Punch-marked coins and early historic pottery discovered at various archaeological excavations across the Mahanadi basin in Chhattisgarh primarily establish commercial links with which ancient imperial power?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The discovery of silver and copper punch-marked coins across sites like Malhar, Taranga, and Arang demonstrates active monetization and economic integration of the Mahanadi basin with the wider trade networks of the Mauryan Empire. These currency tokens circulated widely to facilitate the exchange of forest produce, iron ore, and agricultural goods. The Mauryan state actively sought control over mineral-rich regions in central and eastern India.