2020-11-17 Tue

Yaudheya was an ancient militant confederation that lived in the area between the Indus and the Ganges River. The word Yaudheya is derived from the word Yuddha or Yodha which means Warriors. The Yaudheya had ruled the part of South-Eastern Punjab and Rajasthan. They emerged during the 5th century BC and governed independently until being incorporated into the Maurya Empire. Like many other tribes, they had declared their independence after the death of Pushyamitra Sunga in the middle of the second century B.C.E. They are well known for their skills in the art of warfare, fierce bravery, and good internal administration.

This copper coin was issued from Yaudheya in the name of 'Brahmanya Deva' as the titular deity of the clan. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘Karttikeya standing facing holding a javelin, with hand on hip, partly visible; traces of Brahmi legend to the right.’ The reverse of this coin depicts ‘Deer facing right, an architectural structure (temple) above its back’.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery