2021-07-02 Fri

Saurashtra; was located in the Indian state of Gujarat, also known as the Kathiawar Peninsula. We can get the reference of Saurashtra Janapada in Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. In Ramayana; the name ‘Saurashtra’ is applied to the country from Sind to Bharuch (Today’s Kutch).

It is said; that the Republican people of Saurashtra are mostly known as agriculturists, traders, or warriors. From one of the epigraphical evidence, it is also found that during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, Saurashtra Janapada was annexed to the Maurya Empire.

This silver coin that weighs around 0.96g was issued from Saurashtra Janapada. The obverse of this coin depicts Blackbuck with long antlers facing right in the centre, square box, Taurine & other symbols around, tank with two fishes below. The reverse of this coin depicts Traces of earlier symbols including hare in crescent.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques