Question map
Which one of the following statements about coins struck during 200 BCE to 300 CE in the Indian subcontinent is not correct?
Explanation
The period from 200 BCE to 300 CE saw significant developments in Indian coinage. The Indo-Greeks were the first to introduce bilingual and biscript legends, typically featuring Greek on the obverse and Kharosthi on the reverse. The Kushanas, particularly under Vima Kadphises, introduced extensive gold coinage (dinara) alongside copper coins for lower denominations to facilitate trade [1]. The Satavahanas issued a diverse range of coins in silver, copper, lead, and potin, reflecting their regional economic reach. Statement 4 is incorrect because 'Negama' (merchant guild) coins, found at sites like Taxila, actually signify the high degree of autonomy and economic power held by these guilds during this era. Their presence, rather than absence, is a hallmark of the period's urban commercial vitality. The eventual decline of such local coinage later in history might suggest centralizing state power, but their existence in this period proves guild authority.
Sources
- [1] https://igntu.ac.in/eContent/MA-AIHC-04Sem-DrJitendraJain-%20Ancient%20Indian%20Coinage-Unit1-4.pdf