Numistatics: Discover History in Coins

Paras Nath Singh, professor, department of ancient Indian history, culture and archaeology, Banaras Hindu University and chairman, Numismatic Society of India talks about the importance of the field.

What's the purpose of numismatics?

There are two important sources for construction and reconstruction of history - archaeological and literary sources.

Archaeological sources include (a) pottery items found through exploration and excavation and (b) coins while literary sources cover epigraphy and palaeography. These are original sources of history.

Coins are an important source material for writing and rewriting history and knowing the financial status of the issuing states. They demonstrate the economic condition of the period and dynasty. Gold coins mean that in a specific period the ruling dynasty had more gold (in other words it was really well-off). The Guptas issued gold coins, which is why they are called the golden dynasty.

The first coins were issued in Lidya (Lydia), a place in Europe. Around 6th century BC, punchmarked coins were issued by local rulers in India, Greece, China and other places.

What difficulties do you face in studying coins?

There are no difficulties. There is so much published material available.

What about the language? Which additional language should a student of numismatics learn?

A person should know palaeography. In India, the coins mostly have Brahmi (inscription), followed by Devanagari and then Greek. You should know the language of the coin you want to deal in.

Typically, what's the premium that coins command in the Indian market?

Coins are a heritage article. They are antique. So, their price automatically increases.

 

Author: Rahat Bano (HT Horizons)

Date: 16th December, 2010

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