The Coinage of the Gupta Empire and its Imitations c8.25

c8.25

The selection of the Lion device from the type of Kaneshko may probably be due to *Simhavāhinī* Durgā being the tutelary deity of the Lichchhavis, whose exclusive name appears on the reverse. It must, however, be added that there is so far no definite evidence to show that Durgā was the tutelary deity of the Lichchhavis. Lion device was popular at Vaiśālī, the capital of the Lichchhavis. Aśokan column at this place is crowned with Lion and the seal of Queen Dhruvasvāminī, found at Vaiśālī, has also the Lion emblem.)