2020-02-25 Tue

Mahishmati was an ancient Kalachuri Dynasty that existed between the 6th and 7th Century CE having Mahishmati as its capital. According to the ancient Indian reference, the kingdom Mahishmati can be found in the Indian epic like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Digha Nikaya (Buddhist). An ancient poet like Kalidasa had also mentioned Mahishmati as a city in on the Narmada River. During the ancient period, it was one of the very important cities in the southern part of the Avanti Kingdom and later in the Anupa Kingdom. Although the exact location of this city is still not confirmed it is said that it was located somewhere near along the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, India.

The coins and epigraphy of three important rulers of this kingdom are Krishnaraja, Shankaragana, and Buddharaja can be found in a wide area. Kalachuri of Mahishmati started declining with the emergence of Chalukyas of Badami during 7th Century CE. However, they continued to exist in the Malwa region and later in the 12th century CE another Kalachuri dynasty arose in the Deccan with its power seat in Karnataka carving a kingdom out of the Kalyani Chalukyas.

This copper coin issued by King Krishnaraja during the 5th Century CE weighs around 0.94g. The obverse of this coin depicts a seated bull facing towards the right. The reverse of this coin depicts Brahmi legend Sri Krishnaraja within the dotted border.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction