2017-12-13 Wed

Samatata (c.450 CE to c.800 CE) was an ancient Indian region in South Eastern Bengal. We find their earliest reference in the Allahabad Prashasti.

The Samatata Kingdom has come to light because of its numismatics evidence. Their coinage initially followed the design of the Kushanas and Guptas but they also show some distinct local features. This local design remained unchanged for a long period of time and now they are recognized as 'Samatata coins'.

The coin featured in the image belongs to Sasanka (600-635 CE). He was the king of Gauda and his capital was at Karnasuvarna, near Murshidabad. The obverse of the coin depicts Shiva, nimbate, reclining on a couchant bull with his left hand upraised and Brahmi legend in the right field (off flan). The reverse has Goddess Lakshmi, seated on lotus and elephants pouring water over her head and Brahmi legend ‘Sri Sasanka’. It is a Base gold Dinar weighing 8.81 grams. This Abhishekha type coin was sold for INR 40,000 at Todywalla Auction.

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