Coins provide not only evidence of art and economy, but also a wisdom for understanding the history and politics of a nation. As a means of communication, they speak to the political and religious ideologies that underpinned a ruler's or state's claim to power.
Coinage of India, issued by
Imperial dynasties and
Middle kingdoms began anywhere between 6th century BCE to 1st millennium BCE, and consisted mainly of
copper and
silver coins in its initial stage. Scholars remain divided over the origins of Indian coinage.