2020-06-12 Fri

Western Kshatrapas were the Sakas ruler that had ruled the western and central parts of India. This dynasty was founded by king Chastana in the year 78 AD in a region around Malwa. They are known to be from two different dynasties called Kshaharatas and Kardamak.

? Western Kshatrapas had ruled about350 years with nearly around 27 independent rulers. Western Kshatrapas had ruled alongside the Satavahanas in the south, Guptas to the east, and the Kushanas to the north. In the second to the fourth century CE, Ujjain was their center.

This silver Dracham which weighs around 2.28g was issued by king Satyadaman during his reign in Western Kshatrapas. The obverse of this coin depicts the bust of king Satyadaman with collar, wearing Strapal Cap, date in Brahmi numeral behind the bust, corrupt Greek legend around. The reverse of this coin depicts Crescent on a three-arched hill over a wavy line, crescent in left field and Sun in right field, Brahmi legend in Sanskrit ‘Rajno Mahakshatrapasya Damajadashriya-putrasya Rajno Kshatrapasya Satyadamna’.

This silver Dracham was sold for INR 81,000 in an electronic auction of Oswal Antiques held on 8th June 2020. Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques