2021-07-17 Sat

Western Kshatrapas were the Indo-Scythian ruler who ruled over southern Pakistan western and central part of India between 35 CE and 405 CE. They ruled for almost 350 years, with nearly around 27 independent rulers.

They are known to be from two different dynasties called Kshaharatas and Kardamak. The Western Satraps were contemporaneous with the Kushans who ruled the northern part of the Indian subcontinent and were possibly vassals of the Kushans.

This silver drachma that weighs around 1.93g was issued by Isvardatta during his rule. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘King bust to right, Pseudo-Greek legend around’. The reverse of this coin depicts ‘Three arched hills with Sun & Moon, the river below, Brahmi legend “Rajno mahaksatrapasa isvardattasa varse prathame” around’.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques