2017-10-03 Tue

Ashva, Haya, Ghoda, Turang - horses are known by various names in India. This majestic animal with tremendous power is mankind’s most helpful and domestic friend. This close intimacy between man and horse eventually reflected in art, sculpture and subsequently in coins.

Horse symbol gained tremendous popularity in 3rd century B.C which is evident by the capitals of Emperor Ashoka. The coins of Mathura ruler Sivadatta depicted horse on the reverse side. The horse figure is very often illustrated on the punch-marked coinage of Kanauja, Takshasila, Kausambi, Mathura, Panchala and Vrishnis. These specimens are a subject of debate amid scholars that a horse on copper coins of Kanauja commemorates an Asvamedha sacrifice.

When one talks about Asvamedha coins, one cannot help but mention the coins of Gupta rulers. The Gupta Kings Samudragupta and Kumaragupta-I issued gold coins to commemorate Aswamedha sacrifices and victory after it. Dr. Altekar stated that these Asvamedha coins are among the best specimens of numismatic art of ancient India.

The above-shown image depicts a coin of Hiranakas dynasty from the region of Penner. The obverse of this coin depicts horse facing right with a sphere and object on the right side. A legend ‘Srivatsa’ is inscribed above it. The reverse side of this coin depicts six arched hills and a tree in railing with a river below it.

Lead coins issued in the regions of Maharashtra and Deccan also bear the horse symbol with a six-arched hill. The city of Suktimati in the Sukatimati Region - a well-known capital of Chedi Desa (kingdom) has issued uninscribed copper unit which depicts Haya. King Damaghsada-I of western Kshatrapas has also illustrated Ashva on his coins.

Horses have a tremendous importance in culture globally, they were the means of transport of people in the past. India Post has also issued various stamps depicting horses of various Indian breeds to celebrate this part of Indian culture since ancient times.

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