2020-01-15 Wed

The Gauda kingdom came into existence during the late 6th century CE in Eastern India. The Gauda was the Hindu power which originated in the region of Bengal (modern-day Bangladesh and West Bengal).

The Gauda kingdom was founded by king Sasanka; It was the first kingdom created by him as a first separate political entity in a unified Bengal. The capital of this kingdom was Karnasubarna, which is about 9.6 km towards the south-west of Baharampur, headquarters of Murshidabad district.

Kingdom Sasanka reigned during the 7th Century, but some experts believe that he ruled approximately between 600 CE and 625 CE. King Sasanka was contemporary to king Harsha and king Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa.

This Abhishekha type base gold Dinar which weighs around 8.9g was issued by king Sasanka. The obverse of this coin depicts Shiva seated on Nandi the Bull and the Brahmi legend Jaya written below the Bull. The reverse side of the coin depicts Abhisheka Lakshmi nimbate, holding a lotus seated cross-legged on a lotus with Brahmi legend Sri Shashanka.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction