2016-10-03 Mon

Studies of iconographic forms and concepts as a numismatic source still need a little research. As far as the cult of Kartikeya is concerned, it’s iconography from numismatic evidence is very less. Here we will try to give you brief information about the portrayal of the deity on various Indian coins.

The earliest representation of Kartikeya on coins occurs during the period of the Kushan ruler Huvishka (first century A.D.) The Kartikeya type coins of Huvishka are seen in various form and style. The deity is depicted standing either alone with the name Mahasena, or in pair with the legend Skandakumaro-Bigazo. Skanda and Kumar are the names of the warrior god Kartikeya.

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Kartikeya was the principal deity of the Yaudheyas, who occupied a prominent position in ancient Indian republican tribes. The picture used aside is one of the unique silver coin of Yaudheya.

They issued a number of copper and rare silver coins depicting Kartikeya with one or six head holding a spear in right hand raised and another arm resting on the hip with the Brahmi legend "Bhagavatasv[a] (or sa)mino Brahmanyadevasya (or sa) Kumarasya (or sa)" around. These types of coin are known as Shadanana Shashthi type.

The most beautiful coins of Kartikeya are seen in Gupta dynasty. Kumaragupta’s Kartikeya type of coins is very famous. The obverse depicts the King feeding the peacock and reverse bears the seated Kartikeya on his vahana peacock.

After the Guptas, Kartikeya -type coins are almost unknown in North India. However, in South India, Chalukyas of Badami have portrayed him on their coins.

Keep visiting this space to know about these coins! Till then, Happy collecting!