coins of ten Pa c la kings.317 Subsequently in 1936,

John Allan published coins of 13 (Thirteen) Pa c la rulers.318 Since then

more and more coins of house of Pa c la were discovered. At the time of

K.D. Bajpai’s study the number were 23319 after excluding the Anamitra and

313. R�gveda, 3.54.10. 314. R�gveda, 3.58.8. 315. Gonda; Jan. ‘The vedic god Mitra’, Leiden 1972, p. 18-36. 316. Col. Rajiv Rawat: A chart is appended. 317. Brown, C.J.: The Coins of India, p. 20. 318. Allan John: Catalogue of the coin of Ancient India, London 1936, p.192 to 204 pts.

xxxii to xxix. 319. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatic Study, p.75.

108

Ayumitra referred by A.C. Carlleyle320, P.L. Gupta reffered 21,321 K.M.

Shrimali, 24322 and in 2001 Sushma Arya referred them up to 48.323 The coin

in question first referred and published by Sushma Arya324 and after that it

comes in col. Rajiv Rawat’s study.325 Here the coin with inscription

‘Revatimitas’ is different from all the published coins with

inscription Revatimitas. This coin is rare as the weight of this coin is 8.29

grams, the heaviest coin yet unearthed and this weight standard belongs to the

‘Mitra’ ended coins and the coins of ‘Bhadr ghos asa’ and ‘Vasusensa’

only. The coin in question is broken from a side and there are two cuts, so

there is a weight loss. Our presumption is that if the coin will intact then the

weight of this coin will be a pana (80 Rati) or 144 grains or 9.33 grams. As

per K.M. Shrimali’s research study shows that the coins of house of Pa c la

above the weight of 9.33 grams are distributed amongst only six kings.326

Description of coin:-

Shape : Round, 2.00 cm. diameter

Weight : 8.29 grams.

Metal : Copper with Ajiva and/or Impurities

320. Carlleyle, A.C.: JASB XLIX, p.21. 321. Gupta, P.L.: Coins Fourth Edition 1996, Reprint 2000, p.49. 322. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, A study, p.56, Vol. II, corpus of coins p.3. 323. Arya, Sushma: ikapky jkT; dk bfrgkl] i`0&90 324. Arya, Sushma: ikapky jkT; dk bfrgkl] p.114 & 47 (Pl.132) 325. Col. Rajiv Rawat:A chart is appended. 326. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. II, p. 29.

109

Obverse : Inside square incuse, the three Pa c la symbols, the

third symbol is not very clear.

Below, Br hmi legends

Revatimitas

Reverse : Yet indistinct

The coin is broken at left upper side and two other cuts. On obverse the

inscription ‘Revtimitas’ written in clearly post Mauryan Br hmi as the

angular loops of a & a are clearly visible. In palaeographic ground the

coin seems to be 2ndcentury B.C.

Here a very interesting feature is that the obverse of the above coin

with square incuse has three Pa c la symbols not as usual as other Pa c la

coins. The first Pa c la symbol obliterated/depicted with third Pa c la

symbol or vice-versa. This sequence of Pa c la symbols seen very first time

of any Pa c la coin, however some sequential changes are seen in some

other Pa c la coins but they are few.

Chandramitra a new name on Pa c la Coin:-

Several ‘Mitra’ ending inscriptions on the Pa c la coins are known to

us. Recently a few Pa c la coins were acquired by me from a Kheda (Mond)

in Tehsil Jahanabad, District Pilibhit, an area from where the hilly region of

mountain Himalaya started. An unusual coin was found from these coins. On

deciphering it, I found that the coin contained the name of a new inscription

‘Chandramitrasya’, not known so far. I describe the coin as below-

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Description of coin:-

Coin : Pa c la

Metal : Copper with some hardening metal (Tin)

Shape : Round (Egg shaped)

Size : EW 2.5 Cms., NS 2.7 Cms. (2.5 x 2.7)

Weight : 2.04 gms.

Obverse : First Line – As usual three Pa c la symbols in same

order .

Second line – Br hmi legend ‘Chandramitrasya’ both lines within a

square incuse.

Reverse : A Tri l, a tree (resemblance: to be a pine tree) and an

indistinct object in a railing.

The palaeography of the coin would assign the period of this coin in

the second half of fourth century. Script of this coin is clearly Gupta Br hmi

and the language not Prakrit as usual but Sanskrit. The ‘double-consonants’

are not normally written before the Gupta period even if they pronounced.

Here in ‘Chandramitrasya’, there are three ‘double-consonants’ i.e. ‘Dr ’,

‘Tr ’, ‘Shy ’, clearly visible. In Prakrit the anusw ra is omitted or has

become invisible because spelling like panz] oax] uafn are quite usual on coins

111

and older inscriptions. Here the writing of Chandra ¼pUnz½ is shows the use of

Sanskrit of later date.

Apart from the fact that the coin in question is Pa c la but the locus is

very unusual and the other coins accompanied with this coin are also the late

version of Pa c la coin series. The symbol of pine tree on reverse side of

coin is supposed to be a topographic symbol associated with it. The world

‘Chandra’ is synonymous with the Vedic ‘dev ’ ‘SOM’, in later Vedic age

‘Chandra’ means ‘moon’ the deva of ‘Vanaspati’ or herbs. The inscription

‘Chandramitrasya’ is the only inscription available on coins of Pa c la very

first time. There is no other specimen available in other contemporary series

of coins although there are so many inscriptions inscribe on coins with

‘Mitra’ ending name.

Some other results are as follows:-

1. There are some other coins with other inscriptions must be in

circulation and to be received in coming time.

2. There are so many sites yet not excavated from where we can

yielded new Pa c la coins or new Pa c la series, as there is a

relation between site or locus and type of coins.

3. There are same reverse in coins received and to be receive as stated

above, irrespective of inscriptions depicted on obverse of the coins.

4. The above coins including ‘Chandramitrasya’ shows that the series

of coins of Pa c la is not a continuous series but there were so

many series of coins to be minted in various places.

112

Thus the coin under discussion represents a quite different view to then

Pa c la history and important as it opens a new vista regarding the time

frame of the Pa c la coin series.

A new series of Pa c la coin:-

In continuation of our previous discussion pertaining to a newly

reported Pa c la coin with inscription ‘Chandramitrasya’, our assessment

and result come true, when we go through the coins with inscriptions

Yagabalas, Yajyamitas, Shivmitas and Agnimitrasya the Pa c la coins

already reported but considerably new one to make a new series of Pa c la

coins with Chandramitrasya, Dhruvmitas and Rudraguptasa.

Yajyabalas

Yajyamitas

Shivmitas

Agnimitras

On going the in depth analysis of the above coins there are so many

similarities pertaining to these coins to be suggested that these coins form a

very uniform series of coins. First of all the reverse of these coins almost

same as Dhruvmitrasa and Rudraguptasa. It have three poles on a pedestral (i)

a five pointed cross on a pole, (ii) a pole, resemblance of the pole as a pine

tree and (iii) a curbed pole with or without indistinct figures, in various order.

These poles depicted either left side, right side or as a central one. The figure

of a pine tree is a very curious in nature as this figure never seen in Pa c la

113

coins other than this series of Pa c la coins. The palaeography of these coins

have the same characters of the Gupta Brāhmi and so these coins should be

placed to period C 4th century A.D. The presence of a pine tree also shows the

topographical evidence on these coins. I received all these coins from the

foothill of Himalaya. It means a simultaneous Pa c la civilization was

flourished in Himalayan region. A second thought is more convenient that

there was a Dark Age from C 125 A.D. to 300 A.D. according to evidence of

the coins up till now, mostly based on the excavations of the archeological

site of Ahicchatra and surrounding area. The unaccounted period i.e. C 125

A.D. to 300 A.D. and the period after 300 A.D. may be covered by these new

findings and analysis of this coin series and from archaeological expedition in

other areas mainly Himalayan region. For further unearthing the history of

Pa c la. These coins series bears very flat figures on reverse against the

other Pa c la coins. Angular designs are almost absent and these coins have

no much artistic pattern on it perhaps the inscription on it have well defined

and seems to be very eulogistic. The language of the inscription of these

coins clearly Sanskrit with ‘Gupta’ characters. These inscriptions show a

transitional pattern from pure form of Prakrit to pure form of sanksrit. The

legends of these Pa c la coins have ‘Double consonants’. Double

consonants are not normally written before the ‘Gupta’ period-even if they

were pronounced which is possible. However, most prakrits use double

consonants.327

327. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. 1, p. 81.

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A unique Pa c la coin with inscription Vi vagupta:-

Although this unique Pa c la coin with inscription Vi vagupta has

already been published in JNSI Vol LXIX 2007, p.41-42,328 here is a need to

assess this coin again, due to its importance and some new thinking

associated with it. The description of this coin is given below:-

Locus : Ahicchatra

Metal : Bronze

Shape : Circular with diameter 2.2 cms.

Weight : 7.28 gms.

Obverse: - In a usual square incuse, first line –The three well known

Pa c la symbols depicted in a row in a peculiar sequence yet not observed in

any other Pa c la coin. The usual depictions of symbols are and this

type of depiction is almost different. The depiction of the symbols is as

. Other unusual depictions of Pa c la symbols in first row are: - (i)

D magupta II329 (ii) Agnimitrasya III330 and (iii) Revatimitra.331 Here the

second Pa c la symbol depicted in an unusual manner also. This symbol

328. Srivastava, Om Prakash Lal & Rajiv Rawat, JNSI, Vol LXIX, pl I, p.41&42. 329. Srivastava, Om Prakash Lal, ‘Coin of an unknown king D magupta I’, JNSI, Vol.

LXII-III, p.46-47. 330. Srivastava, Om Prakash Lal, ‘Coin of Hitherto Unknown king Agnimitra III from

Ahicchatra’, JNSI, Vol. LXXI, Part I & II 2009, pl. 1, p.18. 331. Revatimitas a rare Pa ch la coin, p. 118.

115

depicted usually as but in this coin this symbol depicted as . The

kaleidoscopic typology of this and also the other two symbols is old. The

legend in transitional Sanskrit character and script in pure form of A okan

Br hmi ascribed in second line of the same incuse.

Reverse: - Indistinct

According to paleography of this coin, the coin belongs to the period

probably C.3rd-2nd century B.C. The study of Pa c la coin series shows that

the coins with ‘Gupta’ ending inscriptions are earliest coins of this series.

Another feature of these coins is that no other contemporary series of ancient

India have such ‘gupta’ ending inscriptions on their coins. In paleographic

ground the ‘lipi’ of this coin is Mauryan Br hmi as the straight angular shape

of ‘v ’ , straight ‘T ’ without upper horizontal line , s upstraight and

angular p . The usual Pa c la symbols are also unusual

shape . The inference of this coin is that at the time of Maurya, the

Pa c la enjoy his independent status and they have been issued his own

coins. According to Romila Thapar, at the time of Kautilya, there have been

so many tribal republics including Pa c la that are not the part of Mauryan

Empire in any manner. ….It gives such an impression that these republics

have been under the Mauryan Empire.332 There is a reference in Junagarh

stone inscription of Rudradaman (C.150 A.D.) about Vai yas Pu yagupta in

the regime of Maurya emperor Chandragupta.333 There is a suggestion also

332. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&93 333. Epigraphia Indica, Vol VIII, p.42 onward.

116

that the Pu yagupta may be the brother-in-law of Emperor Chandragupta

Maurya.334 It may be possible that the emperor Chandragupta has been

deputed his brother in law as his representative to rule the western part of his

kingdom. It means that the origin of Maurya is from Vai ya caste because the

phrase ‘gupta’ mainly used by Vai ya.335

There can be two possibilities to clarify the inscription ‘Vi vagupta’ as

follows:-

1. Some linkage or association with Mauryas: - If we presume that the

Vi vagupta is a name of ruler/representative of Maurya emperor or

there is some linkage or association of Mauryas, then there is no need

to issue an independed coinage. There was a centralized monetary

system in which a universal coin type known as punch mark in silver

had been issued and circulated in Mauryan proximity. A general

perception is that the contemporary monarchial coin serieses are in

silver. After the disruption of the Mauryan Empire, almost all the series

of coins of Indian types are in copper/bronze. In Utt r Pa c la

series, the silver coins even punch mark coins yet not known.

2. Personification of Dev s/Deities/Mythological characters: - From very

beginning of civilization, there is a tendency in human mind to think

and believe in super natural powers and characters. Worships of so

many types and kinds are the result of this belief. Pa c la was a

prominent center of Vedic civilization. So many mriticaras belongs to

334. Epigraphia Indica, Vol VII, p.46, No.7. 335. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&12

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this region and compilation of so many mrities was taken place in

land of Pa c la. In so many Vedic devas, there is a very important

deva is Vi vadeva according to ri hi Sayana. He says Vi vadeva is an

adviser of Vis nu. In gveda there are forty hymns dedicated to

him.336 There is a system of invocation of Vi vadeva in groups with

Rudr s, Marut s, dityas and Va us. Federal thinking of Aryas and

afterwards Pa c las is the theme of such rituals.

Is the coin of Vi vagupta commemorate the deva ‘Vi vadeva’?

Agimitas to Agnimitrasya: Footprints of some centuries

The coins now known as Pa c la coins were initially belong to be

u ga or Mitra dynasty as described by A.C. Carlleye.337 Rajendra Lal Mitra

also endorsed this view,338 however this view have arrived only the basis of

primary findings. I think that initially known Pa c la coins with inscription

‘Agimitas’ were belong to king ‘Agnimitra’, ‘Bhānumitas’

belongs to king ‘Bh numitra’, ‘S ryamitas’ belongs to

king ‘S ryamitra’ and so on, is an assumption of that time based on the

obverse inscription and reverse deity on the coins. If we forget the reverse of

the coins for the time being, the assumption of that time will be in line of the

contemporary Māthura coins (end of 3rd C.B.C to 1st C.A.D.)339like

336. Ṛgveda, 8.26.2, 8.26.15. 337. Carlyelle, A.C.: Journal of Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal 1880, p.21. 338. Mitra, Rajendra Lal: Proceedings of Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal 1880, p.8. 339. Jha, Amiteshwar: Bhartiya Sikke, IRRNS Publication 2003, p.29.

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Hag masa,340 Hag masa and Hog na,341 R juvula342 (Ra jubula, R jula C.

40-20 B.C.), Sodasa343 (C. 20-10 B.C.) the aka Ksatraps etc. The literary

evidences of these aka Ksatraps do not appear in old texts. Only basis of

inscriptions apperared in coins and perhaps because they were vassals of the

u gas,344 such interpretation was arrived, however the occurrence of

u ga’s coins also are not confirmed. From 1880 to year 2009, there are

numerous studies pertaining to Pa c la coins especially the coins with

‘Mitra’ ending name or so called Mitra dynasty of Pa c la, one thing is clear

that some inscriptions such as Dāmgupta, Agnimitra, and Dhruvamitra…..are

the inscriptions of various types on various coins. There were not only die

varieties but a considerable difference on the basis of various parameters to

be further study. The coins with inscription Agnimitra are extremely

fascinating from the point of view of their diversity.

Here the discussion on four types of coins of Agnimitra is as follows:-

For the sake of simplicity we give the number I, II, III, IV to each type of

coins of Agnimitra.

340. Hag masa – C.50-40 B.C., Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p.183.

341. Hag masa and Hag na – Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p.184.

342. R juvula – Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p.185. 343. Sodasa – Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p.190. 344. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p.cxiii.

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Type 1- Agnimitra I, Legend- Agimitasa , Script- Post

Mauryan Brāhmi and Language- Prakrit, Palaeographically the tentative time

frame is C. A.D. 80 to C. A.D. 100.345

These types of coins are available to us in great number alongwith so many

die varieties. General description is given herewith:-

Obverse: - With in a square incuse there are three symbols in

sequence with the inscription below.

Reverse: - This very general type shows a male figure standing to the

front on an ornamented platform, having a staff-like object in his right hand

and an uncertain object in the left, which is resting on the hips. The head of

the figure is surmounted by a five-pointed form, which can either be

interpreted as flames or a cobra head. Other noticeable features are the

thistle-topped pillars on either side of the figure. Another die variety has

triangle-topped pillars instead thistle-topped.

Type 2- Agnimitra II, Legend- Agimitasa , Script- Post

Mauryan Brāhmi, Language- Prakrit


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Obverse: - The coin with symbols and legend Agimitasa

inscribed on obverse.

Reverse: - A typical symbol depicted on reverse.

According to its palaeography the coins of the above type to be placed

in 1st quarter of 2nd C. A.D. As per Om Prakash Lal Srivastva the said coins

belongs to Agnimitra I346 because there was same symbol on coin of

Indramitra on obverse and the chronological sequence suggest that the period

of Indramitra may be C. A.D. 45 to A.D. 65,347 hence this type of coins would

be minted before the regular coin of Agnimitra (we placed as Agnimitra I),

but this logic not be taken by us because there are coins of Bhadragho a and

Ph lgunimitra with above symbol already known to us of the later date i.e.,

2nd C. A.D.

Type 3-Agnimitra III, Legend- Agnimitrasa , Script- Pre

Gupta Brāhmi and Language- Sanskrit with Gupta character.

Obverse: - As usual three Pa ch la Symbol and below these

symbol, legend Agnimitrasa inscribed. The dialect of the obverse is more

closely allied to Sanskrit.

346.Om Prakash Lal Srivastava:Pa c la ke navina saka Agnimitra I and Indramitra I,Pa c la, Vol VIII (1995) p. 3-4.


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Reverse:- On an ornamented platform three objects are seen, first one

an indistinct object with a star on upper top, second a pine tree and the third

one a spear like object is depicted. There are the coins with first and second

objects are interchanged also.

The objects as stated above in different sequences are seen in reverse

of coins of newly discovered coins of Chandramitrasya, coin of Rudragupta

and Dhruvamitra of new series, Yajyabalas, Shivmitra etc. Coins struck with

almost the same style and characters are presumably issues of the same mint.

Basis of Palaeography of this type, these coins belong to 1st quarter of 4th C.

A.D.

Type 4- Agnimitra IV, Legend- Agnimitrasya , Script- Gupta

Brāhmi, Language- Sanskrit

According to its palaeography the tentative time frame is second half of 4th C.

A.D.

Obverse: - Three known symbols of Pa c la coins are depicted

in upper side, but the second symbol is depicted as third symbol and third

symbol is depicted as second symbol , below these symbols legend

Agnimitrasya is inscribed.

Reverse: - Trident with hand-axe, an object supposed to be fire-altar

and spear are depicted on an ornamental platform.

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These coins are quite different type. A very peculiar characteristic is

the absence of square incuse on obverse, a prominent feature of Pa c la

coins. These coins have a varied weight standard from about 1.5 gms to 2.5

gms. K.M. Shrimali was kept as Type E.348 This coin type was published in

JNSI on later date and attributed to Agnimitra III.349

Hence, as per above discussion a fair picture of coins of Agnimitra is as

follows:-

Name Legend Palaeography Tentative period

Agnimtra I Agimitasa Last quarter of 1st C.A.D.

Agnimitra II Agimitasa First quarter of 2nd C. A.D.

Agnimitra III Agnimitrasa First quarter of 4th C. A.D.

Agnimitra IV Agnimitrasya Second half of 4th C. A.D.

To ascertain the time period of each of the type of coins of Agnimitra,

the basis we are adopted for, is palaeographic changes in various time slots.

A chart showing the development of some Brāhmi letters is given below:-

Development of some Br hmi Letters

348. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la Vol. 1, p. 89. 349. Om Prakash Lal Srivastava and Rajiv Rawat: Coin of hitherto Unknown king

Agnimitra III from Ahichchatra – JNSI Vol. LXXI 2009, pl. 1&2, p.18 & pl. 1.3.

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The Brāhmi of the time of Gupta ruler Samudragupta (4th C. A.D.) as shown

in Allahabad pillar (Prayag Pra asti) inscription is given herewith:-

Inscriptions of Allahabad Gupta Ruler Samudragupta (4th Century A.D.)

The above discussion shows that there was considerable time gap in all

the four types of coins belong to Agnimitra. We presume that there was very

remote chance, of four rulers, with the same name occurred in Pa c la coin

series alone. Here a possibility is that the coin of Agnimitra has been minted

year after year irrespective of any ruling authority in Pa c la region. There is

a clear signs of a progressive degeneration that they were issued over a long

period. Thus we see the footprints of nearly three centuries in coins of

Agnimitra of Pa c la.

Coins of Bhadr ghos a: Untold facts

The coins with inscriptions ‘Bhadr ghos a’ are the very prominent

and important member of the Ancient India’s longest and biggest series of

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coins. There is no other study other than K.M. Shrimali’s study pertaining to

die-varieties of Pa c la coins, up till now.

In term of speciality there is a coin with weight 22.340 grams (CAS

66/40) the heaviest coin in complete Pa c la series350 and one of smallest

and lightest coin351 with weight 0.572 gms (CAS 66/1610) belong to

Bhadr ghos a. As per Shrimali’s study there were three types of coins in

term of die-varieties. After going in depth study of these coins there is

another variety consist in Type ‘B’ coins with a new pattern of reverse deity.

Such coin is described as follows:-

Coin : Pa c la

Metal : Alloy Copper

Shape : Round

Size : 1.2 cms X 1.3 cms

Weight : 1.13 grams

Obverse: - In first line there is three usual Pa c la symbol in same

order and in second line, Brāhmi legend

Bhadr ghos asa both the lines within in a square incuse.

350. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. II, p.61, pl. III.5. 351. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. II, p.61, pl. III.11.

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Reverse: -A female deity probably on lotus, the left arm is akimbo and

the right arm is raised upwards. There is some object in her right hand. There

is a very peculiar crown like object above the head of deity.

The palaeography of the coin would assign the period of the coin about

last quarter of 1st C.A.D. (K.M. Shrimali assigned as C. A.D. 100 to C. A.D.

110) of the coin of same type.352 There is the deity on reverse of the coin of

Bhadr ghos a (Pa c la) like the contemporary coins of Māthura series. The

resemblance of the deity is nearly same as of Māthura coin series except

some specific varieties. John Allan353 described this deity as Laks mi. Even

a newly discovered type of Māthura coins with inscription Rajna(h)

Bh numitrasya have the same deity of later date.

The coins of K atrapa of Māthura with foreign influence have this

deity or device also. In Pa c la series there were coins with this device with

some differences known to us. These are with inscriptions – Agnimitra,354

Bhumimitra, and Ph lgunimitra355 etc. This discussion shows that there was

some connection between Pa c la and Māthura. Coins of Gomitra of

Māthura found at Sankasya in the Pa c la region356 are also indicative of

some links. During the Ahicchatra excavations in 1940-44 as many as eleven

352. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.I, p.116. 353. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, p.169-187, pl. 24 to 26. 354. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. II, p.56, s.no.103-21, pl.II.8 to 13. 355. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. II, p.87, Type B, s.no.28 to 31. 356. Shastri,H.: ‘Ecavation at Sankisa’, JUPHS (OS) III, December 1927, p.107.

126

Māthura coins were found.357 Some of these were those of the Datta of

Māthura. The same types of the Datta coins have also been reported from

Sankasy .358 Hence, there is no doubt about the linkage between Pa c la and

Māthura even though there were no literary evidences with sound footing

available to us.

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

357. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.I, p.77, Appendix III. 358. Thaplyal: ‘Coins from Sankisa’, JNSI, 36, 1974, p.10.

127

CHAPTER – VII ACOMPARATIVESTUDYWITHOTHER

CONTEMPORARYCOINS

Up till now there are 41 (Forty one) inscriptions on coins of house of

Pa c la deducted after a fascinating study. These inscriptions are the various

so called names of rulers so far known, can be classified under the following

categories if we categorized these inscriptions with ending names :-

1. Inscriptions with P la ending :-

(i) V ngapala

(ii) Yajnap la

2. Inscriptions with Gupta ending :-

(i) D mguptasa

(ii) Jayaguptasa

(iii) Rudraguptasa

(iv) Vi vagupt sa

3. Inscriptions with Ghos a ending :-

(i) Bhadr ghos asa

(ii) Rudraghos asa

4. Inscriptions with sens ending :-

(i) Pu sensa

(ii) Vasusensa

(iii) Yug sensa

5. Inscriptions with Mitra ending :-

(i) Agimit(r)sa

(ii) Agnimitrasya

(iii) Bhadramit(r)sa

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(iv) Bh numit(r) sa

(v) Bhumimit(r) sa

(vi) Chandramitrasya

(vii) Dhruvmitrasa

(viii) Indramit(r) sa

(ix) Jaymit(r) sa

(x) Ph lgunimit(r) sa

(xi) Prajapatimit(r) sa

(xii) Prithvimit(r) sa

(xiii) Puthmit(r) sa

(xiv) Rajyamit(r) sa

(xv) Rajyavishnumit(r) sa

(xvi) Revatimit(r) sa

(xvii) Shivmit(r) sa

(xviii) Satmit(r) sa

(xix) S (r)yamit(r) sa

(xx) Varunmit(r) sa

(xxi) Vasumit(r) sa

(xxii) Vijaymit(r) sa

(xxiii) Vis numit(r) sa

(xxiv) V(r)ishabhmit(r) sa

(xxv) Yajyamit(r) sa

6. Other known inscriptions :-

(i) cchyu

(ii) ivnandisa

(iii) rinandisa

(iv) ripratapaditya

(v) Yajyabal s

In above inscriptions there is majority i.e. 25 (Twenty Five)

inscriptions are with ‘Mitra’ ending. Apart from house of Pa c la, there are

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contemporary coin series with ‘Mitra’ ending inscriptions such as yodhya,

udumbara, Kau mbi, Kanauj, Mathur and some known and published

coins yet not recognized. Here a brief detail of such coin serieses is very

necessary to go ahead with this discussion:-

udumbaras ‘Mitra’ ending inscriptions

Other Inscriptions

udumbaras Second-First Century B.C. Indian Type No Traces of foreign Influence Obverse inscription in Kharosthi Reverse in Br hmi Pr krit ‘Digraphic’ Metal: Silver and Copper

1 - Dharaghosa: Round, Silver Obverse: Vi pamitra in front Mahadevasa ra a Dharaghosa a (Around) Below - Odubarisa Reverse: as obverse but in Br hmi JA; p. 124, Pl.XIV. 14

C., C.A.I, Pl. IV.1

2 – Aryamitra: Round, Copper Obverse: Ra a Ajami – Reverse: Ajamitasa JA; p. 125, Pl. XV.

13 C., C.A.I; Pl. IV. 7.

3 – Mahimitra: Round, Copper Obverse: Mah(i)mitrasa

1 – ivad sa: Square, Copper Obverse :...S(i)vdasasa Reverse:…Sivadasasa JA; p.122, Pl.

XV.1 2 - Rudrad sa: Square, Copper Obverse:....Sar na Rudradasasa Reverse:...Odubarisa JA;p.122, Pl. XV.10

3 – Mahadeva: Round, Silver Obverse: Bhagavata mahadevasa Rajra a Reverse: Rajra a Rajr ja JA; p. 123, Pl.

XIV.164 – Rudravarma: Round, Silver Obverse: R na Vamakisa Rudravarmasa Vijayata Reverse: Raja Vamakisa Rudravarmasa Vijayata JA; p. 125, Pl. XIV.

130

Reverse…M(a)himit – C., C.A.I; Pl. IV. 9

4 – Bhanumitra: Round, Copper Obverse: R na Bh numitrasa

Reverse: ….Bhanumitasa JA; p.127, Pl. XV.21

C., C.A.I; Pl. IV.12

13 C., C.A.I; Pl. IV. 6

Punjab Mus. Cat., I Pl. XVI. 137

Points to be noted:-

1. The coin no. 1 with ‘Mitra’ ending inscription shows the inscription

‘Vi pamitra’ in front on obverse of coin and around ‘Mahadevasa ra a

Dharaghosasa’ and below of this ‘Odubarisa’. John Allan says ‘the

figure however, is labelled Vi pamitra, i.e., the sage Vi v mitra….

Vi v mitra’s connection with the udumbaras is otherwise

unknown’.359 Yes, it’s clear that the ‘Vi pamitra’ is not a name of a

king. The coin in question belongs to ‘Dharaghos a’ according the all

numismatists and no other theory rendered up to this date. Is the

‘Vi pamitra’ a ceremonial name or commemorate ‘a friend of

mankind’?

359 . Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936.

131

2. The coins with inscriptions other than ‘Mitra’ ending a very prominent,

feature emerge that all coins here the name with title and dignity of the

kings in a phrase. Why there is not any title nor any phrase associated

with ‘Mitra’ ending inscriptions?

3. The coins with inscription ‘Bh numitasa’, the inscription already

known in coins of house of Pa c la, the time frames seems to be

already same and interestingly they bear three symbols as of Pa c la

in which a symbol already the very important Pa c la symbol

because it occurs most times, on the reverse too, and also used a

countermark device on the obverse,360 are very curious. P.L. Gupta

contended that the coins of Bh numitra, ryamitra, Mah(i)mitra etc.

which were attributed to the udumbaras by John Allan, actually

belonged to the Mitra dynasty of Pa c la who succeeded the

udumbaras in this area.361 A.K. Narain wrote that during the second

century B.C. the power of the Pa c la extended in the west probably

as far as the territory later held by the udumbaras, with whose coins

some of those of the Mitra Kings have been found.362 The above

theories could not be maintainable because the reasons as follows:

(a) The palaeography of the coins of both the Bh numitra is very

different. The form of letter ‘Bha’ in udumbaras coins is far away

from the ‘Bha’ of the Pa c la coins.

360. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la Vol.1, p.98. 361. Gupta, P.L.: ‘Bearing of the numismatics on the history of the tribal republic in

Ancient India’ IHQ, 27, 1951 p. 205. 362. Narain, A.K.: The Indo Greeks, p. 91.

132

(b) udumbara coins are always digraphic i.e. inscription in

Kharos thi and Br hmi both, whereas the Pa c la coins are

monographic coins.

(c) Similarities is name is not a very convincing criteria.

(d) Geographical inconsistency is a major fact to disassociate the

Pa c la and udumbaras.

(e) With palaeographic view the ‘Mitra’ ending coins of udumbaras

are late variant of other udumbaras coins.

yodhya ‘Mitra’ Ending

Inscriptions

Other inscriptions

2nd century B.C. to

2nd century A.D.

Indian Type

No traces of foreign Influence

Prakrit name in genitive

Metal: Copper

1. Satyamitra

Obverse: Satyamitasa Reverse: Cock to R.; Palm tree on r. JA; p. 135, Pl. XVII. 11

C., C.A.I; p.93, Pl. IX.12, p. 93

1. M ladeva

Obverse: Muladevasa

Reverse: Five different figures JA; p.130, Pl. XVI.11

C., C.A.I; p.91, Pl. IX. 4

2. ryamitra

Obverse: yyamitasa Reverse: Cock to r.; and tree JA; p. 137, Pl. XVII. 18

2. V yudeva

Obverse: V yudevasa Reverse: Five different figures

JA; p. 130, Pl. XVI. 13

133

C., C.A.I; p.91, Pl. IX. 3

3. Sa gha (Mitra)

Obverse: Sa gha…….. Reverse: a figure in a square JA; p. 138, Pl. XVII. 21

C., C.A.I; p.94, Pl. IX. 16

3. Vi khdeva

Obverse: Viś khadevasa

Reverse: Seven different figures JA; p. 131, Pl. XVI. 14

C., C.A.I; p.92, Pl. IX. 6

4. Vijayamitra

Obverse: Vijayamitasa Reverse: Tree on l.; Cock on r. JA; p. 138, Pl. XVII. 22

4. Dhanadeva

Obverse: Dhanadevasa Reverse: Six different figures JA; p. 132, Pl. XVI. 17

5. Devamitra

Obverse: Devamitasa Reverse: Cock to l.; tree to r. C.I.,i., p. 151. Pl. XIX. 18

5. Pathadeva

Obverse: Pathad(…)

Reverse: Some symbols JA; p.135,

Pl.XLIII.7

134

6. ivadatta Obverse: ivadatasa Reverse: (i) Some figures in an Oval. JA; p. 133, Pl. XLIII. 4

(ii) Obverse: ivadatasa Reverse: a very important Pa ch la symbol between two other symbols JA; p. 133, Pl. XVII. 7 (Var. exists)

7. Naradatta Obverse: Naradatasa Reverse: Some figures JA; p.134, Pl. XLIII.6

8. Kumudasena : Obverse: Rajña Kumudasenasa Reverse: a figure in a square JA; p.137, Pl. XVII. 17

9. Ajavarman Obverse: Ajavarmana Reverse: as kumudasena C.I.M., p.150, Pl. XIX.16

135


1. Inscriptions on the coins of yodhya series can be classified under four

main categories if we categorized these inscriptions with ending

names:

(i) Deva ending: M ladeva, V yudeva, Viś khadeva Dhanadeva &

P thadeva.

(ii) Datta ending : ivadatta & Naradatta

(iii) Mitra ending: Satyamitra, ryamitra, Sa ghamitra Vijayamitra

& Devamitra.

(iv) Sena ending: Kumudasena and V Ajavarman.

Here the coins with ‘Dev ’ ending inscriptions and ‘Datta’ ending

inscriptions belonged to be the period second-first centuries B.C. and the

coins with ‘Mitra’ and ‘Sena’ ending inscriptions belonged to be 1st-2nd

century A.D. The palaeographic evidences clearly proved this contention

successfully. As per the study of John Allan,363 the coins of this series fall

into two very distinct classes, issued by two separate dynasties.364 Each

dynasty contains seven kings who have ruled nearly 150-200 years. John

Allan says that the kings of second dynasty reigns probably covered the first

two centuries A.D.365 How it can be possible?

363. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p.lxxxvii to xc, p. 129-39

364. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. lxxxviii. 365. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. xc.

136

2. Kumudasena366 is the only king of the yodhya series to call himself

r ja, the others inscribe their coins with their names only. In

monarchical system of governance a set system of coin minting was

adopted by then mint-masters. Only a ruler Kumudasena bears the title

of ‘R ja and not the preceedator nor the successor bears this or any

title confuses our imagination.

3. The ‘Mitra name ending inscribed coins of yodhya series belongs to

the period circa. First-second centuries A.D. while in Pa c la series

this period almost unrepresented.

4. There is a coin inscribed with ivadatasa (as above 6 ii in other

inscriptions) has a very prominent Pa c la symbol . There was no

‘Datta’ ending inscription yet known in Pa c la coins and the coins

belonged to the period 1st-2nd century B.C., there was no ‘round’ coin

in yodhya series.

5. The coins of Kumudsena and Ajavarman have incuse in obverse as of

Pa c la series and reverse are almost identical to coins of Almora

type.367 This is a very puzzling situation and yet unanswered.

6. Alexender Cunningham opine that the coins of yodhya would

probably be repeated in many families of yodhya.368

366. Rapson, E.J.: J.R.A.S, 1903, p. 287. 367. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p. 137, pl.xvii.

17. Prinsep, James: Essays of Indian Antiquities – John Muray, London 1858, Vol. I,

p.224, Fig. 1 & 2. 368. Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India London, 1891, p. 91.

137

7. After all, the coins of yodhya series are not shown the tendencies of

monarchy very strictly. John Allan admitted that ‘None of those rulers

is otherwise known to history.369 Only inscriptions on coins not a

testimony of a fact to be taken without secondary evidences and here,

there are no secondary evidences available to us.

8. The coins of the second dynasty series as per John Allan, V.A. Smith

described the series as cock and Bull type: ‘Mitra dynasty’370 have a

bull in obverse above the legends and in reverse a palm tree in entire to

left, cock right, standing on carved line facing the tree. In Pa c la

series especially in ‘Mitra’ coins the animal motifs have not been

depicted on any coin.

Kau mbi Mitra ending Inscriptions

Other Inscriptions

3nd century B.C. to First century A.D. Bronze/copper

Indian Type free from any foreign influence Type: Bull and Tree in railing.

Script Br hmi Language Prakrit

1. Brhaspatimitra I Obverse: (Baha) satim(i) tasa

Reverse: No Inscription JA; p. 150, Pl.XX.1

C., C.A.1; p. 73, Pl. V. 8

1. Sudeva

Observe: (Sudeva) Sa Reverse: Symbols etc. JA; p. 150, Pl. XX. 11

C., C.A.1; p.74, Pl. V. 10

2. Brhaspatimitra II

(i) Obverse:

2. Parvata

Obverse: - Indistinct

369. Allan John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London 1936, p. xc. 370. Smith V.A.: Catalogue of the coins of Indian Museum, Vol. I, p. 144-50.

138

No Inscription

Reverse: Bahasatimitasa JA; p. 151, Pl. XX.2

C.,C.A.1, p.74, Pl. V. 11

(ii) As above but counter

marked tree in railing JA; p.152, Pl. XX. 4

C., C.A.1; p. 74, Pl. V. 13

Reverse: Pavatasa JA; p. 150, Pl. XX. 10

3. Agnimitra

Obverse: No Inscription countermarked with Trisul

Reverse: (A) gimitasa JA; p. 153, Pl. XX. 5

3. Aśvagho a

Obverse: No Inscription

Reverse: (A)śvaghos(asa) JA; p. 150, Pl. XX. 6

C., C.A.I; p.74, Pl. V. 14

4. Jetthamitra

Obverse: No Inscription Reverse: J(e)thamitasa

4. Śungavarma?

Obverse: in a square incuse ugavamasa

139

JA; p. 154; Pl. XX. 9

C.,C.A.I; Pl. V. 16

Reverse : No Inscription

K.D. Bajpai; I.N.S., p. 44-45, Pl. V. 2

5. Rāmamitra

Obverse: Rāmami (tasa) Reverse: No Inscription K.D. Bajpai, I.N.S., p. 72

5. A gar ja

Obverse: Agarajasa Reverse: No Inscription K.D. Bajpai, I.N.S. p. 54

6. Priyamitra

Obverse: Prayamitasa Reverse: No Inscription K.D. Bajpai, I.N.S., p. 72

6. Dhanadeva

Obverse: No Inscription Reverse: R ja Dhanadevasya JA; p. 153, Pl. XX. 12

C., C.A.I; p. 74, Pl. V. 18

7. I varamitra

Obverse: Rājā?

I aramitasa in two line

Reverse: No Inscription K.D. Bajpai, I.N.S., p. 88-89.

8. Devamitra :- ?

Obverse: Devamitasa

Reverse: No Inscription

K.D.Bajpai, I.N.S., p.89

140

9. Dridhamitra

Obverse: D(r) idamitasa


K.D.Bajpai, I.N.S., p.89

10. Prajāpatimitra

Obverse: Prajapatimitasa

Reverse: No Inscription JNSI IV Part I, Pl. XIII p. 183

11. Rajanimitra

Obverse: Rajanimitasa


12. Śatamitra

Obverse: Śatamitasa

Reverse: No Inscription K.D.Bajpai, I.N.S., p.89

13. Sarpamitra

Obverse: Sarpamitasa


JNSI IV, I p.183, Pl. XIII. 5


1. The time span of above noted inscribed Kau mbi coins is from C.

second century B.C. to first century A.D., exactly the time span of the

series of Pa cāla coins if we take the first spell of coins according to

K.M. Shrimali & K.D. Bajpai, but there are very short series of coins

though the some inscriptions yet not clarified, instead of Pa cāla coin

series.

141

2. The palaeography of the Kau mbi coins suggest a very zig-zag

situation to assert the position of coin to be placed accordingly. The

palaeography of Dhandev . is a late varient of Br hmi as

the ascent and writing of S is sya a Sanskritic version. It will happen

only when the minting of coins would be in second century A.D. and

afterword. K.M. Shrimali’s view is that- ‘…. undoubtledly is a later

composition.371

3. All the Kau mbi coins the only coins of ‘Dhanadev ’ have the title

of Rāja inscribed before the inscription ‘Dhanadev sya’. As our

previous discussion as above there was ‘Dhanadev ’, the one and only

one ruler who bears the title of Rāja. Interestingly in yodhya coins

there are coins of ‘Kumudasena’ with title ‘Raj a’ belonged to the

period circa. second century A.D.372 If we think that the inscribing of

the titles was a new feature adopted in second half of second century

and afterward, then there would be coins of the successors of

‘Dhandev ’ and Kumudasena’ with titles inscribed on it. But there are

not so.

4. There are coins with inscription [(A)gimitasa] in Kau mbi coins,

identical to the name Agimitrasa of Pa c la coins. This is only

inscription, identical to Pa c la ‘mitra’ ending coins series, in all the

coins of ‘Mitra’ ending coin series of Kau mbi. Allan has assigned

the period of inscribed Kau mbi coins from circa. 2nd century B.C. to

371. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. I, p. 75. 372. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. 137.

142

1st century A.D.373Allan says coins bearing the names sudev

(sudev sa) and Br ahaspatimitra ([Braha] satimitasa) which cannot be

later than the first half of the second century B.C, and might even be as

early as the third century.374 Report on coins prepared by A.S. Altekar,

on excavations during 1949-50 in Kośām the site of Kau mbi,375

states ‘this Mitra dynasty was succeeded by another Mitra dynasty,376

which issued coins in a different fabric: These coins were not die-

struck, were thick and dumpy and their obverse had tree in railing on

one side with inscription below arranged in a semi-circle and the

reverse had the usual Kau mbi bull standing. To this dynasty belong

Praj patimitra, Raj mitra, S ryamitra etc. (coins no.5 to 13 above)….

The Stratification at Kau mbi, however, shows that these coins may

be assigned to a period between 100 B.C. and A.D. 50. This dynasty

was ousted by the Kus nas in about 60 A.D….. This assumption,

however, seems to be fussy as the king shown above yet not confirmed

through literary evidences. Agnimitra of Pa c la (A.D. 80-100)377 and

Agnimitra of Kau mbi (0-50 A.D.) both of coins have palaeographic

similarities, some common features in the general fabric and symbols

of the coins, K.D. Bajpai contends Kau mbi maintained a closer

relationship with Pa c la for a fairly long time than with any other

373. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. 150. 374. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p.xcvi. 375. Sharma, G.R.: Excavations at Kau mbi (1949-50) p. 18-23; 82-92 376. Altekar, A.S.: JNSI, 4, 1943 p.10-11. 377. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p. 116.

143

contemporary dynasties, say of M thura, Kanauj or yodhya.378 Even

there are some similarities, there are considerable differences occurred

in both the series such as ‘Mitra’ coins of Kau mbi there are separate

pattern of minitng of the coins as against of the Pa c la coins. In

Kau mbi series the coins of Br haspatimitra I and II are very early

variant as against Agnimitra and Jetthamitra. A very wide gap to be

seen which would be not justified. The coins of Kau mbi had the

usual Kau mbi bull but in whole of Pa c la series there was no

depiction of any animal except a coin of Vasusensa (A spirited horse

with bent neck and upturned tail).

5. In Kau mbi coins the inscriptions are always depicted on reverse of

coins except Sudeva and Br haspatimitra I, the very early variants of

the Kau mbi coins, even than the legends are always inscribed in

obverse in Pa c la coin series, however the series of an another Mitra

dynasty (as per A.S. Altekar) of Kau mbi depicted the inscription in

obverse as usual as Pa c la coins.

6. In Pa c la coins, the ‘Mitra’ ending series of coins assigned between

2nd half of first century B.C. and forth century A.D. (coin of so called

Agnimitra IV) and not early than second half of first century B.C. As

discussed above the Br haspatimitra I of Kau mbi assigned to

second century B.C. and Br haspatimitra II assigned to late second

378. Bajpai, K.D.: JNSI, 24, 1962, p. 16.

144

century B.C. It means in Kau mbi the Mitra rulers (?) were ruled

more than one and half century before the Mitra of Pañcāla.

7. There are some curious countermarked coins in Kau mbi class of

coins listed as 26 to 32 & 34.379 All are belonged to ‘Mitra’ ending

names. The coins of Pa c la also have the countermarked series of

coins belonged to ‘Mitra’ ending name. There are some exceptions also

in Pa c la but the pattern of countermarking differs on the coins of the

Agnimitra and Bh numitra. In Pa c la series the countermarking

device is always same even the name of ‘Mitra’ ruler differs. The

similarity of countermarking in the classes of Kau mbi and Pa c la

give any cue of association of both the houses?

8. Bahasati-mita (Brihaspati-mitra) is inaccurately called Raja Baha-sata

mitra by Alexender Cunningham.380 Fifteen of his coins are in the

Lucknow Museum, of which nine were excavated at K sam in 1887

and six at Ahicchatra in 1891. The generology given in an inscription

at Pabhos 381 (Holy hill of Prabhas ) near north west of K sam shows

that the grandfather of Bahasati-mitra was king Bhagawata, son of

V ngapala, king of Adhichhatra or Ahicchatra. The dynasty at K sam

is thus proved conclusively to have been a branch of that of

Adhichhatra, and the occurrence of Bahasati-mitra’s coins at both

379. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India London, 1936, p. 152 & 153, pl. XX. 4, XXI.16, 17, 18; XX. 5.

380. Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India London, 1891, p. 73. 381. Epigraphia Indica Vol. II p. 240.

145

K sam and Ahicchatra is explained.382 Sudhakar Chattopadhyay says

that ‘The combined testimony of the Pabhos records and the coins

show that Pa c la and Kau mbi were two independent kingdom that

arose on the ashes of the empire of Pu yamitra’.383

9. The series of Pa c la coins is undoubtly extremely uniform in its

obverse (the side where legends are inscribed) pattern, but this

uniformness has not seen in series of Kau mbi coins.

Kanauj ‘Mitra’ Ending Inscriptions

Other Inscriptions

First Century B.C. Copper, round

Legends are in Prakrit Script: Br hmi

1. Brahmamitra

Obverse: Brahmamitasa Reverse: No legends JA; p. 147, Pl. XIX. 11

1. Vis n udeva384

Obverse: Visnudevasa JA; p. 147, Pl. XIX. 13

2. S ryamitra

Obverse: Sūyamitasa Reverse: Indistinct JA; p. 147, Pl. XIX. 12

382. Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India (Catalogue of the coins in the Indian museum, Calcutta, Vol. I, p. 146 reprinted Indological Book House, Delhi 1972.

383. Chattopadhyay, S.: Early History of North India, p. 25. 384. Prinsep, James: Essays on Indian Antiquities Vol. I, John Murray London, 1858,

p.115.

146

Point to be noted:-

1. As we know nothing of the history of Kanauj in the first century B.C.,

to which these coins belong, and the names of these kings do not occur

in any inscription, one can only conjecture that these were coins of a

dynasty which ruled in the ancient city of Kanyākubja, one of the coins

is known to have come from the site of the ancient city of Kanyākubja

now known as Kanauj.385

2. Appearance, fabric style, minting technique, palaeography, language

script etc. are the major factors to attribute the above coins in a class.

Due to topographical reason these coins named as Kanauj. However

there are no serious studies available to us pertaining these coins.

3. There are an identical name Sūryamitra in both the coins series, i.e.,

Kanauj and Pa c la. Sūryamitra of Kanauj is assigned to circa. First

century B.C. and according to K.M. Shrimali Sūryamitra of Pa c la

assigned to circa. 10 BC to A.D.1.386 Hence there are no reasons to

associate both the Sūryamitra.

4. There is an identical symbol in all the above described coins along

with two more symbols to make three symbols depicted on the first

line of the obverse of coins; as of Pa c la coins. In other word the

obverse type of these coins is same as of Pa c la coins without square

incuse and with different symbols.

385. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p.xciii. 386. Shrimali K.M. – History of Pa c la, Vol. I. p. 116.

147

M thura ‘Mitra’ Ending Inscriptions Other Inscriptions

Late 3rd Century B.C.

to 1st Century A.D.

Copper or Bronze

Indian Type

1. Gomitra I: square copper

(i) Obverse: (Gomitasa) above

(y r n y m?), below

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 169, Pl. XXIV. 21

(ii) Obverse: Gomitasa Reverse: No legends JA; p. 169. Pl. XXV. 3

1. Gos adatta: Round Copper

Obverse: R j a(h) Gosadata(sa)

Reverse: No Legends JA; p. 174; Pl. XLIII. 18

2. Gomitra II

(i) Variety. a: square &Round both,

Obverse: Gomitasa

Reverse No : legends JA; p. 171, Pl XXV-5&6

(ii) Variety. b: Round copper

Obverse: Gomitasa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 171, Pl XXV. 4

(iii) Variety. c: Round, copper

2. Purus adatta: Round copper

Obverse: Purus adatasa

Reverse: No legend JA; p. 176; Pl. XXIV. 1

148

Obverse: Gomitasa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 171; Pl. XLV. 1

(iv) Variety d: Round Silver

Obverse: Gomitasa

Reverse: Plain JA, p. 172, Pl. XXV. 9

3. Brahamamitra

(i) Variety. a; Round Copper

Obverse: Brahmamitasa JA; p. 173, Pl. XXV. 12

(ii) Variety. b: Round Copper

Obverse: Brahmami(..) Reverse: No legends JA, p. 173, Pl. XXV. 13

3. Uttamdatta : Round Copper

Obverse: Utamadatasa

Reverse: No legend JA, p. 177, Pl. XXIV, 15

4. Dr dhamitra: Round Copper

Obverse: Dadh(a)mitasa Reverse: No legends. JA; p. 174, Pl XLIII. 16

4. Balath ti (Counter mark coin also) : Round Copper

(i) Variety. a;

Obverse: R j a(h) Balabhutisa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 178, Pl. XXV. 22

149

(ii) Variety. b; Another Balabhuti of different dynasty?

Obverse: R j a(h) Balabhutisa

Reverse: No Legends JA; p. 178, Pl. XLIII. 19

5. S ryamitra: Round Copper

Obverse: S yamitasa

Reverse: No legends. JA; p. 174, Pl. XXV. 17 to 20

5. R madatta

(i) Vareity. a;Round Copper

Obverse: R madatasa


C., C.A.I., p., Pl. VIII. 16

(ii) Variety .b; Round Copper Attranged in incuse square

Obverse: R madatasa Reverse: No Legends JA., p. 180; pl. XXIV. 12

(iii) Variety. c; Round Copper

Obverse: R j a(h)

150

Ramadatasa


C, C.A.I., Pl. VIII 15, p. 89

(iv) Variety. d; Round Copper

Obverse: R j a(h) R madatasa All in incuse square


6. Visnumitra : Round Copper

Obverse: Vis numitasa Reverse: No legends JA; p. 175; Pl. XXV. 15-16

6. Kamadatta: Round Copper

Obverse: R ja a(h) Kamada(tasa)

Reverse: No Legends JA; p. 182, Pl. XXIV.18

7. Satyamitra: Round copper Obverse: Satamitasa Reverse: Blurred K.D. Bajpai, I.N.S, p. 105.

7. Kamadatta? Round copper with title : Mah raja

Obverse: …sm har jasa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 182, Pl. XXIX. 24

151

8. ivadatta: Round Copper (C. 60 to 50 B.C.)

Obverse: Khatapasa ivadatasa

Reverse: No Legends JA; p 183; Pl. XXV. 26

9. hivaghosa: Round Copper

Obverse: Khatapasa ivaghosasa

Reverse: No legend (Sir Richard Burns Collection) JA; p. exii.

Foreign (Parthian) Influence

10. Hog ma a: Round Copper (C 50 to 40 B.C.)

Obverse: Khatapasa Hagamasasa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 183, Pl. XXVI. 2


11. Hagāmasa and Hag na: Round Copper

Obverse: Khatap(a)na Haganasa Hagamasasa

Reverse: No Legends JA; p. 184; Pl. XXVI. 6

152


12. Rajuvula: (Ra jubula, Rajula)

Class I (C. 40-20 B.C.) Bust of the king & Digraphic type base silver round

Obverse: Corrupt Greek

Reverse: Apratihatacakrasa chhatrapasa R juvulasa (in Kharosthi) JA; p. 185, Pl. XXVI. 7

Class II Round Potin

Obverse: Mah khatapsa Rajuvulasa (in Br hmi)

Reverse: No legend JA; p 187; Pl. XXVI. 12

C., C.A.I., p. 86; Pl. VIII. 4.

Class III Digraphic type, Round Potin

Obverse: Traces of corrupt greek

Reverse: Mahakhatapasa apratichakrasa Rajulasa in Kharosthi JA; p. 189, Pl. XLIV. 4

Ver. Exists. Some coins received from

153

Hoshiarpur387 and Amritsar388 also.


13. Sodasa: (c. 20-10 B.C.; Round (A.D. 72) Potin & copper

Veriety. a; son of M haks atrapa

Obverse: Mahakhatopasa Putasa Khatapasa so dasasa

Reverse: No legends Khatapasa odasasa JA; p. 190, Pl. XXVI. 14

C., C.A.I. p.86-87, Pl. VIII. 5

Variety. b; son of Rajuvula

Obverse: R juvulaputasa Khatapasa odasasa

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 191, Pl. XXVI. 18

Variety. c; without patronymic

Obverse: Mah khatapasa odasasa

387. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. 188, pl. XLIV. 1

388. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. 188, pl. XLIV. 2

154

Reverse: No legends JA; p. 191; Pl. XLIII. 15


14. T….n ad asasa: Round Copper

Obverse: Mahakhatapasa Putasa Khatapasa [t(o)ra] n ad asasa

Reverse: No legends (Sir Richard Burn’s Collection) John Allan, C, C.A.I., p. CXII.

Points of be noted:-

1. The Māthura coins received from one of the most profile fields in

northern India,389 fall in to two main series :-

(i) Those struck by local Hindu dynasties in the second and first

centuries B.C. and

(ii) Those struck by their successors, a dynasty or dynasties of aka

Satraps with the exception of a few coins to be specially

mentioned, these coins, the different types of which may be

evidence that they do not belong to this dynasty are singularly

uniform. The latter type is crudely represented and degenerates

until it is almost irrecognizable. It happens only when the

minting of coins have been done irrespective of any authority

and time frame. There are so many examples such as later

389. Archaeological survey of India, Report, Vol. XX, p. 37.

155

Kus na coinage (Kidara Kus na) are believed to have been

issued by chiefs of the little Yueh-chi horde in the Punjab and

other parts of North-western India during the fifth and sixth

centuries. The coin of this class merges into the Kashmir

coinage which endured for centuries.390

The first series, as above of M thura coins, the coins attributed to be

the earliest are square and unlike any of the later coins which bear a name

with or without regal title, they bear in addition to the name Gomitra

(Gomit sa) an additional word which, since Cunningham’s time, has been

read Baranaya.391 Cunningham obtained these coins at Bulandshahr.392 John

Allan think it that the legend begins with the syllable r and reads r n ya or

r n ye or with short vowels; the n is actually the dental form, but n and n

are not always distinguished.393 There is another Gomit sa’s coin which is of

a different and unconventional type suggests to be most probably belongs to a

Gomitra of another dynasty. Why we cannot think beyond the conventional

studies of older time? Why an inscription ‘Gomit sa’ belongs to a king (?),

Gomitra, and an another inscription ‘Gomit sa’ depicted/inscribed in a

different and unconventional type belongs to an another ‘Gomit sa’, say

Gomitra II an another king (?) of an another dynasty? There are another word

above this inscription B r n y or r n ye or r n ya yet not clarified in

390. Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India, Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, Vol I, p. 54.

391. Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India, London 1891, p. 88. 392. Archaeological Survey of India, Annual Report, Vol. xiv, p. 147. 393. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. cix.

156

some of coins. Why there are confusions always occur with ‘Mitra ending

names or inscriptions?

2. There are seven ‘Mitra’ ending names/inscriptions as given above in

M thura series of coins excluding some unidentified and

unrepresented coins. All Coins have the inscriptions without regal title,

although there are inscriptions with regal title i.e. R jna(h)

Gosadata(sa), R jno Bhavadatasa R jno Uttamadatasa… etc. Why it is

so?

3. There are three ‘Mitra coins, i.e., ryamitra, Vis numitra and

Satyamitra identical name with house of Pa c la, but these coins

seems to be earlier than the Pa c la coins of identical names,

epigraphically. The coins are however round but free from the main

characteristics of Pa c la coins.

4. There are some coins with inscription ‘R madatasa’ arrange in incuse

square as of Pa c la series, but the incuse of these coins give us an

another impact in our mind. The minting technique shows that this type

of M thura coins are not ‘die-cast’ as of Pa c la coins but these are

somewhat ‘archaic die-struck’, such as Taxila. The device of these

coins in obverse seems to have been impressed on coins by hard

striking. This process of hard striking may cause of poor impression of

reverse device of coin. All the coins of this type have very degenerated

copy of reverse device; shows that our contention is almost true.

157

5. The device of Laks mi depicted in obverse of coins of M thura series

is very similar to device of the reverse deity of some ‘Mitra’ coins of

house of Pa c la i.e., Ph lgunimitra and Bhadr ghos a. There are

very close resemblance of both the deities as shown below in coin of

‘R madatasa’ of M thura in obverse and ‘Bhadr ghos asa’ of

Pa c la in reverse. As per the various studies394 on M thura coins the

first coin series of pure Indian nature and struck by local hindu

dynasties with device of Laks mi have been minted upto the last

quarter of the first century B.C. and the second series of aka satraps

have been closed up to the end of the first century B.C., but the period

of Pa c la coins with almost similar deity i.e. ‘Ph lgunimitra’ is

C.A.D. 110 to A.D. 120 and ‘Bhadr ghos a’ is C.A.D. 100 to A.D.

110?395

6. There are a serious confusions pertaining to the second series of

M thura coins belong of aka satraps such as :-

(i) Bust type coins (strato type)396 of aka satrap R juvula (c. 40-20

B.C.) with corrupt Greek legends on obverse, shows the

degenerated copy of Greek coinage as these base silver coins

have weight standard of 38-40 grains, the satrap Nahapana’s

coins have the weight 39 grain approx., and Indo-Greek coins

have this weight standard also.397 We presume that these coins

394. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. cxii 395. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol. I, p. 116. 396. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, Vol. II, p. 32 397. Upadhyay, Vasudev: Ancient Indian coinage, Pragya Prakashan, Patan 1971, p. 25.

158

have been issued by another unrecognized authority identical to

Greek coins, somewhere in Punjab or the surrounding are, in

name of R juvula.

(ii) John Allan have been classified the coins of aka Ksatrap

R juvula in three classes, 1st the Bust type coins as discussed

above, second the Abhiseka Laks mi type and third the

Hercules and Lion type previously used by maues with foreign

influence, legend on obverse in corrupt Greek and on reverse in

Kharoshti. The Class III coins of the R juvula are common and

received from a much wider area than M thura. Some coins

have been discovered from Sirkap (Taxila)398 Hoshi rpur and

Amritsar in Punjab.399 Class I coins are imitated copy of the

coins of Strato I and II, one of the last Greek coinages and their

find spots range from the valleys of the rivers forming the Indus

to the Gangetic Doab.

(iii) Class II is the scarcest of R juvula’s types, R juvula in Br hmi

inscription, obverse Laks mi and tree type, the reverse,

abhiseka of Laks mi a pure Hindu characteristic to have been

taken, (coins of Azilises also bear it), and received from a very

limited area surrounding to M thura.

398. Archaeological Survey of India, Report 1912-13, p. 41, 1914-15, p. 33. 399. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, coin no. 118, p.

188, pl. XLIV.1 & coin no. 120, p. 188. pl. XLIV.2.

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(iv) The coins discussed above as class II and class III are of Potine a

combination of metals-Lead and copper, first time used in

Ancient Indian coins of northern India. This was a very new

concept and need to be study further.

7. There are two aka satrap coins with inscriptions ivadatta and

ivaghosa, (C. 60 to 40 B.C.) the name with Indian hindu character in

the series of satrap coins of M thura meanwhile the other satrap coins

bears the foreign traces and with persion names. Are these satraps

foreigner? What is the reason of Hindu names of these satraps?

8. The ‘Mitra’ coins of this M thura series, all are scarce and obtainable

only the surrounding area of M thura and M thura and in opinion of

smith they are later than those of the princes previously named400 but

this assumption is not attainable due to epigraphy of the coins.

9. In smith’s view the above ‘Mitra’ R jas, some of whom may have

been contemporary with each other, are earlier than the foreign satraps

with persion names.401 There is a controversy about the exact locations

of their rule. The ‘Mitra’ coins of the house of Pa c la are, however,

belong to the period when the Kushan power has been extended his

rule in Gangetic Doab.

10. All the coins belong to aka Ksatraps of M thura are with the regal

title Ks atrapa & Mah ksatrapa. A title ‘apratihatacakrasa’ is also

400. Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India, Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, Vol I, p. 190.

401. Smith V.A.: Coins of Ancient India, Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, Vol I, p.190.

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known on the coins of Ks atrapa R juvula a (c. 40-20 B.C.), in

Kharos thi legend. There is a need to develop a demarking line

between the coins of Hindu origin and the coins with foreign influence

in M thura series.

Unattributed coin of Bh numitra:-

Recently some rare coins bearing the name of Bh numitra were shown

to me by Shri Praveen Jain of Baraut a very serious coin collector with

interest in Ancient Indian coins from his collection. These coins; actually a

set of four different denominations or weight standard are yet not published,

representation in premier museums are also nil. Two of these coins are

described as below:-

1.

Copper, die-struck, round, 21.20 mm, 5.10g.

Obverse: Laks mi standing facing, object on either side not clear, on

symbolic river ; Ten arched hill on right side of female diety and

type on left, Brāhmi legends above female diety “R j a

Bh numitrasya” .

Reverse: Tree on four compartment railing .

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Legend in pre-Gupta Brāhmi with sanskritic character and language is

also sanskrit. According to palaeography of the inscription of coin, the

said coin belongs to the C 3rd century A.D. onward.

2.

Copper, die-struck, round, 14.99mm, 3.70g.

Obverse: Laks mi standing facing, object on either side not clear, on

traces on symbolic river , ten arched hill on right side of female

diety and a rivatsa type figure on left, Brāhmi legend above female

diety ‘_ajna Bh numitrasya’.

Reverse: Tree on eight compartment railing .

As the coin no. 1, described above the legend in pre-Gupta Brāhmi

with sanskritic character and language is clearly sanskrit belongs to the 3rd

century A.D. onward. The palaeography of the coin would assign its issuance

in the 3rd century A.D. onward. These coins, however received by the

collector from foothill of Himalayan region, but these are the clearly the

specimen of M thura coin series. The female diety of these coins standing on

river and diety on coins of Ramadatta (Variety. d.) standing on river have

been show the same resemblance. The regal title before the name of these

coin inscriptions and the group of M thura coin inscriptions who add the title

rajan to the name R madatta II, K mdatta, Gosadatta, Sesadatta, Bhavadatta,

Uttamdatta and Balabhati are the coins of almost the same pattern but the

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coins in question with inscription Raj a Bh numitrasya are the late variant of

the M thura series and first ever known inscription Bhanumitra with regal

title R j a in ‘Mitra’ ending name. Bh numitra is another name, first ever

known, alongwith the name of S ryamitra and Vis numitra in Māthura

series are the names also known in house of Pa c la.

Consolidated Tentative Results:-

As discussed above, the ancient Indian coin series, such as udumbara

yodhya, Kau mbi, Kanauj, M thura and others have so many coins with

‘Mitra’ ending inscriptions. When we have consolidated the prime-facie facts

pertaining these serieses, some end results emerges as given below:-

1. Towards the end of third century B.C., as the century slowly slowly

had been going to her end, the rule of ‘Dhamma’ also casing down and

there were so many nucleus of power emerged in the sky of north

Indian polity. Evidences are not mare presumptive, the coin series as

stated and discussed above are the undoubted testimony of our

assumption that after the A oka there were so many dynasties come

into the political field. The time frame from the last quarter of 3rd

century B.C. to the 1st – 2nd century A.D., is the most innovative period

of the north Indian coinage. In Mauryan period there was a universal

coinage system belongs to the central administration who authorize the

issuance of coins know as punch-mark coins of Magadha series, under

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influence of some local parameters.402 There is a very strange

coexistence regarding the downfall of so many states and rise of the

Mauryan Empire under the Chandragupta and rise of so many states

after downfall of the Mauryan Empire. Hence a very primary

assessment shows that the above stated coins series are come into

existence not before the last quarter of 3rd century B.C., oldest coins

from far most area and so on.403

2. A prominent feature of all the ‘Mitra’ ending coins of all the serieses

including Pa c la coins series is absence of any regal title before and

after the name. There is very few exceptions one of these Māthura

series of coins of where recently acquired coins of Bhanumitra have

the title R j a before the name. The complete coin series of House of

Pa c la do not have any regal title before or after the name inscribed

on these coins. From the beginning of inscribed coins, minting coins

with ruler’s names are to be dated from the second half of the second

century B.C. The issues of the various local dynasties came to an end

with the successful establishment of Gupta supremacy in the fourth

century A.D.404 On various discussions and assessments given in

various places of this work, we can say that the Agnimitrasya of house

of Pa c la and the newly reported coin of Bh numitrasya of house of

402. Thaper, Romila: ‘Ashoka Aur Maurya Samrajya ka Patan – Grantha Shilpi (1) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Reprint 2010, p. 249.

403. Thaper, Romila: ‘Ashoka Aur Maurya Samrajya ka Patan – Grantha Shilpi (1) Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Reprint 2010, p. 15.

404. Lahiri, Bela: “Typological study of the local coins of northern India’, SPLC, p. 29.

164

M thura are the coins to be curtain closer of the coins of the dynasties

of the elsewhere belongs to ‘dark age’.

3. Not only north India, but the entire subcontinent have a similar

tendency pertaining to political uncertainty due to weakneed Mauryan

Empire in and around the beginning of second century B.C. and so

many coin series shows that the centralized monetary system was fully

collapsed. It means, in some cases, the issuing authority of coin is not

necessarily the ruling clam or ruling king. Kau mbi series is a very

realistic example of this fact. In south-west and west there were so

many coin types’ bears the title such as Maharathi, Mahasenapati,

Mahatalwar, Mahagamik, Sevaka etc. with names. The reasons are yet

not clarified satisfactory.

4. A very common coincidence seen in various coin series as discussed

above that the coins with ‘Mitra’ ending names are in circulation in

and around of the beginning of 1st century A.D. Historians usually

regard the middle of the first millennium B.C. as the beginning of the

next period in the history of ancient India. This was the Magadha and

Mauryan age which was to last for some four centuries (up until the

fall of the great Mauryan Empire and the u ga and Kanva dynasties).

It occupies a far longer period in time that the actual history of the

Mauryan dynasty, and represent one of the most important stages in the

country’s historical and cultural development.405

405. A History of India, Ancient India, Vol.I, K. Antonova, G. Bongard Levin and G. Kotovsky, Common wealth Publishers, p. 58.

165

5. Numismatics as well as historians has never thought what the position

of these so-called Tribal kingdoms? These tribes seem to spring up

suddenly on the political map of Northern India, from 2nd century B.C.

to 4th century A.D. as indicated by coins. Very few of them are

reported to in the epics, none by the Ramayana. It is also worth

investigation what the relation of these tribes was with the earlier

ryan and epic tribes?406

6. There is the evidence of coins and epigraphs to supplement and

corroborate the literary data that the Greeks in India were followed by

the Scythians, parthians and kus nas. Gradually they extended their

supremacy over the North and North western provinces of India. They

were formed the so called Tribal Kingdoms were under or with the

foreign rulers. The Indo-Parthians, Gondophares was the first Indo-

Parthian ruler. The empire of Gondophares embraced the regions of

Arachasia,407 Gandh ra and Taxila. Even Māthura and Kathiawar were

also included therein. His hold over M thura has been suggested on

the ground that the Gondopharian symbol or its variety is recorded on

the coins of K atrapa Hag na and Hag masa.408 Likewise, his

influence over the areas of Kutch and Kathiawad is suggested on the

406. Sankalia, H.D.: Indian Archaeology Today, Ajanta Publication, 1979, p. 127. 407. Recently this view has been refuted on the ground that coin type Orthagnes and

Gudrana (PMC., I p. 156) suggests that Gondophares I was not connected with Arachasia immediately after his departure. (B.N. Mukerjee, A study in Indo-Parthian History, p. 101)

408.Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p. exi.

166

assumption of Mukherjee that Ptolemy’s409 information on Indo-

Scythia is datable to the period of Gondophares. He was assisted in his

administration by three chieftains i.e., Sasana, Gada and A pavarma.

The first410 and the last411 are known from coins while the second is

known in the legends412 and possibly from the coins413 as well,

Gondophares was succeeded by Abdagases, his nephew. He was also

associated with him in administration prior to his independent status.

His independent status is borne out by his coin type ‘Bust of King’.

‘Nike’. His empire extended up to Seistan and Kandah r. The Parthian

kings were already issued the ‘Bust of King’ type coins in their home

land from the second quarter of 2nd century B.C. onward i.e.

Mithradates II (123-88B.C.), Mithradates III (57-54 B.C.), Phraates III

(70-57 B.C.) etc. In India Kshatrapas of Māthura and Western

Kshatrpas were minted the ‘Bust’ type coins in 1st century A.D. with

regal title when ‘Mitra’ Coin of Pa c la were minted within Pa c la

region. There were no such traces seen in Pa c la coin even than the

Janpada M thura (Sur en) was adjacent of Pa c la Janpada and there

were some similarities in Māthura coin series adopted from the

Pa c la. There are only one such ‘Bust’ type coins of ‘ chyut’ (C.4th

century A.D.) belongs to Pa c la region. These coins with inscription

409.Mukherjee, B.N.: A study in Indo-Parthian History, p. 146, footnote. 227. 410. Punjab Museum Catalogue I p. 148. 411. Ibid p.150. 412.The Acts of St. Thomas (E.A.W. Badge, The contendings of the Apostal, II, p.406-19

…..mentions one God as a brother of Gudnaphor, a king of India. 413.Numismatics Chronical 1950, p.223-225, No. 16.

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chyu/ chyut are already taken as member of Pa c la coin series but

the very prominent Pa c la features such as ‘Incuse’ in overse and

three Pa c la symbols are already absent, hence there is an uncertainty

regarding its attribution as the last member of Pa c la series.

7. There were some coins such as Bhadr ghos a in Pa c la series with

the reverse deity nearly to be same as of Māthura coin series show the

linkage between Pa c la and Māthura. Red sandstone image of

Maitreya (now in national museum) and another fragment of red

sandstone shows a seated Buddha structure with, on the reverse, the

foliage of the Bodhi tree and garlands hanging from it, (now in

Māthura museum no.1342) received from excavations in Ahicchatra,

of early Kus na period are the well carved images of the Māthura

school of art.414 This also shows the confluence between two houses.

414. Agarwala, V.S.: ‘Acquistions to the M thura museum’, Annual Bibliography of Indian Archaeology for the year 1934 (1936), p.14, pl. IV a-b.

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CHAPTER – VIII NEWFINDINGS,INRESPECTOFPAÑCĀLA

HISTORY

Significance of Pañc la Symbols:-

A very important discussion concerning the Pañcāla symbols on the

obverse of Pañcāla coins is yet not concluded. The interpretation of the three

Pañcāla symbols on the obverse has also been a subject of speculation. A.C.

Carlleyle interpreted them as Bodhi Tree, linga guarded by two serpents and

the two intertwined serpents with their two heads extending out above and

two tails below.415 Vincent A. Smith interpreted the first symbol looks

more like a st pa with an umbrella.416Tarapada Bhattacharya accepted

Carlleyle’s rendering and went to the extent of saying that this was a

depiction of holy shrines of Bodhgaya because the kings were Śu gas of

Magadha.417 K.M. Shrimali’s view is that they may be taken as the dynastic

or territorial insignia.418 His view is based on the assumption that since these

symbols have been used uniformly by all thePañcāla kings (with a very few

exceptions). The symbol the so called taurine seems to have been the most

important because it occurs most times on the reverse too.It is also used as a

415. Carlleyle, A.C.: Coins of the Śu ga or Mitra dynasty found near Ramnagar or Ahicchatra, JASB, 1880 p. 24.

416. Smith, V.A.: Coins of Ancient India – Catalogue of the coins in the Indian Museum Calcutta Vol. I Calcutta, p. 186.

417. Bhattacharya Tarapada: JBRS, Vol. 35, 1949, p. 55-56. 418. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Vol. 1, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt.

Ltd. New Delhi 1983, p. 98.

169

countermark device on the obverse and there is the coin on which it alone

occurs in an incuse on the obverse.419

The Pañc la as their name suggests, probably consisted of five clans

the Krivis, the Turvashas, the Keshins, the rinjayas and the Somakas.420 The

text of atapathabr hmana described that Krivis are annexed with

Turvashus,421 and after Marut they finally annexed with Paurav (Puru).422

There is a narration about a division of Pa c la in three parts in

Kathakasam�hita.423

In Mahābh rata that describes the Puru lineage of kings shows the

kinship of the Kurus and the Pañc las, when Janmejaya wishes to here the

history of kings who were descended from Puru, Maharishi Vaisampayana

narrated the lineage of kings in Puru’s line. In the nut shell all the tribes of

Pa c las are descended from Dushyanta and Parameshthin, two sons of the

second wife of Puru king Ajamidha. Ajamidha is described as the common

ancestor of both the Kurus and the Pañc las. Needless to mention that they

occupy the central position in the Mahābharāta as well. The mutual

relationship of the two passed through various vicissitudes-having witnessed

competition and rivalry, co-existence, amalgamation and then final

separation.

419. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa cala, Vol. I, p. 420.Majumdar, R.C.: An Advance History of India, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan Vol. 1, p. 41. H.C. Raychaudhuri political history of Ancient India University of Calcutta 1953, p.

61. 421. atapatha Br hmana: edited by Bansidhar Shastri, Acyuta Granthmala Kasi, 1947,

13/5/4/6. 422. Parjitar, F.E.: Ancient Indian Historical Tradition – London 1922, p. 108. 423. Kathaka Sam�hita: edited by Prof. Von Schoreder, Leipzig 1900 & 1909, 13.2.

170

In Mahābh rata, the Śrinjayas, the Somakas and the Prabhadraks,

these three names were mentioned frequently either as related to the Pañc las

or as synonymous to the Pañc la. rinjayas and Somakas were tribes allied to

the Pañc las by kinship, born off from the various branches of the same

lineage that brought forth the Pañcāla-tribe.

They dwelled in the various provinces of the Pañc la kingdom.

Prabhadrakas seems to be an elite group of Pañc la army, employed in

Mah bh rata war at Kurukshetra. The Prabhadrakas army obtained by

Pañc las from the Kambojas. They could also be a Pañc la army-unit or a

Pañc la tribe, which got trained in cavalry warfare by the Kambojas. In

Mah bh rata the Prabhadrakas were mentioned as hailing from Kamboja

kingdom.424 They could be the army bought by Pañcālas from the Kambojas,

since Kambojas were famous for lending their horses or cavalry to any party

on payment basis. The Prabhadrakas of the Kamboja country, numbering six

thousand, with appraised weapons, with excellent steeds on their gold-decked

cars, with stretched bows supported Dhristadyumna.425 To distinguish them

from the proper Pañcāla army or from other Prabhadrakas; they were

mentioned as Prabhadraka-Pañcālas.426 The army of Prabhadraka- Pañc las is

mentioned as battling on the side of Pandavas at various verses of

Mahābh rata.427 A group of Prabhadrakas is mentioned as battling against

424. Mahābh rata verse 7.23 42, 43, 44 Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Poona, 1966.

425. Mahābh rata verse 6-19, 7-23 Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Poona, 1966. 426.Mahābh rata verse 7-159 Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Poona, 1966. 427. Mahābh rata verse 6-112, 7-159 & 182, 8-12,22,30,48,56,67, 9-7,11,15,27

Bhandarkar Oriented Research Institute Poona, 1966.

171

the chief of Avanti, with the Sauviras and the cruel Prabhadrakas, resisted

wrathful chief of Avanti.428

It seems that after end of the war, the remaining Prabhadrakas did not

returned to Hindukush Valley their homeland and settled in land of Pañcālas.

The term Prabhadrakas (Kambojas) means exceedingly handsome,

exceedingly fortunate.429 In a Span of time, these Prabhadrakas mixed with

Pañcāla populace and regarded as a part/tribe/clan of Pañcāla. The Pañcāla

coin with reverse being marked by a spirited horse with bent neck and an

upturned tail430 is proof of our contention as the horse is a main pet animal of

Kambojas and probably there was not any specimen available to us with

motif of horse in full Pañc la series of coins except the coins inscribed with

‘Vasusena’. This type of Pañc la coins reflects the influence of North West

peoples on Pañc la. In post Mauryan India the political scene of the northern

India was extremely fragmented. It was dotted by a medley of small

principalities. Any study of the political history of that period must related to

these small units of power, amongst which Pañc la occupies a place of

considerable importance.431

The clans belong to the Śrinjayas, the Somakas, and the Prabhadrakas

have been played a vital role in political scene of Pañc la. Possibly the

428. Mahābh rata verse 7-92 Bhandarkar Oriental Research Intitute Poona, 1966. 429.Shafer, Robert – Ethnography of Ancient India; Harrassowitz O. 1954, p. 140;

Kamboj, J.L.-Ethnology; Ancient Kamboja, People and Country 1981 p. 69; Singh, S. Kripal – The Kambojas through the Ages, 2005 p. 44. 430. The Specimen LM/12268; CAS 66/695, Two specimens Prachin Bhartiya Itihas

Shodh Parishad Gurukul, Gautam Nagar Delhi. 431. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pañcāla, Munshiram Manoharalal Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

New Delhi 1983, p. 55.

172

administration of Pañc la was done together by these three set of clans of the

above.

There are a variety of inscribed coins from Taxila having Indian

incuse432 known to us as the Pa canekame series, bears the legend

Pa canekame, ‘the five guilds’. As per John Allan the legend indicates that

the coins a joint issue of the ‘Five Naigamas’, a kind of Pentapolis. These

coins belongs to the period 3rd-2nd C.B.C.433 K.D. Bajpai says although a few

rulers had now begun to issue coins with their own names on them, it appears

very plausible that the power of manufacturing coins was enjoyed to some

guilds and silversmiths. This is borne out by the passage of Visuddhimagga

referred to above. This literary reference makes us believe that the practice

was current even up to the 5th C.A.D.434

Pānini Ast dhy yi is quite an encyclopedia on Indian geography and

regarded as a most reliable source of than history. Even though the Pānini’s

Ast dhy yi is silent to either Pañc la or its capital however there was

reference of Kuru435& Pratyagarth. The later literature436 described that the

Pañc la whose capital known as Ahicchatra is the name of Pratyagrath as

referred in Ast dhy yi of Pānini (izRFkxzFkkLrofgN=k% lkYokLrqdkjdq{kh;k%).437The

river ‘Rathastha’ of Pa c la Janapada as described by P nini is now known

432. Allan, John: Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London, 1936, p.cxxvi. 433. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatics Studies – Authority of Minting Coins in Ancient

India, Abhinav Publications, New Delhi, 1976, p. 4. 434. Bajpai, K.D.: Indian Numismatics Studies – Authority of Minting Coins in Ancient

India, Abhinav Publications, New Delhi, 1976, p. 4. 435. Ast dhy yi of Pānini 4.1.172, 4.1.173. 436. Vaijyanti, p. 214, Hemchandra – Abhidhan Chintamani 4.26. 437. Ast dhy yi of Pānini 6.1.157.

173

as ‘Ramganga’. Its commentary by Patanjali (C. Second Century B.C.) refers

to the Pañc la Janpada.438 He has also referred to the Utt r and Purva

Pañc las as well as the Ahicchatri and Kanyakubji i.e., women born in

Ahicchatra and Kanyakubja respectively.439Pānini refers to a large number of

rulers regarding the formation of words connected with the Sa ghas.

Pāninicalls the Sa ghas as Ayudhajivinis (4.3.91) and Kautilya uses the

terms Shastraopajivnis. The Taittirīya Brāhamana440 speaks of the periodical

military expeditions undertaken by the kings of Kuru- Pañc la. According to

Pāninia Sa gha had its Anka Lakshana. ‘Anka’ means a mark and

‘lakshana’ has a similar meaning. (l‹k¿y{k.ks’o´)441 According to Dr. K.P.

Jayaswal442 the ‘Anka’ refers to symbols adopted by the changing

governments. An elected ruler adopted his own special ‘Anka’ which was

given up when another person took his place.443 Hence our contention is, in

Pa c la coins that the so called Pa c la symbols represents or denote

the ‘Anka’of the respective clan group and the association of these three

clan/tribe groups as discussed above represent the Pa c la kingdom, used

their ‘Anka’ collectively on Pa c la coins so we see these ‘Anka’ usually a

set of three in a well-marked obverse incuse of the Pa c la coins.

438. Kielhorn, The Vyakarana Mahabhasya of Patanjali II, p. 324. 439. Kielhorn, The Vyakarana Mahabhasya of Patanjali II, p. 233. 440. Taittiriya Brāhmana 1.8.4.1.2 edited by R. Mitra, Calcutta. 441. Ast dhy yi of Pān�ini 4.3.127. 442. Jayaswal, K.P. – Hindu Polity, Calcutta 1924. 443. Mahajan, V.D. – Ancient India, S. Chand & company Ltd. New Delhi 1960-2006, p.

219-220.

174

Pañc la: Monarchial or Republican Janpada?

The political structure of the Ancient Indian appears to have started

with semi-nomadic tribal units called Jana (meaning ‘people’ or by extension

‘ethnic group’ or ‘tribe’). Early Vedic texts attest several Janas or tribes of

the Indo-Aryans, living in a semi-nomadic tribal state. These early Vedic

Janas later coalesced into the Janpadas of the epic age. There were so many

Janpadas in early times in India according to so many texts. There was no

difference between ‘Rājya’ and ‘Ras tra’ in Vedic literature. There was only

one hymn444 in R�gveda where the word ‘Rājya’ has been used, where as the

word ‘Ras tra’ has been used so many hymns.445 There are so many hints in

Vedic and post-vedic texts about the system of governance in Ancient India.

The word Rājya, Ras tra (Nation), Janpada all are synonymous to each other

according to Tarkva chāspati Pt. Taranath. There is a passage-‘tuins xkSM

jk’VªeuqÙkee~’ in Prabodhā Chandrodaya.

Etymologically, nation and nationality mean the something. They are

both derived from the Latin word ‘Natus’ born implying common ethnic

origin…..446 According to Brayess a nation is a population of an authentic

unity inhabiting territiory of geographic unity. According to J.S.Mill, a nation

is a portion of mankind united by common sympathy with each other, rather

than other people with a desire to be under the same government.

444. R�gveda, 7.6.2 445. R�gveda, 10.174.1, 6.4.55, 7.34.1 446. Singh, Gurumukh Nihal; ‘Fundamentals of Political organization – Chapter 1, p.44

175

The Mah bh sya of Pata jali gives a list of so many Janpadas such as

An g , Amb tha, Av nti, Ka hi, Gandhar, Chola, Trigart, Neechak, Neep,

Kuru, Pa c la, Madra, Videha, Vriji, Sibi and so on.447Vis�nu Purana a text

of later date also endorsed the occurance of so many Janpadas such as

Magadha, Kośal, Madra, Sauvira etc. in ancient India.448 There are frequent

narrations of the word Janpada in Ast dhy yi of P nini viz, ‘tuins yqd~’

(4.2.81), ‘tuifnuka tuinoRloZ tuinsu leku “kCnkuka cgqopus’ (4.3.100),

‘tuin leku “kCnkr {kf=;knu’ (4.1.168), ‘lqlokZ/kkZTtuinL;’ (8.3.12),

‘xzke tuinSdns”knu gekS’ (4.3.7), ‘fnD”kCnk xzketuink[;ku pkujkVs’kq’

(6.2.103), ‘tuinrno/;ks”p’ (4.2.124), ‘T;kSfrtZuin”kf=ukfHkukexks=:i

LFkkuo.kZD;kspuoU/kq’kq’ (6.3.85), ‘tkuinh o`fÙk%’ (4.1.42), ‘czã.kksa tuink[;k;ke~’

(5.4.104) etc. At the time of P nini, there were two types of political systems

known as ‘R jya’ & ‘Sam gha’. According to P nini, the system where a

soverign ruler exists, that system to be known as ‘R jya’.449 The land of a

Janpada known as ‘Prithvi’, ruler known as ‘Parthiv’, and vice-versa, the area

more than Janpada or whole of the area known as ‘S rva-Bhumi’ and ruler of

that area known as ‘Ś rvabhaum’.450 At the time of P nini, the ‘Trigarta-

Shastha’ was a union of six republics. They are again mentioned alongwith

the Yaudheyas, Sibis, Rajanyas and other gan as and Janpadas in the

Mah bh rata451 and the Br�hatsam�hita.452 To Trigarta we would attribute

the coin bearing the legend ‘Trakatajanapadasa’ of the ‘Janpada of Trigarta’

447. Keilhorn, The Vyakarana Mahabhasya of Patanjali, II, p.233 & 324. 448. Vis�nu Purana, 2.3.15-17. 449. Ast dhy yi of P nini, 6.2.130. 450. Ast dhy yi of P nini, 5.1.41 & 42. 451. Mah bh rata, Sabhaparva. 32.7. 452. Br・hat am�hita of Varahamihira, XIV.25, XVI.20.

176

in Br hmi characters of probably the 1st half of the second C.B.C., (Fig. 92)

contemporary to Pa c la.453

Figure 92

As the same manner Vr ajji were the most important republic of

Buddhist era, included eight confederated clans, of which the Licchhavis

were the most important. Vaishali was their capital. The second Buddhist

Council was held at Vaishali. Their references are replete in numerous

Ancient texts viz, Mahavagga, Mahaparinibbanasutta, Atthakatha,

Kalinagar Sutta, S tra Krutanga etc.

R�gveda confirm the principle ‘ruler by selection’, but it is very

difficult to know, when and where the term ‘ruler’ or ‘raja’ has been arrived.

The well known philosopher Aristotle of Greece (C. 384 B.C. to C. 322 B.C.)

gives us a relative thought after a very serious study in relation to the political

system. He says that there were none of the scheme in political field to be

stationary, there always a tendency of mobility and in a considerable time

frame it become a new form of order after inclusion of new, and most of the

time, polluted and corrupt thinking. He thinks that starting of this

commutation has been done from monarchy. According to Aristotle there

have been six types of political system viz, (i) Democracy (ii) Monarchy (iii)

Tyranny or Dictetory (iv) Aristocracy (v) Oligarchy and (vi) Polity.

453. Allan John; Catalogue of the coins of Ancient India, London 1936, reprint 1975, p.212, pl.xxix.10.

177

There has been a considerable difference of opinion on the virtual

meaning of the terms such a sam gha and gan . The fact that the Kuru

Pa c la are described as sam ghas by Kautilya.454 According to Romila

Thapar ‘at the time of Kautilya, there has been so many tribal republics

including Pa c la who are not the part of Mauryan empire in any manner,

because the possibility was almost nil to be their equal or almost equal status

against the Mauryan empire. For the shake of administrative benefit and

simplicity, they have been granted to be enjoy his own political status. They

also have political priviledge’.455 The representatives of Mauryan Empire

have to be direct touch of these tribal republics. It gives such an impression

that these republics have been under the Mauryan Empire.456 According to

Diodoras, there were the states ‘without king’. He says that Dionisious

establish a state in India. After a considerable time the rule of his hiers has

been end and there were many democratic city states emerge.457 The same

facts apply in the case of Heraclis.458 The European sources show that there

were some tribes adopted the democratic system in Ganga valley.459

There is a narration in Aiteryabr hmana460-“;s ds p ijs.k fgeoUra

tuink mÙkjdjo% mÙkjenzk bfr oSjkT;e~” means near the Himalaya, the janpada

Utt r Kuru and Utt r M dr had a governing system known as ‘Virat’,

454. Artha astra by Kautilya, ed. translated ans studied by R.P.Kangle, Bombay 1960-65, IX, 1.5.

455. Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&93 456.Fkkij jksfeyk % v”kksd ,oa ekS;Z lkezkT; dk iru] i`0la0&93 457. Diodoras, II, 35. 458. Diodoras, II, 39. 459. Arrian Anabosis Indica, translated by J.W.McCrindle VI 6.14. 460. Aitareyabr hmana, ed. Th. Aufrecht, Bonn, 1879, Tran.by A.B.Keith, Harvard

Oriental series, XXV, Cambridge Mass. 1920, 7.3.14.

178

hence the populace of these jana known as ‘vi-rat’ (Jan without ruler or king).

There are ample references in so many texts belonging to Vedic to the time

zone of so called Pa c la coin series that the Pa c la had a non-monarchial

political set-up. The narration in Ch ndogyopanis�ad is as –LosrdsrqgkZ#.ks;%

ia_pkykuka lfefres;k;A ra g izokg.kks tSokfy#okp dqekj----------------461 and in

Br�had ranyakopins�ad is as-“osrdsrqgZ ok vk#.ks;% ia_pkykuka ifj’knekt+xkeA

l vktxke tScfyizokg.ka ifjpk’;ek.ke~-------------A462 Both the narrations has been

indicative that the political identity of Pa c la is clearly non-monarchial and

probably the democratic tendencies are in abundance. So many passages in

the caranga s tra and the vad na ataka at least indicate the involvement

of multitude of people in non-monarchial political system. We hear

repeatedly in the canonical as well as non-canonial texts about the Lichhavis,

the Mallas etc. having gathered at the Santh g ra. Later tradition knows the

members of these assemblies by the title of ‘R jans’. A passage from the

Mah bh rata would make us believe since it says that in the ganas there is

universal equality by birth.463 On the basis of a later reference from a Jat ka,

Ruben has gone to the extent of suggesting that every one of the thousands of

kings in oligarchies had his own storehouse.464 The epic Ramayana is also a

storehouse of so many facts and events of then history, provides a very

important clue pertaining to Kuru-Pa c la. The king Daśh ratha performs a

461. Ch ndogyaopanis�ad, ed. with translation by O.B htlingk, Leipzig, 1889, 5.3.10,11. 462. Bṛhad ran�yakopanis�ad ed. with translation by O.B htlingk, Leipzig, 1889, 6.2.1-

11. 463. Mah bh rata, XII.108.39. 464. Ruben, Walter.: Some Problems of the Ancient Indian Republic, in H. Kruger edited

Mohd. Ashraf commemoration volume, p.18-23.

179

‘Yajna’ and he invites all the kings of north India alongwith some kings of

south India. In invitee’s list as described by epic Ramayana neither

Utt r Pa ch la nor South Pa c la’s kings had been mentioned.465 It clearly

means the absence of monarchial status of Pa c la.

Among the corroborative evidences, coins are very important. As we

know that most of ancient texts mention some janpadas with joint name such

as Utt r & Daksina Pa c la. The period of Pa c la coin series was

tentatively start from anywhere in C.3rdC.B.C. to C.4th C.A.D. Meanwhile it

is very surprising fact that the coins belong to Daksina Pa c la are yet not

known pertaining to the period as of Pa c la, however punch-mark coins

prior to this period known to us. What is the reason for that? We are in

endless discussion due to coins of this Utt r Pa c la reason, but what about

the Daksina Pa c la? The possible reason is to be that this reason i.e.

Daksina Pa c la may be a part of any other dynasty. According to the

numismatic study the coins pertaining to the period (C. 3rd C.B.C. to C. 4th

C.A.D.), some prima-facia facts are as under:-

1. The so called Janpada coins can be divided in three groups viz, (i) The

coins where the names of Janpada or the region have been ascribed

with the name of tribe i.e. Agr , Rajanya, Trigarta, Sibi etc. (ii) The

coins where the names of Janpada have been added with the name of

the chief such as udumbara, Vem ki, Kunind , Kuluta etc. and (iii)

465. Pillai, Govind Krishna: Traditional History of India, Allahabad 1960, p.111.

180

have been added with the name of gana (Republic) i.e., Vrishni,

Yaudheya etc.

2. ‘Jan rajya’ or republicans are those where the administration would be

done by elected representatives from populace. These republic or

democratic states are known by his populace also.466 The very

appropriate example is Pa c la.

3. In general the appearance of monarchial and city states are suppose to

be prior to the tribal state and democratic state. City states mean, the

state known by his city. The issuers of coins of these city states are yet

not known. These are Arikacch , V rna, Mahishmati, Vidisha, Tripuri,

Bhagila, Kururay etc. All of these states have been issued their coins

and they are of copper except some type of coins from Vem ki,

udumbara, Kunind etc. are of silver. There is a clear foreign

influence (Indo Greek) noticeable in these silver coins.467

4. The square and rectangular coins are older than the circular coins. The

coins of Pa c la are of copper/bronze and mostly circular. A general

perception is that the contemporary monarchial coins of various

dynasties are in silver. We cannot receive a single Pa c la silver coin

yet now.

5. The Pa c la coin series consist very big number of coins, weigh vary

from 0.2 gms. to 22.4 gms. K.M.Shrimali’s study of 1168 coins shows

that in interval of 0.2 gms there are 84 groups of coins in which only

466. Jha, Amiteshwar.: Bhartiya Sikke, IIRNS Publications Nasik, p.21. 467. Jha, Amiteshwar.: Bhartiya Sikke, IIRNS Publications Nasik, p.21.

181

121 coins are of above 6 gms. This shows a very erratic movement

towards ascertain the denomination status. In otherword we cannot

determine the denomination properly. It is very difficult to belief that

the quantity of coins above half pana is not more than ten percent

approximately. Infact there is no symmetry and continuity in weight of

Pa c la coins. How it can possible that most of Pa c la kings had not

been issued coins of denomination more than half pana except some

‘mitra’ king? A very primary thinking is that a monetary system ruled

by some thumb rules in which a good governance towards issue of

coins is very essential. The coins of Mauryas have a symmetry in

weights without considering of its locus. The Artha stra of Kautilya

has a full chapter in this regard.468 What is the reason of this deficiency

in Pa c la coins? The reason is one, and only one, that there was not

any control on monetary system, because there was not only centralize

system of governance.

6. A passage from K.D Bajpai is very important in regard to ascertain the

fair position of Janpada coins, but there is confusion, the reason, lack

of reliable data, evidences and information or what so ever. K.D.

Bajpai says –‘It is generally assumed now that the Janpada coins under

review began their appearance soon after the disintegration of the

Maurya Empire after the death of A oka. It is difficult to assign, with

certainty, some coins bearing the names of Nigamas or of cities, to pre-

A okan period, although there has been some tendency to do this.

468. Artha astra of Kautilya-V

182

Adequate stratified evidence is not available to us to assign these

inscribed coins to the pre-Maurya or Maurya epoch……’.469 Hence it

is not certain that the coins with inscription showing a name belongs to

ruler/king or otherwise.

7. Coins of some contemporary series such as Kau mbi & yodhya, the

experts himself in confusion to which coin or coin group have been

issued by king, guilds or corporations of Gandhikas, traders, traders

family, traders man, naigama etc. due to various inscriptions and

characters.470 The position of Pa c la is not different in some of

parameters as of yodhya and Kau mbi.

8. Coins of same or almost same reverse with different inscriptions are

very curious composition in regard of assessing the series of Pa c la.

All the ‘mitra’ ending coins without so called Pa c la symbols in

obverse, are almost same reverse with die-varieties. There are no traces

of personification of any dev /deity in reverse, pertaining to

inscription on obverse. The said series of coins with six different

inscriptions have supposed to be minted at a very small time frame

instead one by one in a continuous manner. There are similar

representations on the coins of Agnimitra and Jayamitra’s some

varieties as well as some varieties of Agnimitra, Dhruvmitra,

Indramitra, Jayagupta and Jayamitra etc. According to Amiteshwar

469. Bajpai, K.D.: ‘The Janpada coins: Their terminology, classification & chronology’, Idian Numismatics studies, Abhinav Publication, New Delhi 1976, p.11.

470. (i) Cunningham, A.: Coins of Ancient India, London 1891, Reprint Indological Book House Delhi 1971, p.91.

(ii) Bajpai, K.D.: A note on the legend ‘Gadhikanam’, Indian Numismatics studies, Abhinav Publication New Delhi 1976, p.53.

183

Jha-‘;s Hkh lEHko gS fd bueesa ls dqN ,d gh le; esa “kklu dj jgs Fks---------

---A*471 Is there any possibility that the inscriptions on these coins does

not belong to king’s name?

In brief the whole of Pa c la coin series have no monarchial

tendencies at all and the discussions as above are give us a presumption that

the Pa c la was a non-monarchial state and the political set up of the Pa c la

was clearly republican.

Personification of dev s/deities on coins:-

We see the later universal series of coins such as Kus nas, Guptas

have some dev s, deities…..depicted on coins to commemorate of such

dev /deities. It is the practice to be adopted since a long period; even we see

the mother goddess or earth goddess from Indus civilization. This idea of

mother goddess or earth goddess was well known to the Vedic ryans. To

begin with, it appears in the form of Prithvi, but later on it is called Aditi,

Prakriti, Durga, Gauri and Kali etc. The male consort of the mother goddess

corresponds to iva who is also known as Pasupati. On the famous seals from

Sindhu valley found a male god, horned and three-faced, in Yogic pose, his

legs bent and surrounded by four animals, the elephant, the tiger, the

rhinaceras and buffalo by a couple of deer, indicating that the god is the lord

of the animals. On the basis of the evidence, Sir John Marshall came to the

conclusion that aivism was the oldest religion in India and the deity was the

‘prototype of the historic iva’. The Kus nas and Gupta coins had been 471. >k] vfers”oj % Hkkjrh; flDds ,d ,sfrgkfld ifjp;&IIRNS Publication, Anjaneri Nasik,

2003, p. 30.

184

depicted all these animals and also the Lord iva on his bull on Kus na coins

particularly. In Pa c la coins series there are inscriptions i.e. Rudragupta,

Rudraghos a, ivmitra and ivnandi dedicated to Lord iva. There are so

many symbols associated to dev s and deities also depicted in various

Pa c la coins. The dev and deities from Vedic, post Vedic and epic age

have been enjoyed the same position in Pa c la period also.

gni is the most holy and important god of that time. There is more

than two hundred hymn dedicated to Agni in R�gveda. There is a passage in

R�gveda where a wish has been done to deva gni for nursing his

people.472 gni establish the people’s republic among his people by going

door to door.473 In Pa c la coin series the inscription ‘Agnimitra’ to be seen

from 1st C.A.D. to middle 4th C.A.D., it means nearly three centuries.

Meanwhile there are the coins with inscription Dhruvamitra and Rudragupta

belong to the period middle of 4th C.A.D.474 and also for Dhruvamitra the

period according to K.M.Shrimali is C.65 B.C. to 50 B.C.475 and for

Rudragupta the period according to K.D.Bajpai between C.200 B.C. and 150

B.C.476 Is there the second Dhruvamitra and second Rudragupta? The same

position is also seen in Indramitra’s coins. They are the strong evidences in

contention that there was democratic governance in Pa c la in line of

Kuninda’s- Amoghbhuti’s coins.

472. R�gveda, 1/31/12, 7/15/10, 12 & 13. 473. R�gveda, 1/36/19, 1/31/17. 474. See Chapter. 475. Shrimali, K.M.: History of Pa c la, Vol.I, p.116. 476. Bajpai, K.D.: ‘New Pa ch la Coins and chronology ‘, Indian Numismatic studies,

Abhinav publication, 1976, p.85.

185

^_r* is a very important word in Vedic literature. This word is symbol

of immortal law. The word ^_r*is synonymous to ‘truth’ also. ^_re~* derived

from ^_r* means rule, law and regulation etc. according to M.Monier

Williams.477 R�gveda shows that so many dev s and deities are the part of

^_r* and ‘Som ’ was the introducer to ^_r*&^u;Uu`rL; izf”k’kks uoh;lh478]

^_rL; ;kfr ifFkfHk% dfuØnr~*479A The Vedic dev s have been adopted the

‘rule of law’ means ^_r*&_rL; nsok vuqozrk%480 . A passage from R�gveda

shows the relation between truth, law, divinity and immortality ^HktUr fo”os

nsoRoa uke _ra liRuks ve`res oS %*481 Dev s and deities under ^_r* perform

duties for his ‘Janas’, are the very clear indication of a federal or democratic

set up in vedic period. We see a council of dev s in R gveda to perform his

duties in area allocated to him according to rule of law. Todays Hindu

‘Panchangas’ show this phenomenon and predict the future and destiny

accordingly. These dev s are divided in three groups according to area for his

duties viz., (i) Dyusthaniy : - Dyuo, Varuna, Mitra, Sun, S vita, Vis nu,

Chandr , ditya, shwin, Vivashwan and Twasta. (ii) Antariks sthaniy : -

Indra, Rudra, Maruta, Prajanya, ap, Matariśhw , Puśhā, Vayu, Apanpat etc.

and (iii) Prithvisthaniy : -Agni, Prithvi, Som , Brahas pati, Prajapati, diti,

Vishvakar ma, Vāsu, shwanikumara etc. All these dev s described in

R�gveda are associated with day to day working of mankind in any manner.

477. Monier Williams, M.: A Sanskrit-English Dictionary 1899, reprinted, Delhi 1973. 478. _Xosn] 9@86@22 479. _Xosn] 9@86@33 480. _Xosn] 1@62@2 481. _Xosn] 1@68@2

186

This Vedic tradition was alive up to the Pa c la period and onward evident

by so many archaeological remains including coins etc. In Pa c la coins,

there are so many names similar to these Vedic dev s and deities name of

then king, presumed by so many scholars. If we alter the old presumption that

these names represent the names of Vedic devās instead of the name of the

kings then the theory of personification of Cunningham,482John Allan483 etc.

is not valid and some of the confusions can be weeded out.

A very curious question emerge in our mind that, if the inscriptions

depicted on coins of Pa c la have been associated with the gods, dieties etc.,

what is the mean of term ‘Mitra’, especially Mitra ending names or

inscriptions. There is independent description of dev ‘Mitra’ in R�gveda.484

Infact the ‘Mitra’ is a dev who mostly associated with other dev s. gni is

creator of Mitra and Mitra always helpful to gni. In various verses in Vedas

Mitra is with Varuna. There is very close relationship between S rya and

Mitra.485 A passage is as ^fe= % lezktks o#.kks ;qoku vkfnO;kl% do;% iz”kkuk%486.

A very important verse487 says that the ‘Pancaj na’ pray to ‘Mitra’ for so

many good acts, he associated with-l fe=ks Hkofr izkr#?u488] o#.ksu lHkqftra

fe=a izkrO;qZOtqr 489.

482. Cunningham A; Coins of Ancient India, London, 1891, p. 80. 483. Allan, John.: Catalogue of coins of Ancient India, London 1936, p.cxvii-iii. 484. Ṛgveda, 3/59/1. 485. R�gveda, 3/59/02. 486. R�gveda, 3/54/10. 487. R�gveda, 3/58/8. 488. tharv veda, 13/3/12. 489. tharv veda, 9/3/18.

187

This Vedic culture was to be not only continue in Pa c la period but

with strong and a very new version with adoption of new myths.490 At the

time of P nini, there were so many dev s such as gni (4.1.37), S rya

(3.1.114), V yu (4.2.27), Twastha (6.4.11), Apanprtu (4.2.27), Som

(4.2.30), Aryama (6.4.12) etc., as of Vedic time. In Ast dhy yi of P nini

there were attribution of ‘Twin Dev s’ also491 as in s tra ‘nsork }U}s p’.

As per our above discussion, we presume that there has been a very

clear possibility that the inscriptions of Pa c la coins may attributed to dev

and deities day after day. A special fact to be taken in mind that concentration

of coins in 1st C.A.D. is almost optimum, even then the intervention of

Kusanas in north Indian polity were growing.

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

490. Astadhyayi of Panini – dkysH;ks Hkoor~ 4-2-34( _rq% nsorkL; _rO;a gfo%] okFo`rq fi=q’klksFkZr~ 4-2-31 491. Astadhyayi of Panini; 6.2.144, 6.3.26

188

CHAPTER – IX

CONCLUSION

On the basis of literary accounts, archaeological findings from

excavations of the site of Ahicchatra alongwith neighbouring sites from 1861

to date, there is a tentative scatch of then history of Pa c la, we assumed for,

and on the basis of above, a historical map has been constructed by so many

foreign and Indian scholars. Even when it claims to be factual, is coloured by

misrepresentation. The dust of time spread over the facts is main reason of

this misrepresentation. A very concluded approach is to be needed for. The

various sporadic datas new and old are to be included after careful

examination to reach a conclusive result towards the reconstruction of then

history. Our work now to be calculated for the time being is mostly based on

the primary sources of knowledge in which coins are in main role. A reliable

reconstruction of history the coins also have the most important evidences.

These speechless metal pieces have a great quality of conversation without

disturbing the desolation.

No doubt there was Samgha system or non-monarchical government is

Pa c la in past Vedic period. Ch ndogyaopanis�ad,492 Br�had ranyak-

apanis�ad493 etc. endorsed our contension. The Mahajanapada period also

492. Ch ndagyaopnis�ad, 5.3.10-11 493. Br�had ran�yakapanis�ad 6.2.1.11

189

witnessed the same system of government according to so many texts of that

time such as Artha stra of Kautilya.494 The period, for which our work

belongs, described by T.W Rhys Davids as the ‘Period of utmost confusion’

and darkness495, A.S.Altekar as ‘Dark Age’ but in fact ‘The period with

desolation’. As our research and this work, the fact is that period to be taken

as ‘Dawn of immense possibilities’. So many experiments to be done in land

of Pa c la and development of new doctrines were taken place. The doctrine

‘Dharma Sambhav ’ now known as ‘Secularism’ now is regarded by whole

of the world had been developed in land of Pa c la evident by Pa c la series

of coins. No other series of ancient world is such multi facet as of Pa c la

coin series. On going to study the so many Pa c la coins, already listed and

newly received ones, we astonished to see the results that have been impacted

not only the prevailing theories, but open a new horizon to think a fresh also.

A general perception is that the Pa c la kingdom was a part of

Mauryan Empire and become independent in declining phase of Mauryas or

post Mauryan period. Is it true? Some recently known coins with special

reference to coins with inscription ‘Mitra’ and ‘Vi vagupta’ show a very

divergent trend in this regard. The palaeography of these coins belongs to

Mauryan period and conclusive inference is that the coins are in circulation at

the time of A oka itself. The secondary evidences such as in word of Romila

Thapar……at the time of Kautilya, there has been so many tribal republics

including Pa c la who are not the part of Mauryan Empire in any

494. Artha stra of Kautilya, IX. I.5 495. Rhys Davids T.W., Buddhist India, T. Fisher Unwin London, 1903, Reprinted LPP

2002. p. 308.

190

manner…..it gives such an impression that these republics have been under

the Mauryan Empire.496 In otherword the pre-eminent position of Pa c la

stands out quite prominently upto the guptas as a republican trait. The

Pa c la coins give us a more elaborate result in determination of its

proximity. There was lack of symmetry, erractic weight standards, no

homogeneous pattern and farmost, problem of chronology. These parameters

are clear symbols of existence a non-monarchial government in Pa c la.

In so many chapters of this work we have been discussed about the

names on these coins. All the foreign and Indian scholars have been declared

the kingship in Pa c la basis of these names even that no secondary

evidences are available to us. No contemporary texts even other relative texts

yet not confirmed these kings in Pa c la. ‘One by one’ system in monarchial

states is also not confirmed. A passage in Manus riti says- ‘losZ’kka rq l

ukekfu dekZf.k p i`Fkd&i`FkdA osn”kCnsH; ,oknkS i`Fkd laLFkk”p fueZesAA’ Why we

are adamant for that, these are only king’s name, even than these names have

complexity in nature and relative meanings. There are repeatation of names

such as Agnimitra, Indramitra, Rudragupta and Dhruvamitra in various time

slots. Opinion of some scholars is different in some contemporary coin

serieses such as Kuninda, yodhya, Kau mbi, in respect of the inscriptions

on coins whether these are king’s name or otherwise. Contemporary coin

series of Yaudheya regarded as republican trait, inscribed the name such as

Bh nuvasa, R vanasa etc. found on the coins. K.D.Bajpai says that these

may represent the names of the Yaudheya chiefs indicating thereby the then

496. Supra : A unique Pa ch la coin with inscription Vi vagupta, p. 124-128.

191

monarchical influence on the Yaudheya coins, although of a limited nature.497

If this view is to be taken in whole of Pa c la series, and then can we

presume the name on these coins may represent the names of the Pa c la

chiefs?

Some other possibilities in connection of this name dilemma have

already been discussed in Chapter IV of this work; we presume that a more

convencing theory may be the commemoration of dev s/deities on most of

the Pa c la coins.

During this work some new interesting coin types have been obtained

and discussed. A completely new inscription on coin ‘Chandramitrasya’ has

been acquired by us and discussed in this work.498 This coin and coin type

give us a new thinking about existence of some more coins with different

new names to be unearthed in due course of time. There was a correlation

between locus and type of coins also. The whole of Pa c la series consist

many small series of coins with different inscriptions depicted on these coins.

There are some series of coins suppose to be minted at the same time

irrespective of names inscribed on it viz. Rudragupta and Dhruvamitra,

Yajyabalas, Yajyamitas, Shivmitra and Agnimitra. Inferences of these

serieses are, the names inscribed on coins of these series do not represent the

name of king in any manner. At the same time there was no need of more

than two kings.

497. Bajpai, K.D. Yaudheya coins – A critical study, Indian Numismatic studies, p. 28. 498.Supra P. Chandramitra a new name on Pa c la coin

192

As discussed in our article named ‘significance of Pa c la symbols’,

already given in this work Pa c la sam gha has been consist three ethical

groups with his own ‘ nka-Laksana’. There are a series of Pa c la coins

without these normal Pa c la‘ nka’ (symbol) with same reverse, and this

phenomenon portray in coins also. These Pa c la coins also received by us

countermarked with a prominent Pa c la ‘ nka’ or symbol. After in depth

study of these coins, the screen of Pa c la to have seen with a new picture.

There was a continuous in and out of ethical groups in Pa c la sam gha at

the time of so called ‘Dark Age’, according to ‘law of convenience’. There

were more than three or even higher ethical groups suppose to be associated

to form the Pa c la sam gha and the tendency of Pa c la vary time to time

accordingly.

In course of our study neither we see any text or secondary evidence in

support of monarchy in Pa c la nor do the physical or original sources apart

from coins satisfy our curiosity in this regard. Coins, as an original source

give us a completely new vision pertaining to prevailing theory. These

Pa c la coins confirms the non-monarchial political set up in Pa c la. This is

a common fact that there was a religious loyalty among the ruling class. All

the Pa c la coins have so many religious symbols depicted on it, but negate

any loyalty towards a particular sect. Actually the Pa c la is the developer of

‘optimism’. A passage from Sukl Yajurveda499 describes this ‘optimism’ as

follows:-

499. Sukl Yajurveda 22.22

193

vk czãu~ czkã.kksa czãopZlh tk;rke vk jk’Vªs jktU; % “kwj b’kO;ks·frO;k/kh

egkjFkkS tk;rkeA

nksX/kzh /ksuaqoksZ<k uMokuk”kq% lkfIr% iqjsfU/k;ksZ’kk ft’.kqajFks’Bk% lHks’kks ;qokL;

;tekuL; ohjks tk;rkeAA

fudkes&fudkes u% itZU;ks o’kZrq] QyoR;ks u% vkS’k/k;% iP;Urke~] ;ksx{kseks u%

dYirke~AA

We know that the stupa at Bharhut is oldest one among the remains of

stupas unearthed up to now. Cunningham500 in 1873 found there the remains

of a brick-stupa of moderate size, nearly 68ft in diameter, surrounded by an

elaborately carved railing bearing numerous dedicatory inscriptions……of

A oka records.501 This Buddhist stupa supposed to have been built by King

A oka. Some relics have been received from Ahicchatra are almost identical

to Bharhut relics. A close relation between two cannot be ruled out.

After all this relative assessment after this study gives us a clue that

Pa ch la is a neuclius of civilization which derived from consolidation of

many civilizations of ancient India including Indus and rya. It may be

possible that some of us will not convince with our views in some of points,

but our views attract their attention about some burning questions for further

study. Let us give our humble gratitute to our ancestors, the Pa c las and

500. Cunningham A., The stupa of Bharhut, Indian Edition, Varanasi, 1962. 501. Smith, V.A.; Ashoka, p. 113

194

our motherland the ‘Pa c la: the land of ultimate man of ethics known as

Indian man’, The man as shows in Bh gavad Gita502-

;ksx;qDrks fo”kq)kRek foftrkRek ftrsfUnz;%]

loZHkwrkReHkwrkRek dqoZUufi u fyI;rsA

One who works in devotion, who is pure soul and who controls his

mind and senses in dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him.Though

always working such a man is never entangled.

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

502. Bh gavad Gita V. 7.

195

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171. Journal of Academy of Indian Numismatic and Silliography, Indore.

172. Journal of Asiatic Society of Bombay, (formerly JBBRAS).

173. Journal of Numismatic Society of India, Varanasi.

211

174. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta.

175. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Bombay.

176. Journal of the United Provinces (now U.P.Historical Society),

Lucknow.

177. Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi.

178. Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta.

179. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.

180. Proceedings of U.P. History Congress.

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

i

APPENDIX-1

A Tentative list of Inscriptions/Legends on Pa c la Coins

in alphabaticaly order

1. Acchut

2. Agimitrasa

3. Agnimitrasya

4. Bhadraghosasa

5. Bhadramitrasa

6. Bhanumitrasa

7. Bhumimitrasa

8. Chandramitrasya

9. Damaguptasa

10. Dhruvamitrasa

11. Indramitrasa

12. Jayaguptasa

13. Jaymitrasa

14. Phalgunimitrasa

15. Prajapatimitrasa

ii

16. Prithvimitrasa

17. Pussena

18. Puthmitrasa

19. Rajyamitrasa

20. Rajyavishnumitrasa

21. Revatimitrasa

22. Rudraguptasa

23. Rudraghosasa

24. Shivmitrasa

25. Shivnandisa

26. Shrinandi

27. Shripratapaditya

28. Satmitrasa

29. Suryamitrasa

30. Vangapala

31. Varun Mitrasa

32. Vasusensa

iii

33. Vasumitrasa

34. Vijayamitrasa

35. Vishvaguptasa

36. Vishnumitrasa

37. Vrishabmitrasa

38. Yagbalasa

39. Yagmitrasa

40. Yajanapalasa

41. Yugsensa

Note : The Legends include some consonants actually not in inscriptions but

in pronunciation.

iv

APPENDIX-2

vi

Corrected & Sketched By : Col. Rajiv Rawat

vii

APPENDIX-3

i

PLATE-1

Sequence of Cultures

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15

ii

PLATE-2

16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

iii

PLATE-3

29 30 31

32 33 34 35

36

37

iv

PLATE-4

48

38

39

40 41 42 43

44 45 46 47

v

49 50 51 52

PLATE-5

53 54 55 56

57 58 59

60 61 62 63 64

vi

PLATE-6

Coin Specimens

Achyut

Agnimitra

vii

PLATE-7

Agnimitra

Bhadraghoṣa

Bhanumitra

viii

PLATE-8

Bhanumitra

Bhumimitra

Chandramitra Damgupta

ix

PLATE-9

Dhruvamitra

Indramitra

x

PLATE-10

Jayamitra Mitra Double Symbol

Phalgunimitra

xi

PLATE-11

Rudragupta

Revtimitra Rudraghoṣa

Suryamitra

xii

PLATE-12

Shivmitra

Shivnandi Vasusena Vangapala Damgupta

Vishnumitra Yagabalas

rohilkhand university bareilly thesis · rohilkhand university bareilly thesis ... inscription...

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