2021-01-25 Mon

Harshavardhana was an Indian Emperor who ruled the northern part of India between 606 CE and 647CE. He was a member of the Vardhana dynasty, a dynasty that had ruled the north part of India during the 6th and 7th Centuries.

Harshavardhana was the son of Prabhakarvardhana, a rule who defeated the Archons Huna invaders. The dynasty had reached its height peak during the rule of Harshavardhana. King Harshavardhana had covered much of north and north-western India and extended till Kamarupa in the east and Narmada River in the south. King Harshavardhana was defeated by Chalukya king Pulakeshin II in the battle of Narmada when Harsha tried to expand his Empire into the southern peninsula of India.

This silver drachm that weighs around 2.4g; was issued by king Shiladitya Harshavardhana during his rule. The obverse of this coin depicts, bust of the king; to the left with a crescent above. The reverse of this coin depicts Garuda in the centre and the name of ruler in Brahmi around.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction