2019-10-31 Thu

Coins speak history they are not just pieces of metals that are used as a medium of exchange for goods and services. They are also used as a tool by N archaeologists and historians to get information about trade, economy, mythology, rulers, military, important events, etc. They are a very authentic source for building up and writing histories.

The above gold gadyana was issued during the medieval period by Western Chalukyas or Feudatories. The obverse of this temple depicts the Shaivite temple with all its architectural features like pillars, Vimana and Shikhara, banners and temple lamps. During the medieval period around the 9th to 12 Century, Shaivism was the dominated and political landscape in Peninsula India. This reflects the use of the Shaivite temple on the coins. Shaivism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism that reveres Shiva as the Supreme Being and the followers of Shaivism are well known as ‘Shaivites’ and ‘Saivites’. It is one of the largest sects that believe in Shiva as the creator and destroyer of the world and the supreme God overall.

The obverse of this gold gadyana depicts Shaivite temple with all architectural features like Pillars, Vimana and Shaikhara along with two banners and two temples flanking. The reverse of this coin depicts a floral scroll emanating out from a Sankha Shell with Kannada inscription ‘Punya’.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery