U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992

Gupta Numismatics

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which (among these) are Gupta's gold coins?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Gupta period is renowned for its high-quality gold coinage, reflecting the economic prosperity and global trade ties of the era.

Explanation Dinara was the name for gold coins in the Gupta Empire, derived from the Latin 'Denarius'. These coins featured intricate depictions of kings, queens, and deities.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Dinaras were typically made of pure gold and weighed approximately 8 grams.
Logic 2: Kaudi (shells) were used for minor, everyday transactions by common people.
Logic 3: Pan was the silver currency of the Mauryans, while Nishka was their gold unit.

Active Recall

Question

What did the imagery on Dinara coins represent?

Answer

The imagery depicted the king's prowess (e.g., as a warrior or musician), religious devotion, and dynastic legitimacy.

Core Insight

The naming of the 'Dinara' illustrates the deep economic integration between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman world.