Gupta Coins: A Cultural Study

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The evolution of the Indian coinage constitutes an interesting subject of study. Though its genesis seems to be indigenous, it imbibed many-fold foreign influence through the course of its evolution. Some of the Indian Coins are more foreign than Indian in their shape, fabric, weight, language and legends. However, in the Gupta period there set in a process of Indianisation of the coins, as a result of which the traces of foreign influences were totally eliminated and coins became thoroughly Indian in all their aspects.
The Gupta coins occupy an important place in history of the Indian coins. This is why they have been studied by a large number of scholars from time to time. In this regard the studies of John Allan and A.S. Altekar are the most notable ones. The catalogues of the Gupta coins already published are the main source of our study. However, in most cases the Gupta coins have been studied Mainly as a Source of Constructing the Political History of the Guptas. Their study from a purely numismatic angle has left much room for improvement. There is a large number of these coins which admit of new interpretations. It is with this point of view that the present study is sought to be undertaken.
This book has been divided into six chapters. First chapter deals with the origin and evolution of the Gupta coins. Chandragupta I was the first Gupta king who started Gupta gold coinage with the issue of Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type.
Second chapter tells about the numismatic contents of the Gupta gold coins such as their shape, weight, size, fabric, symbols, figures, manufacturing techniques and their find places.