Home > Indian History > History of India > Coins of the Ikshvaku and Vishnukundi rulers
Coins of the Ikshvaku and Vishnukundi rulers
Fifteen coins of Kach have been found from the hoard of Bayana Mudra Bhanda.

Share this Article:

Coins of the Ikshvaku and Vishnukundi rulersThe Ikshvakus and the Vishnukundins minted several interesting coins. The Ikshvaku coins are mostly made of lead and rarely of potin. The Vishnukundins issued coins mainly in copper and potin. The Ikshvaku coins are cast from terracotta moulds. The Vishnukundin coins were minted by a unique method: first, the circular coin flan is produced by the casting process and later, the designs and symbols are die-struck on the coin.


The designs and motifs on both the Ikshvaku and Vishnukundin coins have been inspired by Satavahana coins. Most of the Ikshvaku coins display the elephant on the obverse. The animal does not possess tusks. Sometimes, an ornamented chain or rope is seen dangling from the neck of the elephant.A solitary Ikshvaku coin depicts, instead of the elephant, a horse standing behind a tall pillar. According to historians, this unique horse-type coin was issued by Chantamula I, the only Ikshvaku ruler who performed the Ashvamedha yaga (horse-sacrifice).

Like the Satavahana coins, the reverse of the Ikshvaku coins too bare the Ujjain symbol. Unlike, the tiny Ikshvaku coins, the Vishnukundin coins display a wide variety of designs and motifs. The earliest Vishnukundin coins feature the humped bull. The majority of the Vishnukundin coins, however, portray a lion with a twisted and uplifted tail and an open mouth. The lion is the dynastic emblem of the Vishnukundins. The animal is also featured in the copper plate seals of this dynasty.

Recently, a new type of Vishnukundin coin has been discovered. The coin features a bearded warrior, riding on a caparisoned horse. The warrior is wearing a long cap, coat and trousers besides earrings. This is the earliest south Indian coin showing a warrior on horseback.

The reverse of the Vishnukundin coins depicts different varieties of pots or vases. Some times, the pot is surmounted by flames. Such a pot may represent a fire altar or a fire pot from which, as per legend, the remote ancestors of the Vishnukundins emerged. The pot shown on some other coins Is the purnakumbha - the pot overflowing with flowers and coins. The purnakumbha signifies auspiciousness, prosperity and joy. The Vishnukundin coins also display a large number of religious motifs such as the svastika, sun, crescent-moon, trident, conch and wheel.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.