AIR 274 · CSE 2024 · GS1 · 58 pages

Dommeti Vinay: GS1 answer copy

20 answers by Dommeti Vinay, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 169 words written

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

Opening

Numismatic evidence plays a crucial role in understanding of polity and economy as most of them are produced as court art/economic purposes of great empires.

Body · points

Role of Numismatic in political history:

  1. provided information on the livelihoods and political culture of Indus valley civilisation
  • eg: Steatite seals with symbol of power.
  1. widescale issuance of coins in Gupta period → showcases the
Diagram
* Map of India * Labels: * Harappan civilisation: marked in the northwest region * Mauryas and Guptas: marked in the northern Gangetic plain region * Satavahanas: marked in the Deccan region * Vijayanagara coins: marked in southern peninsula * Cholas: marked in the southern tip * Title: Numismatics in History

political power of Guptas.

  1. Issuance of pure Gold coins → shows the Kushana progress

  2. Satavahanas → used numismatics in trade → showing importance of ports in political strengthening.

  3. Cholas → Cholanadu as sink of coins shows Imperial prowess in South East Asia.

Role in Economic History:

  1. shift of coins from Bronze to Gold shows the economic power that is India

  2. widescale availability of coins in Mesopotamia and Roman regions.

  3. showcases the extensive trade with foreigners

  4. Grants to merchants and religious preachers (eg): Harsha to Hieun Tsang

Close · a summary

Hence numismatics help in understanding the strength of Ancient Indian kingdoms.