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Consider the following statements:
I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, hamsa, and kakanika.
II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.
The above statements have been associated with which of the following?
1. Emergence of urban life
2. Transition to money economy
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Explanation
The period around the 6th century BCE, often associated with the Mahajanapadas and early Buddhism, marks a significant phase in ancient Indian history. Pali texts from this era provide the first definite literary references to coins such as kahapana, nikkha, and kakanika. This literary evidence is strongly corroborated by the archaeological discovery of punch-marked coins (primarily made of silver) across various sites in the Indian subcontinent.
The introduction and widespread use of metallic money indicate a transition from a barter system to a money economy. This facilitated trade and commerce, which in turn played a crucial role in the "Second Urbanization" of India—the emergence of urban life and towns in the Ganga valley. Thus, the evidence of coins is intrinsically linked to both developments.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic conceptual question disguised with intimidating terminology. While the specific Pali coin names (kahapana, nikkha) might not be in basic NCERTs, the core theme—the 6th century BCE marking the 'Second Urbanization' and the shift from barter to punch-marked coins—is heavily emphasized in Class 12 NCERT and TN Board books. Don't let heavy vocabulary distract you from the basic timeline.
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS
Which one of the following statements with reference to the ancient Indian coins is not correct? (a) The Indo-Greeks issued the first coins bearing the name and images of rulers. (b) The Kushanas issued the first gold coins. (c) The Kushana gold coins were different in weight from the coins issued by contemporary Roman emperors. (d) These Kushana gold coins have been found from several sites in north India and central Asia.
Statement I : The first coins to bear the names and images of rulers were issued by the Kushanas. Statement I : The first gold coins were issued by the Kushanas.
Statement I : James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts which were used in the earliest inscriptions and coins Statement I : James Prinsep found that most of the scripts mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi—meaning ‘pleasant to behold’
With reference to Chandragupta – II, which of the following statements is/are correct ?
1. The strongest evidence in the context of Shaka Victory is the silver coins of this King.
2. The weight of these coins used to be about 33 grains.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
Code :