A Study Of Ancient Indian Numismatics

This book comprises of 5 lectures given by the author before the public at the university of Calcutta in 1920 21. The lectures are lengthy and scholarly and discuss (i) the importance of the study of Numismatics (ii) Antiquity of coinage in India (iii) Karshapana coins and their antiquity (these are coins which are mentioned in the Jataka tales) (iv) Science of coinage in Ancient India and finally (v) The history of coinage in ancient India. Mr. Dr. Bhandarkar was the son of the greal Indologist R.G. Bhandarkar

This Volume Brings Together Twelve Of Kosambi`S Major Essays On The Statistical And Analysical Study Of Coins From Ancient India.

The present book is an authoritative and authentic source for the study of Indian coins. It not only describes the coins but also studies them critically in all their aspects. The points which are dealth with here are on numismatic studies in India; Satamana and Sana; Kautilya and Buddhaghosa on coins; silver coins of Vasisthiputra Satakarni; alleged coins of the Mahisa kings; coins of semi-independent rulers; date of Isvaradatta's coins; Petluripalem hoard; some problems of tribal coins; coins of Kumaragupta I, Harigupta and Ramagupta; coins of Muhammad bin Sam and Prthviraja; coins of Kakatiya Prataparudra I; Gajapati Pagoda, Ganga Fanam and Ramatanka; coins of Bhairavasimha; Maratha mint under the Peshwas; Cowrie-shell, rupee and pice. In describing the features of a particular class of coins from the standpoint of standard, style and fabric or in discussing the significance of the numismatic terms, the author has utilized the literary data which have a bearing on them.

This is the first comprehensive study of the joint commemorative and victory coins of ancient India Which form a more important source of history than the normal issues. The Introduction discusses the nature and scope of the wok. The book is divided into three sections dealing with the Joint Issues, Commemorative Meda-Iiions, and Victory Medals.A detailed bibliography, an exhaustive index, and sixteen Plates of Photographic illustrations add to the merit of the work.