[Solved] Design of Gupta Coins | Obverse and Reverse Features

Which one among the following statements about the coins of the Gupta rulers is correct?

[CDS 2016 (I)]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: C

Gupta coins generally featured the king's portrait on the obverse and an image of a deity or a motif on the reverse. They were primarily inscribed in the Brahmi script.

A. The obverse and reverse, both, had only the king's portrait and date.

B. The obverse and reverse, both, had only an image of a deity and date.

C. The obverse generally had king's portrait and reverse had an image of a deity or a motif.

D. The obverse generally had king's portrait and reverse always had a date.

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Gupta coinage successfully combined royal propaganda with religious symbolism, creating a sophisticated visual language for imperial power.

Authentic Source Evidence

Gupta coins typically featured the King's portrait (performing various acts) on the obverse and a deity or sacred motif on the reverse. Legends were written in the Brahmi script.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option C is correct; the obverse showed kings as archers, musicians, or lion-slayers.

Logic 2: The reverse featured Indian deities like Lakshmi, Durga, or Saraswati, or motifs like the lotus or tree.

Logic 3: Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they imply exclusive use of dates or portraits on both sides, which was not the standard practice.

Historical Logic Quest

"What do the 'Lyrist' coins of Samudragupta reveal about him?"

They show the king playing the Veena (lute), highlighting his personal accomplishments as a musician and poet beyond his military conquests.

The Topper's Edge

"The transition to exclusively Indian deities on Gupta coins marked a significant break from the Greek and Iranian influence seen in Kushan coinage."

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