2019-12-18 Wed

Taxila is also known as ‘Takhkhasila’ in Sanskrit meaning ‘city of cut stone’ is one of the important archaeological sites situated in Rawalpindi District of Punjab, Pakistan. The earliest settlement of Taxila was founded around 1000 BC at the Hathial site. During the ancient period, Taxila was a major center for learning. It was also an urban metropolis and a meeting point of various cultures, namely the Achaemenids, Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Huns and eventually the Muslims.

In the year 327 BC, Taxila was conquered by Alexander, after Alexander this city came under the control of the Mauryan Empire. During the reign of Ashoka, this city had reached the highest peak of development.

This copper unit which weighs around 1.94g was issued from Taxila city-state capital Pushkalavati. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘Three Arched hill surrounded by Crescent; and Brahmi letter ‘Gau’ to its right. The reverse of this coin depicts ‘Three Arched hill surrounded by Crescent; and Brahmi letter ‘Gau’ towards its left.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction