Silver Karshapana of Magadha Janapada
2020-08-14 Fri
In the ancient period, Magadha was one of the most powerful kingdoms amongst 16 Mahajanapada. Today; this region is located in the area of modern-day Bihar and its capital was at Rajagriha and then at Pataliputra.The meaning of the word Mahajanapada is ‘Great Countries’ or 'Great Republics'. In ancient times Magadha had played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Jainism.
We can find the reference of Magadha in the Indian text ‘Atharvaveda’ where they are found listed along with the Angas, Gandharis, and Mujavats. Magadha kingdom is also mentioned in epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and in various Puranas. In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Magadha was the mightiest kingdom in the country.
This silver Karshapana was issued from the Magadha Janapada. The weight of this silver Karshapana is 3.39g. This silver Karshapana depicts five symbol Sun, six-armed symbol, Rabbit, mammoth, and scorpion.
Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction
Latest News
-
Elephant and Lion on a Copper Coin of the Sangam Cholas
2026-09-24 ThuThe elephant and lion were powerful animal symbols in the artistic and political traditions of an...
-
Ganesha and Shiva Together on a Coin of the Shiv Ganga Rajas
2026-09-25 FriOn Anant Chaturdashi, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with prayers and devotion, celebratin...
-
Elephant on a Punch-Marked Coin of the Vidarbha Janapada
2026-09-23 WedThe history of Indian coinage begins with the remarkable tradition of punch-marked coins, among t...
-
Gandabherunda and Four Elephants on a Gold Half Varaha of Achyutadevaraya
2026-09-23 WedThe Gandabherunda, the mythical two-headed bird of Indian tradition, is one of the most striking ...
-
The Elephant on an Indo-Greek Silver Drachm of Apollodotus I
2026-09-22 TueElephants were not just an important part of Indian heritage and religious traditions; they also ...