GS1 · 10 marks · 150 words

Examine the role of numismatic evidence in understanding the political and economic history of ancient India. Provide specific examples.

Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Ancient IndiaArt and Culture

Syllabus: Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

How toppers approached it

From 7 of the 9 answers · about 170 words · 57% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening71%
  • A definition29%

Body

  • Points71%
  • Points and prose29%

Close

  • A summary57%
  • A way forward29%
  • No separate close14%

The toppers’ answers

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 128 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The numismatic evidence plays a critical role to decipher our past, especially the ancient India:

I. Indus valley

Body · points

  1. Seals were often used as coins/ semi-barter system.
  2. Mesopotamian seals found at IVC sites shows foreign trade (Lothal port).

II. A) Indo-Greeks

  1. 1st to use Gold coins, Punchmarked Proper coins.
  2. Depicted Economic prosperity due to overseas new trade routes + clamping upon mauryan legacy.

B) Kushanas → Devakula tradition (Divine kingship) → Purest Gold coins: Prosperity

III. Satavahanas

Lead coins were prominent → Imported → Showed relative decline of prosperity

Diagram
* A circular sketch of a person labeled 'LORDS OF DAKSHINAPATH'

IV. Guptas

Samudragupta

Political Info about his political policies: North India 'Dharni-Bandha' South India 'Gharan Adimoksha'

Diagram
* A circular sketch of a face labeled 'LICCHAVI DAUHITRA'

Economic

Close · a summary

King playing veena (showed relative prosperity) King hunting tiger

Thus, Numismatic experiences/evidences play a critical role in understanding history.

More on Ancient India

Indus Valley to early medieval: polity, society, religion and material culture before c. 800 CE.

All GS1 questions on Ancient India