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U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004

Ancient Economic Systems

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who amongst the following issued gold coins regularly in ancient India?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The introduction of standardized gold coinage was a turning point for the Indian economy, facilitating high-value international trade along the Silk Road.

Explanation The Kushan Empire was the first to issue gold coins on a regular and massive scale in India. Wima Kadphises (Kadphises II) is credited with introducing this system to mirror Roman standards.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Kushan gold coins (Dinaras) typically weighed 7.9 grams and featured a blend of Hellenistic and Iranian styles.
Logic 2: The Satavahanas primarily used lead, potin, and copper for their coins, rarely gold.
Logic 3: The regularity of Kushan gold coinage reflects their control over the trade routes between China and the Roman Empire.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Kushan coins feature diverse deities?

Answer

It reflected the cosmopolitan nature of the empire, which included Greek, Iranian, and Indian subjects.

Core Insight

The regularity of Kushan gold coinage was not just about wealth; it was a sophisticated monetary policy to facilitate the burgeoning international 'global' trade of the 1st-2nd century CE.

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