National Museum, New Delhi

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Numismatics and Epigraphy

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Indian coinage has a long and rich historical tradition that provides a key source of information of political and economic changes. It also reflects the cultural and aesthetic development of different periods and regions.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Mughal Coin 55.36/77 Silver India 1759 - 1806 C.E Dia- 2.4, Wt- 11.4 gm This coin is issued by Ali Gohar commonly known as Shah Alam II. He was son of Alamgir II and the sixteenth emperor of Mughal Empire. After the murder of his father, he became the emperor of a crumbling Mughal empire by taking the title of Shah Alam II. The time period of his reign was from 1760 to 1788 C.E. and 1788 C.E. to 1806 C.E.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Mehrabi coin of Jalal-ud-Din Akbar. 60.1165/3546 Gold Agra, India 963-1014 A.H= 1556-1605 C.E A Mughal coin dating back to the reign of emperor Jalal-ud-Din Akbar also popularly known as Akbar the “Great”. A fine example of Mughal craftsmanship with minute detailing and unique shape, this coin bears inscriptions on both sides. Obverse side has Kalima in centre with the names of the first four caliphs Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali; date 981 AH. REVERSE: In centre: Jalal-al-din Muhammad Akbar Badshah Ghazi; above: khuld Mukahu; below - zarb Baladah Agra. Popularly known as the “Mehrabi” coin i.e. a coin with scalloped edges; in pendant (two rings can be seen on top to facilitate its use as a pendant on a chain).

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Nalanda copper plate grant 47.51 Copper Nalanda, Bihar 9th Century C.E 76.3 x 42.8 cms Copper Plate inscription of King Devapala deva of Bengal, throws light on the grant of five villages given by the king Devapala in the district of Rajagriha (in Patna division) for the upkeep and maintenance of monks and copying of manuscripts in the monastery built by the Sumatran king on the 21st day of Kartika in the 39 regnal year. It also mentions that the grant was given by the king on the request of Maharaja Balaputra Deva of Suvarnadvipa i.e. Sumatra.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Cooch Behar Coin 53.23/178 Silver India 20th Century C.E Silver coin of the Cooch Behar king Shri Shri Jitender Narayana Bhupraj, Saka 404. On the other side there is Royal Crest Legend Yatodharmastatojayah. The main currency in circulation was the British currency after 1866 and not the Narayani coins (currency of the Cooch Behar). The obverse show a crowned lion on the left and an elephant on the right and the royal crest having Hanuman on top. The coat of arms has the royal motto in Sanskrit shloka of “Yato Dharmo Stoto Jayah” in Bengali script. The shield has patterns and has two swords in crossed position and a balance. The reverse of the Cooch Behar coins has the name of the king and the date as Raja Saka (Cooch Behar Era) 413 which coincides with 1923 C.E.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Roman Byzantine coin 54.14/91 Copper or Bronze Coin from the Roman Byzantine dynasty with symbol on reverse side.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Nepal Coin 55.36/92 Silver Nepal 1799 - 1816 C.E Dia-2.6 cm Wt- 505 gm The coins specimen seen here was minted during the reign of King Girvan Yuddha Vikrama of Nepal. He ruled from 1797 to 1816 C.E. The above coin, circular in shaped is designed with in a small square at the centre, beautifully amalgamated in a circle depicting a tridant . It dates back to 1735 Saka era.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Indore Coin 55.36/132 Indore, India 1886-1903 C.E The coin was issued by Shivajii Rao of the Holkar dynasty, the twelfth Maharaja of Indore. Holkar was a Maratha clan of Dhangar origin in India. Malhar Rao Holkar was the founder of Holkar dynasty. Shivaji Rao Holkar was the twelfth Maharaja of Holkar dynasty of Marathas. He succeeded his father on 17th June 1886 and ruled till 1903 C.E. During his reign he issued silver and copper coins in the denomination of Rupee, paisa and Anna series. All the coins struck at Indore mint represented various symbols such as sun face, bull, etc.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Indo- Greek Coin 56.9/6 Silver India 2nd Century B.C.E Length: 1.4 Width:1.4 Cm. The Hellenistic expansion brought the Ancient Greeks in South Asia also known as Indo-Greeks. They have established the Indo-Greek Kingdom, covering various parts of the northwest and northern Indian subcontinent during the last two centuries B.C.E., and were ruled by more than 30 Hellenistic kings. The Indo-Greeks ultimately disappeared as a political entity around 10th century C.E following the invasions of the Indo-Scythians.

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Chola coin 59.152/321 Base Gold 985-1014 C.E Chola is one of the greatest of Tamil powers who ruled the region for several centuries. Archaeological evidences from Kaveripattanam throw light on regular coinage by the Cholas. Their coins had a symbolic representation including the emblem of the Cholas and on the obverse what is usually seen are symbols those were seen on the early die struck coins of the North. The specimen seen here shows Ceylon standing figure on the obverse and seated ceylon figure "sri rajaraja" in nagari on the reverse side.

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Art and Research

Numismatics and Epigraphy

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection