2019-12-17 Tue

The Kidarites were the dynasty which had ruled Bactria and the adjoining part of Central Asia during 4th and 5th Century. They were one of the few East Hunnic peoples to have been recorded in Western written sources. The Kidarites belong to the complex of people popularly known as ‘Huna’ in India, in American literature, they are known as ‘Honk’ and in Europe, they are known as Xionites (from the Iranian names Xwn/Xyon). The Kidarites is named after one the main ruler named ‘Kidara’. The dynasty appears to be a part of Huna horde known in the Latin source as the Kermichiones.

This gold dinar which weighs around 6.31g was issued from the Kidarites dynasty. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘Standing king facing towards left, sacrificing over altar holding filleted standard, trident to left. Brahmi letter ‘Kidara’ under the arm holding javelin and ‘Kushana’ near the feet to the left. The reverse of the coin depicts a representation of goddess enthroned, holding cornucopia and diadem; traces of Bactrian legend to right and Tamgha to left.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery