[Solved] Sanskrit Inscription on Ghazni Coins | Medieval History

Who among the following issued silver coins with Sanskrit legend on one side?

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 2000]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

To facilitate trade and project authority in his Indian territories (like Lahore), Mahmud of Ghazni issued coins that blended Islamic theology with local language and script.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mahmud of Ghazni issued silver Dirhams featuring an Arabic legend on the obverse and a Sanskrit translation of the Kalima in Sharda script on the reverse (e.g., 'Avyaktam-ekam' for Allah).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: This was a pragmatic tool for economic integration in the Punjab region.

Logic 2: The coins often bore the image of a bull and the Sanskrit title 'Sri Madhava' (Lord Krishna) or other divine epithets to build local acceptance.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"In which city were these Sanskrit-legend coins primarily minted?"

They were primarily minted at the 'Mahmudpur' mint in Lahore.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Sanskrit by an invader like Ghazni highlights the pragmatic necessity of using local cultural markers to ensure the circulation of currency."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Lahore 4

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