[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)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"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.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Brahmi Script 17