2020-01-23 Thu

The word ‘Janapada’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Janas’ and ‘Pada’. One understanding is that The word ‘Janas’ means ‘People’ and the word ‘Pada’ means ‘Foot’; and hence the word Janapada could mean; ‘foothold of the tribes’. While the dictionary meanings indicate that the Janapada's were the empires, inhabited country, mankind or nation. Later, Janapadas became the major realms republics or kingdoms of Vedic India.

Kuntala Janapada was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas of ancient India. Today, Kuntala Janapada includes the region of the Southern part of Maharashtra and the northern part of Karnataka. The mention of Kunatala Janapada is also found in ‘Markandeya Purana’. According to the ‘Markandeya Purana’ Kuntala Janapada is listed under the country of Madhya Desha. During ancient times, the Kuntala region was also ruled by the Nanda Dynasty.

This silver double Karshapana which weighs around 6.15g was issued form Kuntala Janapana. This uni-face coin depicts Pulley with treskelis symbol on its obverse side. This silver double Karshapna is listed for INR 25000 in the upcoming auction of Oswal Antiques which will be held in Ahmadabad on 8th February 2020.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques