2022-11-16 Wed

The Indo-Scythians were named Shakas, a branch of Indo-Iranian Sakas that had ruled the part of central Asia. They were a group of Iranian nomadic pastoral tribes. We get several references to ‘Shaka’ in the Indian text like ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Ramayana’, ‘Puranas’, ‘Manusmriti’ etc.

The first Saka king in India; is referred to as Maues or Moga, who established Saka power in Gandhara. He extended his supremacy over northwestern India.

Azes I was the ruler of an Indo-Scythian ruler who dominated the Scythians in northern India between 58 BC and 35 BC. Azes I was the most lasting legacy that was the foundation of the Azes era.

This Copper Square Pentachalkon, which weighs around 11.3g, was issued by Azes during his rule Indo-Scythians. The obverse side of this coin depicts the legend, ' Poseidon standing facing holding trident, and leaning right foot on river-god'. The reverse side of this coin is inscribed as 'Yakshi standing facing, holding vines, monogram at feet on left, with legend in Kharoshti around'.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction