Lectures on Ancient Indian Numismatics (Carmichael Lectures, 1921) c7.65

c7.65

But here a question arises : what was the kind of metallic currency represented by the Nishkas in the Rig-Vedic times ? Were they coined money or unstamped bullion currency ? Let us see whether we can settle this point more precisely. Just a short while ago, I told you that as in classical, so in Vedic Sanskrit, the word nishka is used also in the sense of ‘a necklace.' ‘Vedic Sanskrit’ must, of course, include the Ṛik-Saṃhitā. From this Saṃhitā I have already quoted a verse in which nishka occurs in the sense of at least ‘metallic currency.’ If any instance of the other sense from this source is required, it is supplied by Hymn 33 of Maṇḍala II of the Ṛigveda. The line in question is :