[Solved] Mahmud of Ghazni Sanskrit Silver Coins | 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

Numismatics can often show surprising cultural intersections where a conqueror adopts the local language or script to ensure the circulation and acceptance of their currency.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mahmud of Ghazni issued silver Dirhams from his mint at Lahore around 1028 CE featuring a bilingual legend: Arabic on the obverse and a Sanskrit translation in Brahmi script on the reverse.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The Sanskrit side featured the translation: 'Avyaktam-eka-Muhammada-Avatara' (The Unmanifest is one, Muhammad is the incarnation).

Logic 2: This was a pragmatic move to make the new currency understandable and acceptable to the local Hindu population of the conquered Punjab region.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What does the Sanskrit legend on Mahmud's coins reveal about his administration?"

It suggests a level of pragmatic local governance where Islamic theological concepts were translated into local terminology for administrative efficiency.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Sanskrit by a ruler often associated with destruction highlights the complex nature of medieval political legitimacy."

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