AIR 123 · CSE 2022 · GS1 · 54 pages

Shreya Tyagi: GS1 answer copy

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

The questions

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 121 words written

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

Opening · a definition

Numismatics is the study of coins in order to understand the history of the concerned age. In India, we have a rich history of Numismatics.

Body · points and prose

Numismatic evidence → history

Diagram
- Political history - 1 The evolution of history from the **barter system to coins showed** the evolution to a more **sophisticated urban economy** - e.g. First punch marked coins emerged during **Mahajanpada era** - 2 The **incoming foreigners** also issued coins to show dominance - e.g. first gold coins by **Indo-Greeks** - 3 The coins depicted the **kings of the era** → e.g. Menander of Indo-Greeks

④ The representation of gods on coins shows the socio-religious leanings of the age. Eg→ Lakshmi type coins of Guptas.

Economic history via numismatics

① The extent and spread of coins showed economic might Eg→ Gupta coins lead to it being called the golden age.

② The purity of coins meant to denote the strength of economy Eg→ Kushan coin purity >>>

③ The mismanagement of coinage shows decline

Close · a summary

Eg→ The copper tankas of Mohd. Tuglaq.

Thus, numismatic serve as a crucial source as well as testament to history of all age.