2018-10-10 Wed

The advent of the Common Era brought the rule of the mighty Kushan rulers. A dynasty which became one of the prosperous empires of India was established by Kujula Kadphises in 78 AD by gradually carving out a kingdom in the north-western part of ancient India. The dynasty at its paramount controlled a large territory ranging from the Aral Sea in the west to as far east as Benares and as far south as Sanchi.

The Kushan era witnessed immense cultural, economic and political growth and is marked by extensive wealth and prosperity in arts. A fact that is clearly visible through their coinage which interestingly lacks any silver coins except for the known two specimens in museums.

According to the Rabatak inscription, Kujula Kadphises was the great grandfather of the great Kushan king Kanishka I and is considered the founder of the Kushan Empire. Most of Kujula's coins were Hellenic or Roman in inspiration. Some coins used the portrait, name and title of the Indo-Greek king Hermaeus on the obverse, indicating Kujula's wish to relate himself to the Indo-Greek king.

The coin depicted along side is a Silver Heraus type Tetradrachm of Kujula Kadphises. The obverse portrays the Bust of the king facing right, wearing diadem, and jacket. King is shown with long hair, moustache, and a prominent chin. The reverse depicts King riding a horse, right hand resting on a bow case. Nike (Goddess) flying behind king's head holding a diadem in outstretched right hand. Greek control marks in between the horse's legs and a defective Greek legend starting from 8 0' clock meaning of the Tyrant Heraus the kushan.

Image Courtesy: numismatics.org