THE
EARLIEST COINAGE OF BHARAT AS UNEARTHED FROM BAHAJ EXCAVATIONS
DR. VINAY KUMAR GUPTA
*Superintending Archaeologist,
Archaeological Survey of India, Jaipur,
ABSTRACT
The excavations at Bahaj near Govardhan in Mathura region have been quite
rewarding archaeologically. The site has provided a brilliant information of
early Indian numismatics and palaeography. For numismatic studies, the site has
provided a significant number of coins which include silver punch-marked,
copper punch-marked and uninscribed copper cast coins that have been found in
the lowest deposits of the site taking back the antiquity of coinage in India
to somewhat seventh-eighth century BCE. The coinage which is found with the
deposit of succeeding periods is again very significant and throws new light on
the pre-existing knowledge about their chronology and understanding.
Key-words: Bahaj, silver punch-marked coins,
copper punch-marked coins, uninscribed copper cast coins, cast coins, Kushan
coins etc.
Introduction
The
site of Bahaj (27 47’14.14” N and 77
37’37.130” E) is located at a distance of 4 km east of District headquarters in
Deeg, Rajasthan. The sacred Govardhan hill and Mathura are situated 6 km
and 30 km east of the site respectively. The famous archaeological
site Sonkh (Hartel 1993) is situated about 15 km to the north-east of
Bahaj. The area is generally flat and fertile. Some isolated hillocks are
located towards the north-west of the site. The hills are part of the
Aravallis. The local tradition believes that the site is the old place of
Vajranabha, the great grandson of Bhagavana Sri Krishna, credited for
revival of Braj spots after the demise of Sri Krishna and his Yadava colleagues and
based on that the mound is known as Vajranabha-ka-Khera.
Excavations
The site was taken up for excavations by the
Jaipur Circle of Archaeological Survey of India under the direction of the
principal author for two seasons between January 2024 and July 2025.
During the first season of excavation, 14 quadrants measuring 4.25 x 4.25
m forming part of different trenches, i.e., XB8, ZA7, ZB9 particularly
were taken up for excavations. In the second season of excavations,
15 trenches comprising 50 quadrants were undertaken for excavation, the most
important among them are the Trenches XB9, ZB6, XG3, XG4 and XF3. The site
provides an uninterrupted cultural sequence from the recent times/ medieval
period to the earliest cultural period of the area. The trenches at the centre
of the mound during the first season provided information of cultures starting
from the Medieval period to post-Gupta, Gupta, Kushan, Sunga, Mauryan,
Pre-Mauryan and PGW period with occurrence of BRW and OCP in the lowest
deposits of PGW culture. In another area towards the periphery (contour- 211 m)
of the mound, the cultural sequence starts with the Sunga period and goes down
to the OCP and Palaeolithic period. The layers are running almost horizontally
all over the site with limited disturbances. The overall deposit helps in
understanding the socio-cultural life in relation to the climate
of the area. Various cultural phases are marked by the occurrence of
Palaeolithic tools, Red Ware, Grey Ware, Painted Grey Ware, Black Slipped Ware,
Northern Black Polished Ware, Black-&-Red Ware and Ochre Coloured Pottery
(OCP) and Bahaj-Govardhan Culture pottery indicating various historic to
proto-historic periods.
Two
seasons of excavation at the Bahaj mound have yielded significant evidence of
ancient Indian numismatics. These were recovered from various levels of the
trenches. A total of 220 coins and 47 cowries were recovered. However, due to
excessive soiling and patination on the coins, most of them appeared obscure.
The symbols and inscriptions on them were not visible. Therefore, these coins
were handed over to the Science Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India,
Jaipur, for treatment and cleaning. After treatment and cleaning, encouraging
results began to emerge. However, only 101 coins could be selected for study;
the remaining coins were found unsuitable due to obliterated features. The
study identified coins of following varieties: Silver Punch-marked coins,
Copper Punch-marked coins, Uninscribed Copper cast coins, Inscribed copper
coins, Kshatrapa and Kushan coins.
Silver
punch-marked coins
Seven
silver punch-marked coins were found during the excavation. These coins were
found from Trenches XB8/Q4 and ZA7/Q2. These coins weigh from 3 gm to 3.3 gm.
They are rectangular in shape. Their size ranges from 1.2 × 1 × 0.4 cm to 1.8 ×
1.1 × 0.2 cm. These coins have been cut from the edges to balance their weight.
Four to five symbols are seen on them. Sun, three-arched hill with crescent
top, animal, caduceus, six-armed symbol, are seen on the obverse side and Nandipada,
caduceus on the reverse side of many of these coins. Certain symbols are not
visible on some coins. Out of these, except coin no.1, all coins from coin no.
2 to 5 have the symbol of Sun on the obverse. Coin no.1 was found in a very
worn condition, and a copper punch-marked coin was also found affixed to it
(see coin no.10). This suggests that it was in circulation for a considerable
period. This coin likely came into circulation during the pre-Mauryan period or
even earlier and continued in the pre-Mauryan period, as it was excavated from a
layer belonging to the pre-Mauryan period. Other coins belong to the
pre-Mauryan and Mauryan periods.
Copper
punch-marked coins
18
Copper
punch-marked coins were found during the excavation. These coins were found
from Trenches XB8 and XB9. These
coins are rectangular and square in shape. Their weight ranges from 2.8 gm to 6.47 gm. Their size ranges from 1.1 × 1.1 × 0.3 cm to 1.9 × 1.2 × 0.3 cm.
These coins are of three types. The first type has a lion standing in front of
the Indradhvaja, the second has a
wolf or a dog standing in front of the Indradhvaja.
The third type of coin bears obscure symbols. To make these coins, thin copper
sheets were cut into rectangular or square shapes. Then, various stamps were
used to create these marks. These marks were made with great precision. The
symbols and technique differed slightly from those used for silver punch-marked
coins. The first type of coin has also been found in the excavations at Sonkh (Hartel 1993: 309). These coins were found during excavations from
the pre-Mauryan levels. A hoard of 14 coins was also found
from Trench XB8/Q1. Two circular
copper cast coins were found in this hoard (See Coin Nos. 27,
28). Both these coins appear
as if they have been minted recently. It seems that they were preserved in the
hoard as soon as they were minted. But these were not made using the punching technique
rather by using the casting technique.
Uninscribed
Copper Cast Coins
A
total of 6 copper uninscribed cast coins have been found from Bahaj. These have
been found from Trenches XB8 and ZA5. These are square and circular in shape.
Their size ranges from 1.4 × 1.4 × 0.3 cm to 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm. Their weight
ranges from 2.47 gm to 5.01 gm. They have been made using
casting technique. Three types of coins have been found from here. In the first
type of coin, symbols of left-facing elephant, a three-arched hill with a
crescent on top are found. On the second type of coins, symbols of three-arched
hill with a crescent on top and five-leaved tree in railing (chaityavriksha)
are found. On the third type of coins, the following symbols are found: left-facing
lion with Indradhvaja in front and a
three-arched hill with a crescent on top along with two taurine symbols on both
the sides. The symbol on the third type of coin, the left-facing lion with Indradhvaja on the obverse, is also
found on the copper punch-marked coins recovered from Bahaj. However, the
symbol, a three-arched hill with a crescent on top, along with two taurine
symbols on both sides is not found on those coins. All the coins, except Coin No.
29, are from the pre-Mauryan and Mauryan periods.
Inscribed
Copper Cast Coins
A
total of three inscribed copper cast coins have been recovered from this site, recovered
from Trenches ZB6/Q2 and ZA7. One coin belongs to King Brahmamitra and another
to King Sujeshtha. Another coin bears an illegible Brahmi script. Coins of
Brahmamitra have also been recovered from Sonkh (Hartel 1993) and Rairh in
Rajasthan (Puri 1940). However, an interesting coin has been recovered from
Bahaj, bearing the inscription Sujethasa (Sujyeshtha)
in Brahmi script on its obverse. Previously, only one coin of this type was
known, found in Ajit Ghosh's collection (JNSI 1954). However, he did not
mention the place of discovery of this coin. Another type of lead coin
belonging to the same king was also recovered from excavations at Atranjikhera
(Gaur 1983: 451). However, for the first time, a copper coin belonging to King
Sujeshtha has been found from proper stratigraphic context at Bahaj which is
dated to the Sunga period. It suggests that King Sujeshtha was likely a Sunga
king. The Puranas indicate that after the death of the Sunga ruler
Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra was succeeded by a king named Sujeshtha, who
ruled for seven years (Pargiter 1913). Many scholars believe that the Sujethas mentioned
on coins discovered earlier is the same Sujyeshtha as described in the Puranas
(Gupta 1965).
Kshatrapa
copper coins
A
total of 23 copper coins belonging to the Kshatrapas were recovered during the
excavation at Bahaj. These were found in Trenches ZA7 and ZC5/Q1. In Trench
ZC5/1 the coins were found in the form of a hoard which contained 18 coins in
total. This hoard was kept inside the south-facing brick wall of the said
trench. The weight of all the coins recovered from there ranges from 1.52 gm to
3.07 gm and their dimensions range from 1.4 × 1.5 × 0.3 cm to 1.8 × 1.7 × 0.5
cm. All the coins are circular in shape. All these coins belong to the Kshatrapa
King Shodasa. Some coins are unclear. No symbols are visible on them. However,
the coins which have inscriptions have the word ‘Sodasasa’ written in Brahmi. Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line, a tree and a
svastika symbol are also found on them. Coins of Kshatrapa King Shodasa
have also been found from Sonkh (Hartel 1993: 312-314).
Kushan
Copper Coins
A
total of 34 Kushan copper coins were found during the
excavation. These coins were found in the following trenches namely ZB6/Q3, ZA5/Q2, ZD5/Q2, ZB5/Q4 and XE1. There is
also a hoard from Trench XE1 containing a total of 26 coins. These coins were kept in a small pot. The weight of
all these coins found from the excavation of Bahaj ranges between 14.41 gm to 4.30 gm. These are circular and
semi-circular in shape. Their size ranges from 2 × 2.1 × 0.4 cm to 1.7 × 1.8 × 0.2 cm. These include coins of Kushan
kings Kanishka I, King Vasudeva I and kings of the later Kushan period. A coin
of Vasudeva I was also recovered from our excavations at Bewan. A large hoard
of coins of later Kushan kings was also found from Jamwaramgarh, Jaipur (Pokharna 1997: 51, Pls. XXIV, XXV).
Cowries
An
interesting hoard was recovered from Trench XD1. It is a
hoard of cowries, 47 in number, found kept in a small pot.
Along with these cowries, two copper coins were found stuck together, with a
cowrie shell stuck to them. The patina on the coins makes them difficult to
discern, but they are likely Kushan, as the strata in which they were found belongs
to the Kushan period.
Catalogue
of Bahaj Coins
Silver punch-marked coins
(Pl. I)
1.
Obv.:
There are some symbols on this side, not clearly visible.
Rev.: Symbols are not clearly
visible.
Wt.: 3 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.1 × 0.2 cm, Shape:
rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
2. Obv.:
Five symbols: 1. Sun, 2. three-arched hill with a crescent at the top, 3.
animal (elephant?), 4. Caduceus, 5.not visible
Rev.:
Nandipada
Wt.:
3 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 280
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan (Ref.: Allan 1936: 36; Puri 1940: Pl. XXVIII; Gupta
1965: 65-77)
3. Obv.:1.
Sun, 2. Six-armed, 3. hill, other symbols are not visible.
Rev.:
Symbols are not clearly visible.
Wt.:
3.21 gm, Size: 1.2 × 1 × 0.4 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 210
cm, Period: Mauryan (Ref.: Allan 1936: 36; Puri 1940: Pl. XXVIII; Gupta 1965:
65-77)
4. Obv.:
Four symbols are visible on this side; 1. Sun, 2. Caduceus (?), 3. Right-facing
animal eating leaves, 4. not visible
Rev.:
Caduceus
Wt.:
3.23 gm, Size: 1.4 × 1.2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth:
190 cm, Period: Mauryan (Ref.: Allan 1936: 36; Puri 1940: Pl. XXIX; Gupta 1965:
65-77)
5. Obv.:
Sun symbol is visible, other symbols are not visible.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.10 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus:ZA7/Q2, Depth:
614-630 cm, Period: Mauryan (Ref.: Allan 1936: 36; Puri 1940: Pl. XXIX; Gupta
1965: 65-77)
Plate
I
Obv.
Rev.
(Pl.
I a, Pl. I b)
(a) Obv.: There are some symbols on this side, not clearly visible.
Rev.: Symbols are not clearly
visible.
Wt.: 3.08 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.3 × 0.1 cm,
Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
(b) Obv.: There are some
symbols on this side, not clearly identifiable.
Rev.: A quadruped can be
identified in the symbols; rest is not clear.
Wt.: 3.2 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1 × 0.2 cm, Shape:
rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
Note:
These
two and Coin Nos. 1 and 10 (four in number) were found kept wrapped in a cloth
from inside a ritualistic miniature pot.
Obv.
Rev.
Pl. I
b. Coins wrapped in a cloth piece
Copper punch-marked coins
(Pl. II)
6. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.03 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.8 × 0.2 cm, Shape: square, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 280 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan
7. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
6.47 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.4 × 0.4 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth:
344 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
8. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.5 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.1 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB9/Q1, Depth:
256-271 cm, Period: Early Mauryan
9. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
4.02 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.4 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
290 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
10. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja
in front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
4.87 gm, Size: 1.5×1.5×0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
Note:
It was found stuck with Coin No. 1 and coins included in Pl. I a inside a
miniature pot which was offered inside a ritualistic pit.
11. Obv.: Two ambiguous symbols are visible.
Rev.: A crescent-shaped symbol is visible.
Wt.: 4.47 gm, Size: 1.1×1.1×0.3 cm, Shape:
square, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 180 cm, Period: Mauryan
Plate II
Obv.
Rev.
Hoard 1 (Pl. III)
12. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.4 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: square, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan
13. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.6 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.5 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
14. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.8 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
15. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.: Blank
Wt.:
4.03 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
16. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja
in front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
4.07 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
17. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja in front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
2.8 gm, Size: 1.4 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
18. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja
in front.
Rev.: Blank
Wt.:
3.8 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.5 × 0.2 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
19. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja
in front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
4.15 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
20. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?).
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
5.3 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
21. Obv.:
Left facing wolf /dog (?) with Indradhvaja
in front.
Rev.: Blank
Wt.:
3.3 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320
cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
22. Obv.:
Symbols are not visible.
Rev.: Blank
Wt.:
3.22 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.5 × 0.2 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
23. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
3.55 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.4 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth:
320 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
Plate
III
Obv.
Rev.
Uninscribed Copper Cast
Coins (Pl. IV)
24. Obv.:
Left facing elephant.
Rev.: A three-arched hill with a crescent at the
top.
Wt.:
2.47 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth:
344cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
25. Obv.:
Left facing elephant.
Rev.: A three-arched hill with a crescent at the
top.
Wt.:
3.6 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.5 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XB8/Q2, Depth: 270 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan
26. Obv.:
A three-arched hill with a crescent at the top.
Rev.: Five-leaved tree in railing (chaityavriksha).
Wt.:
2.9 gm, Size: 1.4 × 1.4 × 0.3 cm, Shape: square, Locus: XB8/Q2, Depth: 300 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 60, Pl. I 29; Allan 1936: 93,
Nos.72-75; Gupta 1965: 90; Paramar 1972-73: 4, 23, Pl. I 4)
27. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.: A three-arched hill with a crescent at the
top. Along with two taurine symbols on both sides.
Wt.:
3.4 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.5 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 60, Pl. I 27; Gupta 1965: 91)
Note:
This coin was found in Hoard no. 1 along with the punch-marked copper coins.
28. Obv.:
Left facing lion with Indradhvaja in
front.
Rev.: A three-arched hill with a crescent at the
top along with two taurine symbols on both the sides.
Wt.:
3.5 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XB8/Q1, Depth: 320 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 60, Pl. I 27; Gupta 1965: 91)
Note:
This
coin was found in Hoard no. 1 along with the punch-marked copper coins.
29. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
A three-arched hill with a crescent at the top along with two taurine symbols
on both the sides.
Wt.:
5.01 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZA5/Q1, Depth: 435 cm,
Period: Mauryan (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 60, Pl. I 27; Gupta 1965: 91)
Plate
IV
Obv.
Inscribed Copper Coins
(Pl. V)
King Brahmamitra
30. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, with the Ujjayini
symbol on the left, ‘[Brah]mamitasa’
legend in Brahmi
script from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock on the right side.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
9.18 gm, Size: 2 × 1.9 × 0.7 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB6/Q2, Depth: 1165
cm, Period: Sunga, (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 88, Pl. VIII12;
Smith 1906: 194; Allan 1936: 173; Puri 1940: 51-52, 67, Pl. XXVI11; Gupta 1965:
190, Hartel 1993: 312)
31. Obv.: There is an inscription in Brahmi
script on the edge, but it is not readable.
Rev.: Defaced
Wt.: 4.4 gm, Size: 2.1 × 2.1 × 0.4 cm, Shape:
circular, Locus: ZA7, Depth: 518 cm, Period: Sunga
King
Sujestha
32. Obv.:
In front of the horseman is a male figure, with a chakra shown in upper
right end and the Brahmi legend '[Su]jethasa' inscribed above.
Rev.:
Abhisheka Lakshmi is standing inside the circular circumference.
Wt.:
7.11 gm, Size: 2 × 2.1 × 0.4 cm, Shape: square, Locus: ZA7, Depth: 408 cm,
Period: Sunga, (Ref.: Ghose 1954: 59, Pl. V 2; Gaur 1983: 451, Pl. CXXXV 11; JNSI
1968, Vol. XXX: 56-60; Gupta 1965: 199-200)
Obv.
Rev.
King
Ramadatta
32 (a). Obv.: The goddess is standing
in the middle in abhayamudra. Below this is a river with four dots. To
the right is a lotus-like symbol, and to the left, a tree. To the left of the
goddess, from 8 o'clock to 1 o'clock, is inscribed ‘Rajnaramadattasa’ in
Brahmi script.
Rev.:
Three dots above a wavy line down this side.
Wt.:
9.27 gm, Size: 2.3 × 2.1 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5, Depth: 1040 cm, Period: Late Sunga
Obv. Rev.
32 (b)
Obv.: The goddess stands in abhayamudra,
with a six-pointed flower to her left. Brahmi script is visible along the
border, but it is illegible.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
5.67 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB6/Q3, Depth: 1010 cm, Period: Late Sunga
Obv. Rev.
Kshatrapa Copper Coins
(Pl. VI)
Shodasa
33. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line from top to bottom on the right side and a tree
symbol on the left.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
1.77 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZA7, Depth: 255 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan (Ref.:
Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
34. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line from top to bottom on the right side and a tree
symbol on the left.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.30 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB5/Q1, Depth: 985 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
35. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a tree symbol on the left, legend in Brahmi script, but
illegible.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.31 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: NA, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
36. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line from top to bottom on the right side.
Rev.: Symbols are not clearly visible.
Wt.:
2.43 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth:
NA, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan (Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
37. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line from top to bottom on the right side and a tree
symbol on the left.
Rev.: Symbols are not clearly visible.
Wt.:
2.41 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 1000 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
Obv.
Hoard 2 (Pl. VII)
Shodasa
38. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wavy line from top to bottom.
Rev.: Defaced
Wt.:
2.54 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan (Ref.:
Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
39. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi (?)
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.40 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
40. Obv.:
Svastika symbol is marked below, on the left side there is a legend in
Brahmi script [Soda]sasa.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
3.07 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
41. Obv.:
Svastika symbol is marked below, on the left side there is a legend in
Brahmi script [Soda]sasa.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.87 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.5 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
42. Obv.:
Standing Lakshmi, a wave line from top to bottom on the right side.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.52 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
43. Obv.:
Symbols are not clearly visible.
Rev.:
Symbols are not clearly visible.
Wt.:
3.02 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
44. Obv.: Standing Lakshmi.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.68 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
(Ref.: Cunningham 1891: 86-87, Pl. VIII 5)
45. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.75 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
46. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.40 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.7 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
47. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.57 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
48. Obv.: Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
3.39 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
49. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.68 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
50. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.56 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
51. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
1.58 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.6 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
52. Obv.: Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.94 gm, Size: 1.4 × 1.5 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
53. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
1.99 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
54. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
3.39 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.7 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
55. Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
2.15 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZC5/Q1, Depth: 992 cm, Period: Kshatrapa/Kushan
Plate VII
Obv.
Rev.
Kushan Copper Coins (Pl.
VIII)
Kanishka
I
56.
Obv.:
King standing, offering at altar.
Rev.:
Unclear deity
Wt.:
14.41 gm, Size: 2.5 × 2.3 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB6/Q3, Depth: 860
cm, Period: Kushan
Vasudev
I
57.
Obv.:
King standing, holds a trident in his left hand.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull (?)
Wt.:
7.55 gm, Size: 2.1 × 2.2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB6/Q3, Depth: 1025
cm, Period: Kushan
58.
Obv.:
some dots on the edge.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
5.68 gm, Size: 2.1 × 1.8 × 0.3 cm, Shape: semicircular, Locus: ZA5/Q2, Depth: 685 cm, Period: Kushan
59.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
4.30 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.8 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB6, Depth: 720-750
cm, Period: Kushan
60.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.82 gm, Size: 2 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZD5/Q4, Depth: 860 cm,
Period: Kushan
61.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.:
7 gm, Size: 1.7 × 2.1 × 0.4 cm, Shape:
semicircular, Locus: ZD5/Q4, Depth: 860 cm, Period: Kushan
62.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.18 gm, Size: 2 × 2.1 × 0.3 cm, Shape: square, Locus: ZD5/Q4, Depth: 860 cm, Period: Kushan
63.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.86 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: ZB5/Q4, Depth: 720,
Period: Kushan
Plate
VIII
Obv.
Rev
Hoard
3 (Pl. IX)
Vasudeva
I
64.
Obv.:
King standing facing.
Rev.:
Two-armed Siva standing facing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.23 gm, Size: 1.7 × 2 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
65.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.57 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 2.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
66. Obv.: King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.80 gm, Size: 1.9 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
67.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.50 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
68.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.02 gm, Size: 2.0 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
69.
Obv.:
King standing facing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.33 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
70.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.85 gm, Size: 1.9 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
71.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.04 gm, Size: 1.9 × 2.1× 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
72.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.82 gm, Size: 2.1 × 1.9× 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
73.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.53 gm, Size: 2.0 × 2.0 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
74.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.42 gm, Size: 1.9 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
75.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
6.24 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
76. Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.: 6.00 gm, Size: 1.9 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm,
Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
77.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.60 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
78.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.38 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9× 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
79.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.48 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.9 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
80.
Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
7.63 gm, Size: 2 × 2.1 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
81.
Obv.:
Defaced.
Rev.: Siva standing, behind him bull.
Wt.:
5.13 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.8 × 0.2 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
Late
Kushan
82.Obv.:
King standing.
Rev.: Seated Goddess Ardoksho (?)
Wt.:
6.35 gm, Size: 2.1× 1.8 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm,
Period: Kushan
83.Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Seated Goddess Ardoksho.
Wt.: 6.44 gm, Size: 2.0 × 2.0 × 0.3 cm,
Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
84.Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Seated Goddess Ardoksho on throne.
Wt.: 6.67 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.8 × 0.4 cm,
Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
85. Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Not clear.
Wt.: 6.40 gm, Size: 2 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm, Shape:
circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
86.Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Seated Goddess Ardoksho.
Wt.: 5.99 gm, Size: 1.7 × 2 × 0.3 cm, Shape:
circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
87.Obv.: King standing.
Rev.:
Seated Goddess Ardoksho.
Wt.: 5.55 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.7 × 0.3 cm,
Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
88.Obv.: Defaced
Rev.:
Unclear deity
Wt.: 5.87 gm, Size: 1.9 × 1.8 × 0.3 cm,
Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
89.Obv.:
Defaced
Rev.:
Defaced
Wt.: 4.80 gm, Size: 2 ×
2.1 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
Obv.
Rev.
Cowries
Hoard 4 (Pl. X)
90. A total of 47
cowries were found in this hoard. Two copper coins were also found, with
cowries stuck to them. Locus: XE1, Depth: 283 cm, Period: Kushan
Dorsal side
Ventral side
Other
Ancient Coins
Small denomination coins
The excavation yielded one very small silver coin from Trench XB9/Q2 and
one copper coin from Trench XB8/Q3. Coin no. 91, made of silver, weighs 1.17
gm, measures 1.1 × 1.1 × 0.3 cm, and is circular in shape. Coin no. 92, made of
copper, weighs 2.28 gm and measures 1.1 × 1.1 × 0.4 cm. These coins are half
the weight and size of the silver punch-marked recovered here. These tiny coins
are likely to be 'mashaka', smaller proportions of the 'pana'.
Such small coins have also been found along with hoard of ‘pana’ coins
from Bhir mound in Taxila and Thathari in Madhya Pradesh. Besides these, coins
of this type have also been occasionally found from places like Rawalpindi,
Nasik, Maheshwar, Kaushambi, etc. (Gupta 1965:
78). These coins were of small denominations. The finds
from Bahaj indicate that these coins were used for religious purposes in
addition to transactions, as Coin no. 92 was found in a miniature pot. It may
have been placed there for a ritualistic purpose.
Other coins
Coin number 93 has the nandipada
symbol on the obverse. This coin is likely a copper cast coin. Coin numbers 98,
99, and 100 are similar in size to copper punch-marked coins. Therefore, these
coins should also be copper punch-marked coins. Coin number 101 shows some
Brahmi script characters, but they are illegible due to the patina on the coin.
91. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 1.17 gm, Size: 1.1 × 1.1 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
silver, Locus: XB9/Q2, Depth: 213 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
Obv. Rev.
92. Obv. Some symbols are there but they are
not visible.
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 2.28 gm, Size: 1.1 × 1.1 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB8/Q3, Depth: 201 cm, Period: Mauryan
Obv. Rev.
93. Obv. Nandipada is visible on this side.
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 3.60 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB8/Q4, Depth: 390 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
94. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 4.47 gm, Size: 1.4 × 1.4 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB9/Q2, Depth: 294 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
95. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 3.75 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB9/Q2, Depth: 294 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
96. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 4.06 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.7 × 0.3 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB8/Q3, Depth: 280 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
97. Obv. Left
facing wolf /dog (?).
Rev. Blank
Wt.: 4.57 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB9/Q2, Depth: 210 cm, Period: Mauryan
98. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 2.99 gm, Size: 1.6 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB8/Q2, Depth: 213 cm, Period: Pre-Mauryan
99. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 3.80 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.6 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Material:
copper, Locus: XF3, Depth: NA, Period: Pre-Mauryan
100. Obv. Defaced
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 3.45 gm, Size: 1.8 × 1.7 × 0.4 cm, Shape: rectangular, Material:
copper, Locus: XB9/Q1, Depth: NA, Period: Pre-Mauryan
100(a). Left facing lion (?) with Indradhvaja in (?) front.
Rev.:
Blank
Wt.:
3.38 gm, Size: 1.7 × 1.3 × 0.3 cm, Shape: rectangular, Locus: XB8, Depth: 315 cm,
Period: Pre-Mauryan
101.Obv. Some Brahmi script letters are visible
on this side but they are not readable.
Rev. Defaced
Wt.: 3.19 gm, Size: 1.5 × 1.6 × 0.4 cm, Shape: circular, Material:
copper, Locus: ZC5/Q2, Depth: NA, Period: Kshatrapa/ Kushan
Rev.
Conclusion
The study of coins recovered from the excavations at Bahaj
has revealed numerous historical insights. They have played a significant role
in establishing the stratigraphy of this site. Coins from the pre-Mauryan
period to the late Kushan period have been recovered here, highlighting the
site's historic significance and importance. The hoards recovered here reveal
that the people of Bahaj kept their money in small pots to preserve them. Some
coins bear traces of cloth stuck to them, indicating that they kept them tied
in bundles. The silver punch-marked coins recovered here confirm the
pre-Mauryan and Mauryan presence at Bahaj.
Copper punch-marked coins have also been found at Bahaj,
bearing symbols such as a lion and a standing Indradhvaja, a symbol unique to Indian numismatics. Coins of this
type have previously been found at Sonkh (Hartel 1993), and are now being found
in significant numbers at Bahaj. Therefore, it is clear that these coins are
indigenous to the Mathura region and were likely introduced into circulation by
the local kings of the region. They were in circulation during the pre-Mauryan
and Mauryan period, as these coins have been found alongside pre-Mauryan and
Mauryan strata. One of these coins was accompanied by a worn silver punch-marked
coin, also pre-Mauryan in date.
Copper cast coins, renowned for their minting techniques,
have also been recovered from this site. Two circular coins are particularly
interesting, found with the hoard of copper punch-marked coins. These bear
symbols distinct from those found on other minted coins here. These include a
lion and a standing Indradhvaja in front, and a three-arched hill with a
crescent on top, along with two taurine symbols on both sides. These are a new
type of coin, earlier only recovered from Punjab by Cunningham (1891). However,
they bear symbols similar to those found on the previously mentioned
punch-marked copper coins. Therefore, these should also be local coins of
Mathura region.
The most striking outcome of the Bahaj numismatic study is
the early chronology of the silver and copper punch-marked coins. The two types
of coins were found in the same strata in the pre-Mauryan context. Uninscribed
copper cast coins are also found with copper and silver punch-marked coins,
though they seem a bit younger and lesser in number in the early strata. The
most significant examples come from Trench XB8 at a depth of 320 cm.
Stratigraphically, the deposit belongs to circa 450-550 BCE. Since the
coins found in this deposit are much defaced, it is plausible that they were in
circulation for at least a hundred to two hundred years. Hence, the
punch-marked coinage or the Indian coinage can be better termed as Janapada
coinage and its antiquity can go back to seventh-eighth century BCE.
An important aspect related to finding of earliest coins at
Bahaj is their use for ritual cause. As the coins are still considered sacred
and are used in worship, particularly during the Lakshmi Puja on Dipavali day
and as offering to the sacred rivers, the people of pre-Mauryan period also
used coins for ritualistic activities. In Trench XB8, we found four coins
wrapped in a cloth piece kept inside a miniature pot which was offered in a
ritualistic pit (yajnakunda) filled with natural sand. One or two coins
were found as direct offerings in such ritualistic pits without use of
miniature pots. When the four coins wrapped in a cloth piece (Pl. Ib) were
examined, three were found to be silver punch-marked coin (Coin No. 1, and
coins in Pl. I a) and the fourth a copper punch-marked coin (Coin No. 10).
Among
the inscribed copper coins, two important coins have been found here which were
found from the strata of the Sunga period, one is of the local king Brahmamitra
of Mathura and the second coin is very interesting. This coin belongs to the
Sunga King Sujeshtha mentioned in the Puranas. Leaving aside the lead
coin found from Atranjikhera (Gaur 1983), this type of copper coin of Sujeshtha
found from Bahaj is the first such coin found stratigraphically in excavation.
Seen from the iconographical point of view also, the said coin is a specimen of
excellent art. The depiction of Abhisheka Lakshmi is somewhat exquisite.
Finding of this coin add a new dimension to the numismatic history of the Sunga
period. The two coins of Ramadatta again confirm the Sunga presence at the site
and the ruler might have ruled in around the beginning of the Common Era.
A good number of Kushan era coins have been found from
Bahaj. This shows that the Kushan rulers had a considerable influence on Bahaj.
Plenty of remains of Kushan period structures have also been exposed at Bahaj.
Coins of King Kanishka I, King Vasudeva I and later Kushans have been found
here. Among these, coins of Vasudeva I have been found in greater quantity. In
a hoard found here, coins of Vasudeva I and subsequent Kushan rulers have been
found. This confirms the fact that Vasudeva I and the subsequent rulers also
had authority here.
A hoard of cowries recovered from Bahaj reveals that during
the Kushan period, people here were using cowries for transactions along with
coins. Two coins were also found with a cowrie shell stuck to them. This is
solid evidence of the use of these cowries as currency. Cowries are often
ignored during excavations, but their discovery provides information about the
currency system of that time. Since cowries were an important medium of
exchange and trade, it continued to reflect in Indian psyche and traditions
till few decades back.
Acknowledgements:
The primary author is grateful to the Government of Bharat
through the then Secretary (Culture) Shri Govind Mohan and the present
Secretary Shri Vivek Agrawala and Director General, ASI Shri Yadubir Singh
Rawat for providing him an opportunity to excavate at Bahaj. He is thankful to
the team of students who played an important role in the excavation process and
the colleagues and staff of Jaipur Circle who have helped in the excavation
process in various ways.
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