The ancient coins of Gujarat provide remarkable insights into a well-structured monetary system that thrived in this region. During a time when commerce mainly operated on a barter basis, these coins served as a significant medium of exchange. The coinage extended far beyond Gujarat, reaching as far as Mewar in southern Rajasthan, where they were used by the minister of Udaya Simha of Jalor. This expansive trade network indicates a sophisticated system of commerce, facilitating the exchange of goods and services across diverse regions.
One of
the notable coin types was the paruttha
dramma, which had widespread circulation in the western Indian
subcontinent. Historical inscriptions support this; for instance, an
inscription from 1184 AD during the rule of Aparaditya II mentions both poruthi drammas and paruttha drammas in Kalyana, near
Thana. Additionally, references from the Silahara ruler Somesvara in 1260 AD
indicate that these coins were also prevalent along the Konkan coast.
Interestingly,
while paruttha drammas circulated widely, they originated from a mint in
Gujarat. The Lekhapaddhati details
that these coins underwent a rigorous examination process at the Srimala mint,
located in modern-day Bhinmal. Governance during this period was marked by the
Paramara and Chauhan dynasties, underscoring the political stability that
facilitated minting.
From
literary and epigraphic accounts, it is evident that the paruttha drammas circulated from AD
1022 to 1206, although they were replaced by newer coinage in later years,
including varieties like bhimapriya
dramma. Coins from Gujarat were known for their higher metal
content—averaging around 3.27 g—which was significantly more valuable compared
to those from regions like Marwar or the Ganga basin.
Overall,
the ancient coinage of Gujarat not only reflects the rich historical and
cultural heritage of the region but also highlights its pivotal role in the
economic systems of ancient India,
marking it as a center of trade and commerce.
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