A Dictionary of Ancient Indian Coin Denominations

Book excerpt: Once again, at the very outset, I wish to clarify that this is not a new work : This WebGuruCool Indological Studies 4 incorporates parts of my work, Encyclopaedia of Indian Coins (Ancient Coins of Northern India up to c 650 AD), a two-volume work, published by Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi, in 2012. The main object behind undertaking this publication is my wish to make information about ancient Indian coin denominations, available to students, who may be interested, but are unable to access the Encyclopaedia. On a more selfish note, it is a sort of an advertisement for the Encyclopaedia. It is hoped that a perusal of this WebGuruCool Indological Studies 4 may whet the appetite of the readers for the Encyclopaedia. For a brief survey of ancient Indian coinage system, I would refer the reader to the Introduction of my Encyclopaedia of Indian Coins (Ancient Coins of Northern India up to c 650 AD) 1, to my Gleanings in Ancient Indian Numismatics, and to my joint work with Professor K K Thaplyal, Coins of Ancient India. In the Dictionary proper, ancient Indian coin denominations have been arranged in an alphabetical order. Significant ancient texts, mentioning coin denominations, have also been included. I acknowledge, with a profound sense of gratitude, the inspiration I always receive from my Guru, Professor K K Thaplyal, and the warm support extended to me by my family, and extended family of students—Wife Dr Nidhi Srivastava, daughters Pratichi and Purvi, son-in-law Kumar Aishvarya, and students Dr Umesh Singh, Dr Jitesh Kumar Singh, Sushil Chand and Abhay Pratap Singh Rajawat. 04 February 2023. Prashant Srivastava.