2018-05-09 Wed

Kashi was one of the Mahajanapada during ancient India. Today it is a part of modern Banaras district which includes the part of Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Mirzapur district. Kashi was the name of the country with Banaras as its capital.

According to the Jataka and the Matsya Purana, Kashi Janapada was ruled by Brahmadatta family during 7th and 6th BCE. Kashi Janapada was engaged in a continuous warfare with its neighbouring countries like Kosala Janapada. Later on, Kashi was annexed by Kamsa, the king of Kosala Baranasiggaho, i.e, seizer of Baranashi.

The coins which were issued by Kashi Janapada bear the image of prominent pairs of ‘Whorl’ like symbol with a central dot that seems to be this Janapada’s distinguishing mark.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction