COINAGE OF SAMUDRAGUPTA

COINAGE OF SAMUDRAGUPTA 

▪The coinage of the Gupta Empire was initially derived from the coinage of the Kushan Empire, adopting its weight standard, techniques and designs, following the conquests of Samudragupta in the northwest of the subcontinent.

▪The Guptas even adopted from the Kushans the name of Dinara for their coinage, which ultimately came form the Roman name Denarius aureus.

▪The standard coin type of Samudragupta is highly similar to the coinage of the later Kushan rulers, including the sacrificial scene over an altar, the depiction of a halo, while differences include the headdress of the ruler (a close-fitting cap instead of the Kushan pointed hat), the Garuda standard instead of the trident, and Samudragupta's jewelry, which is Indian.

The following types of Samudragupta's coins have been discovered:

▪Standard Type 

Obverse legend: Samara-shata-vitata-vijayo-jita-ripurajito-divam-jayati

 (The unconquered one who has conquered his enemies [and] has continuously attained victories in hundred battles, wins heaven)

Reverse legend: Prakramah

▪Archer Type

Depicts Samudragupta standing fully dressed with a bow on his left hand and an arrow on his right hand

Obverse legend: Apratiratha vijitya kshitim sucharitair (or avnipatir) divam Jayati.

 (Unopposed by hostile chariots, conquering the earth, he conquers heaven by his good deeds)

Reverse legend: Apratirathah

▪Battle Axe Type 

Obverse legend: Kritanta-parshur-jayatyajitarajajetaji-tah

(Wielding the axe of Kritanta (the god of death), the unconquered conqueror of unconquered kings is victorious)

Reverse legend: Kritanta-parashuh

▪Tiger Slayer Type

Depicts the king wearing turban and waist-cloth, and trampling a tiger

Legend: Vaghra-prakramah

(Having the prowess of a tiger)

▪Lyrist Type 

Depicts Samudragupta wearing waist-cloth and seated cross-legged on a couch, playing a veena that lies on his knees.

Legend: the king's name

▪Aswamedha Type 

Obverse legend: Rajadhirajah prithvim avitva divam jayatyahritavaji-medhah

 (the overlord of kings, who has performed the horse-sacrifice, having protected the earth, conquers the heaven) 

Reverse legend: Ashvamedha-prakramah (possessing the valour to perform the horse sacrifice)