7TH CENTURY GANGA DYNASTY COINS DECIPHERED

These 13 gold coins dating back to the 7th century are sure to challenge the creativity of the new-age jewellers. The gold coins were found four years ago at a temple in Shivamogga district and were kept at the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Bengaluru office for research. The gold coins, each weighing eight grams and featuring intricate carvings of elephants, were deciphered by the ASI’s Bengaluru chapter recently.

The archaeologists have concluded that these gold coins go back to the early Ganga period and are one of the rarest finds in recent years. What makes these coins special is the fact that they have inscriptions with names of the rulers.

Bengaluru has a strong connection with the Ganga dynasty. Numerous stone inscriptions and ‘hero stones’ found in and around the city throw up interesting historical facts about the hamlets and rulers during the Ganga period.

Coins of Ganga rulers are rare and whatever we have found so far are coins of later Ganga rulers, that is, after 8th century. These 13 coins are of early Ganga period which is between fifth and seventh century. The ‘aane varaa (coins bearing elephant carvings) are spectacular,” says TM Keshava, the then deputy superintending archaeologist who had led the excavation with the technical team of Archaeological Survey of India, Bengaluru Circle.

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