The Coinage of the Gupta Empire and its Imitations c15.s1.t3: Chhatra Type
The Coinage of the Gupta Empire and its Imitations c15.s1.t3
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Chhatra Type
c15.s1.t3.1
Only one coin of the Chhattra type of Skandagupta is known so far and it was found in the Bayana hoard. It is however possible that this type of Skandagupta may not have been quite rare; for among the two hundred and odd coins of the hoard, that were melted down by the villagers, it is quite possible that some coins of this type might have shared that fate; they must naturally have been at the top of the pot, as Skandagupta was the reigning emperor when the hoard was buried.
c15.s1.t3.2
The circular legend on the obverse is incomplete and does not give the name of the king. But the reverse *biruda* *Kramāditya*, shows that the issuer is most probably Skandagupta. There is ample empty space before the letter *kra* of *Kramāditya*; we cannot therefore argue that the reverse legend may have been *Vikramāditya* and therefore the issuer may have been Chandragupta II. Kumāragupta I cannot be the issuer of this type, because he never bore the title *Kramāditya*. On the other hend, we have seen above how Skandagupta uses the *biruda* *Kramāditya* on variety B of the coins of the Archer type. It is therefore most probable that this Chhatra type was issued by Skandagupta. We say most probably, because there is some evidence to show that Ghaṭotkacha, who was perhaps a brother of Skandagupta, also bore this same epithet. If we are correct in atttibuting to him the solitary Archer type coin in the Leningrad Museum, which bears the name *Ghaṭo* on the obverse, its reverse bears the *biruda* *Kramāditya*. Ghaṭotkacha, however, is not so far known to have contested the throne with his brother Skandagupta. If therefore he had ascended the throne and issued any coins, it must have been after the death of Skandagupta. His coins therefore are not likely to have been included in the Bayana hoard. It would be therefore safer to attribute this solitary coin to Skandagupta rather than to Ghaṭotkachagupta.¹
c15.s1.t3.3
¹ For the contrary view of Mr. P. L. Gupta and its criticism, see *J.N.S.I.*, Pl. XIV. pp. 99-102.
c15.s1.t3.4
We now describe the coin.
c15.s1.t3.5
(1) Gold; .8"; 130 grains; B.H., Pl. XXXI. 15. *Obv:* King, nimbate, standing to l., wearing necklace and armlets, r. hand extended and in the posture of offering sacrifice, but no altar visible below; l. hand is on the hilt of the sword at the waist. Dwarf attendant behind, holding umbrella. Circular legend, not complete, but beginning with *Vijitāvani*, partly truncated. *Rev:* Standing goddess, nimbate, facing l., wearing necklace and armlets, r. hand extended holding a noose, l. hand hanging down but holding a lotus with long stalk. Symbol on the l. Legend on the r., *Kramādityaḥ*.
c15.s1.t3.6
(Pl. XIV. 14)