Mains Daily Question
March 4, 2024

Q2. How does the numismatic study of the Gupta period decode the trends in economy, polity, religion, and arts of that time? (10M, 150W)

Model Answer

Approach to the answer:

Understanding and structuring the answer: With the help of Gupta coins, we must elaborate on four aspects i.e., Polity, religion, economy, and art.

Introduction:

Type 1: Give a brief background of the Gupta empire and write about Gupta coins.

Type 2: Start with defining Numismatics and write in brief about Gupta coinage system.

Body: With the help of coins issued by Guptas, address above four headings i.e., Economy, polity, religion, and Arts.

Conclusion:

Type 1: Conclude with praising the Coinage of Gupta Period.

Type 2: Conclude with highlighting how Gupta period coins helped in getting insight on the Golden age of India.

 

Answer: The Gupta period, which lasted from the 4th to the 6th century CE in ancient India, is considered a golden age of Indian history. Numismatics, the study of coins, can provide valuable insights into these trends and their impact on society during the Gupta period.

Gupta Age coins reflected trends in Economy:

  • Gold as a medium of Exchange: The early Gupta coins were made of gold, reflecting the prominence of gold as a medium of exchange in international trade.
  • Prominence of Silver and Copper: Later Gupta coins were made of silver and copper, reflecting the changing patterns of trade and the increasing use of these metals in local transactions.
  • Reflects the empire's economic policies: as the gold coins were used for large transactions, while the silver and copper coins were used for smaller transactions.
  • Provides information related to the empire: The inscriptions on the coins also provide information on the regional distribution of coin circulation, trade routes, and the taxation system of the period.

Gupta Age coins reflected trends in Polity:

  • The Gupta coins also provide insights into the political structure of the time. E.g., Kumardevi type of coin by Chandragupta 1 shows matrimonial alliance between Guptas and Licchavi republic.
  • The images and inscriptions on the coins depict the Gupta rulers, their titles, and their lineage. E.g., Archar type of coin by Samudragupta, depicts conquest by him.
  • The earliest Gupta coins featured the image of the king on one side and various symbols and deities on the other, reflecting the Gupta kings' belief in their divine right to rule.

Gupta Age coins reflected trends in Religion:

  • The images on the coins also depict deities, such as Vishnu and Shiva, and provide evidence of the popularity of Hinduism during this period. E.g., Chandragupta II issued the Kalasha type of coins; Kumargupta 1 issued Kartikeya type of coins.
  • Gupta coins with Buddhist symbols such as the Bodhi tree and the wheel of Dharma shows tolerant attitude of Guptas towards Buddhism. E.g., Chandragupta II issued the coins with Bodhi tree and Wheel of Dhamma.
  • Gupta coins with various rituals and customs E.g., Samudragupta issued Asvamedha Type of coin; etc. 

Gupta Age coins reflected trends in Art:

  • Gupta coins provide evidence of the artistic styles and motifs of the period. E.g., the images of the Gupta rulers depict them wearing elaborate jewelry and headdresses, reflecting the artistic traditions of the time.
  • Guptas supported art such as Music e.g., Samudragupta’s Veena type of coin.
  • The Gupta gold coins, known as Dinars, are the most exceptional instances of Numismatics and artistic perfection.

The Gupta period is known for its artistic achievements. The Gupta Empire represents the pinnacle of Indian classical coinage. The glory of Gupta coinage saw creative exhibition of Indianite motifs, poetry, and inventiveness. Gupta coinage made a great resurgence with a distinct Indian flavor.

Subjects : Art and Culture
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