AIR 46 · CSE 2024 · GS1 · 53 pages

Rahul Shekhar: GS1 answer copy

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

The questions

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 155 words written

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

Opening

Coins have always been a reflection of the society, as economy as well as polity of the times.

Body · points

Numismatics to understand ancient India -

  1. Seals during Indus valley civilisation • They tell us about trade with several civilisations like Mesopotamia.

  2. Coins began to take shape during Magadh and Mauryan times.

  3. Coins from Sangam empires show relevance of ships, trade with Romans etc.

  4. Gold coins during Kanishka period shows strength of the polity and economy of the Kushanas.

  5. Samudragupta playing Veena shows the patronage of arts by Guptas, thus creating Golden period of Indian history.

  6. Decline of gold coins after Guptas shows weakening political and economic strength in that period.

  7. State patronage to language and religion is reflected in the coins.

  8. Coins also shows the technology and metallurgy of the times.

Close

Coins even today reflect the political nature, but for economic purposes, they are not very significant today.