Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The Gupta period is often called the 'Golden Age' due to its extensive gold coinage (Dinara), but they also issued high-quality silver coins following their conquest of Western India.Explanation
Gupta silver coins were known as 'Rupaka'. They were modeled after the coins of the Western Kshatrapas and weighed approximately 2 grams.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Rupaka (meaning 'having a form') was the specific name for Gupta silver currency, used extensively after Chandragupta II defeated the Shakas.
Logic 2: Dinara was the term for Gupta gold coins, influenced by the Roman Denarius.
Logic 3: Karshapana was common in the Mauryan/Pre-Mauryan era, and Nishka was a term used for gold ornaments or early currency in the Vedic/Mauryan period.