MasteryExams
History • Ancient IndiaHard

In the context of ancient Indian numismatics and monetary history during the Gupta period, which of the following terms accurately describes the gold coins issued in large quantities by monarchs like Kumaragupta I and Skandagupta?

A. Dinaras✓ Correct Answer
B. Panas
C. Kshapanas
D. Karshapanas

💡 Solution & Explanation

The gold coins issued by the Gupta emperors were known as Dinaras which were modeled after the Roman denarius though they evolved distinct indigenous artistic and metrological features. Panas and Karshapanas generally referred to punch-marked silver and copper currency used in earlier centuries for day-to-day commercial transactions. Kshapanas referred to Jain ascetics rather than any monetary denomination. Gupta gold coins display remarkable artistic excellence illustrating royal exploits and religious motifs.

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