The Age of the Imperial Guptas c10: Chapter VI
The Age of the Imperial Guptas c10
- Language
- English
Contents
- c10.21 — 5 parts
Chapter VI
c10.1
Allan’s Catalogue of the coins of the Gupta dynasties in the British Museum has thrown much new light on the subject of the coinage of the Gupta empire, so that certain minor problems only remain to be solved, which must await fresh discovery. Earlier writers on the subject, especially the late Dr. V. A. Smith, paved the way for the preparation of Allan’s great work, but they were obsessed with numismatic theories, which proved a bar to the solution of the many intricate problems which presented themselves in the last century; such as, a second capital of the Gupta empire in the United Provinces, etc.
c10.2
With the rise of the Gupta empire there was a reformation of the currency in Northern India and the current coinage was modified by Samudragupta, the second monarch of the Gupta dynasty. Coins of Candragupta 1, are known in sufficiently large number but it is extremely doubtful whether they were issued by the king whose name they bear. This idea is Allan’s, and his grounds are that instead of being of the Later Kushan type, they are actually of the type of Samudragupta. “The earliest Gupta coins follow the standard of their late Kushan prototypes. Ten well preserved coins of Samudragupta’s Standard type average 118·9 grains (highest 120·6 and 121), four of the archer type 118·1 (highest 120), six of the Candragupta I type, 119 grains (highest 121 and 123), two of the Kāca type (most specimen of which are worn), 117·6 (highest 118), five of the Lyrist type, 118·6 (highest 120·7 and 120) six of the Aśvamedha type, 118·3 grains. These figures agree very well with the weights of the late Kushan coins of the third century which run from 118 to 122 grains. With the types and standard of their northern neighbours the Guptas seem also to have adopted the name dīnāra, by which these coins were known to the Kushans this name is to be traced to the Roman solidus. The variations of four to six grains in well preserved specimens of the same type of Samudragupta’s coin may be due to variations of the standard in different districts, but it probably shows that little effort was made to strike the coins accurately on a particular standard, and that they were considered rather as medals than coins. This standard may be defined as of about 121 grains.”¹
c10.3
¹ J. Allan—Catalogue of the Indian coins in the British Museum—Gupta dynasties. London, 1914 pp. cxxxi-cxxxii.
c10.4
Samudragupta issued coins in which the obverse type of the late Kuṣāṇa coinage, e.g., the Standing King was copied, but he introduced many other variations into it like Jalāl-uddīn Muḥammad Akbar and Nūruddīn Jahāngīr. These are also coins but were struck as memorial medals on certain occasions. “The commonest coins of Samudragupta, the son and successor of Candragupta I, are of the type to which Vincent Smith has given the name Spearman or Javelin, but which may more correctly be called the Standard type. It is evident that Samudragupta's Standard type is a close copy of the later coins of Kushan type, such as have been described by Cunningham (Num. Chron., 1893, Pl. VIII, 2–12 and Pl. IX); practically the only alterations, apart from the legends are on the obverse, where the Kushan peaked camp is replaced by a close-fitting cap, while the trident on the left gives place to a Garuḍa standard (garuḍadhvaja), the emblem of Viṣṇu. The king's name is still written vertically; this custom, which was to survive till the end of the dynasty, is to be traced back through the later Kushan coinage to Chinese influence in Central Asia.”¹ Along with the ordinary Standard type of his gold coins Samudragupta also issued gold coins of the Archer type, the Battle-axe type, Tiger type, Lyrist type, Aśvamedha type and the Kāca type. Allan attributes the coins bearing the names of Candragupta I, and his wife Kumāradevī to Samudragupta. He considers that these coins were issued by Samudragupta, and not by his father Candragupta I, to commemorate his father and mother.¹ His arguments are:—
c10.5
¹ Ibid, p. lxv.
c10.6
¹ *Ibid.*, p. *lxxiii*.
c10.7
(i) If the coins bearing the names of Candragupta I and Kumāradevī were really issued by Candragupta I then we are at a loss to account for a return “to a relatively slavish imitation of Kushan type after the comparative originality of his father’s coins”, in the Standard type of Samudragupta.
c10.8
(ii) “Were the Gupta coins a local development in Magadha of the late Kushan coins, from which they are obviously derived, one would expect the latter to be present in finds of Gupta coins . . . . . . we must, therefore, place the origin of the Gupta coinage in a period when the Guptas had come into closer contact with the late great Kushans whose (eastern) Panjab coinage they copied; what historical knowledge we possess points to this period being, not in the reign of Candragupta I, but in that of Samudragupta.”²
c10.9
² *Ibid.*, p. *lxvi*.
c10.10
(iii) Apart from the initial presumption that the Candragupta coins, being farther removed from the Kushan type than the Standard type, which had no predecessor struck by Candragupta I, are later, a careful comparison of their fabric with that of the latter points to their having been struck by Samudragupta.”
c10.11
(iv) “If Candragupta I issued coins it would be remarkable that Samudragupta did not immediately continue their issue.”¹
c10.12
¹ Ibid., p. *lxviii*.
c10.13
Allan’s contention that the coins bearing the names of Candragupta I and his wife Kumāradevī were memorial medals struck by Samudragupta receives support from other coins’ types of Samudragupta, *e.g.*, the Lyrist, Tiger, Aśvamedha, and Kāca types. Of these types the Aśvamedha is also a memorial medal, having been struck on the occasion of the great sacrifice performed by Samudragupta after his campaigns in the north and the south. The Tiger, the Lyrist, the Archer, and the Battle-axe are similarly freak types, struck on special occasions in addition to ordinary Standard type issued for ordinary circulation. Like the Candragupta I type, the Kāca type still remains unexplained and may be taken to have been struck as a memorial medal in memory of a near relative or a very dear friend.
c10.14
The credit of the reform in the currency of Northern India, therefore, clearly belongs to Samudragupta. Like the currency reforms of Farīd-ud-dīn Sher Shāh the new currency of Northern India in the beginning of the 4th century A.D. brought about a purity in the metal. The later Great Kuṣāṇa currency, the coinage of the Little Kuṣāṇas and even that of the Scytho-Sassanians, were for the most part struck in impure gold. At times, gold coins can scarcely be recognised as such on account of the heavy admixture of baser metals.¹ Like the coinage of the Great Kuṣāṇas the coinage of Samudragupta is entirely in gold and copper. The gold predominates and very few copper coins of Samudragupta have been found. The author knows of only two copper coins discovered near Katwa in the Burdwan district of Bengal, which bear on the obverse a figure of Garuḍa on the top and the name Samudra in one line at the bottom, while the reverse is perfectly illegible.²
c10.15
¹ V. A. Smith—*Catalogue of coins in the Indian Museum*, Vol. I, p. 89, No. 14.
c10.16
² These coins were purchased by a private collector.
c10.17
The Standard type of the gold currency of Samudragupta bears on the obverse “King standing *l.*, nimbate, wearing close-fitting cap, coat and trousers, ear-rings and necklace, holding in *l.* hand standard bound with fillet, dropping incense on altar with his *r.* hand; on *l.*, behind altar, is a standard bound with a fillet, surmounted by a Garuḍa facing. Beneath the king's arm Samudra or Samudra Gupta” in one or two lines. Surrounding the king's figure is the legend, *Samara-śata-vitata-vijayo jit=āri-pur=ājito divam jayati*.
c10.18
The reverse is characteristic of Great Kushan or later Great Kuṣāṇa coinage. “Goddess (Lakṣmī) seated facing on throne, nimbate, wearing loose robe, necklace, and armlets, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and cornucopiæ in *l.* arm; her feet rest on lotus; traces of back of throne on *r.* of most specimens; border of dots. Symbol on *l.* on *r.* *Parākramaḥ*.¹” The variations in the varieties of the gold coinage of Samudragupta are mostly on the obverse, the reverse changing very rarely. Thus in the second type we find “King standing *l.*, nimbate, dressed as in preceding type, holding bow in *l.* hand, while *r.* holds arrow, the head of which rests on ground; Garuḍa standard on *l.* the name of the king is written vertically. The legend on the obverse is *Apratiratho vijitya kṣitiṃ sucaritair-divaṃ jayati* And that on the reverse is *Apratirathaḥ*. In the coins of Samudragupta the obverse legend is sufficient to identify the type of its coins. Allan divides the Archer type into two varieties for a slight difference in the obverse legend.²
c10.19
¹ Allan—*Catalogue*, etc., p. 1.
c10.20
² *Ibid.*, p. 7.
c10.21.1
The remaining types of the gold coinage of Samudragupta may be called freak types and medals, except the Battle-Axe type which is a regular development of the Kushan standing king type. In this type as in the Archer type the king holds a battle-axe (*Paraśu*) in the place of the standard or the bow. The legend shows in certain varieties the syllable *Kṛi* under the king’s left arm. Allan divides this type into three varieties. The first shows the name *Samudra* in a vertical line under the left arm. Surrounding the entire flan on the obverse is the larger legend *Kṛitānta-paraśur-jayaty-ajita-rājā jet=ajitah*. The second variety shows the name of the king in two parallel vertical lines as *Samudragupta*. In the third variety we find the syllable *Kṛi*.¹ In all three variety the reverse shows the figure of a goddess seated on a throne with the legend *Kṛitānta-paraśuḥ*.² The rarest of Samudragupta’s freak types is the Tiger type in which we see on the obverse “King standing *l.*, wearing turban, waistcloth, necklace, ear-rings, and armlets, trampling on a tiger which falls backwards as he shoots it with bow in *r.* hand, *l.* hand drawing bow back behind ear; on *l.*; behind tiger crescent-topped standard as on Battle-axe type.” The difference between this type and the regular types of the gold coinage of Samudragupta is that the king’s name does not appear on the obverse at all, nor is there any circular legend. Under the left arm appears the legend *Vyāghra-parākramaḥ*.
c10.21.2
On the reverse the figure of the sitting goddess gives place to a standing figure of Gaṅgā standing on her *Vāhana*, a Makara and the legend on the right is *Rājā Samudraguptaḥ*.¹ The second freak type is the Lyrist. “King seated, nimbate, cross-legged to *l.*, wearing waistcloth, close-fitting cap, necklace, ear-rings, and armlets, on high-backed couch, playing lyre or lute (*vīṇā*) which lies on his knees; beneath couch is a pedestal or footstool inscribed (*si*).” In this case also there is no king’s name under the left arm but it is given as a circular legend *Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Samudraguptaḥ*². On the reverse we come across, once more, the figure of the seated goddess facing the left, on a wicker stool and the name of the king is given once more in a vertical line to the right, *Samudraguptaḥ*. The third class of coins of this type is the *Aśvamedha*: “Obverse: horse standing *l.*, before a sacrificial post (*Yūpa*), from which pennons fly over its back; on some specimens a low pedestal below. Beneath horse (*si*).” There is a long circular legend on the obverse: *Rājādhirājaḥ Pṛthivīm-avitvā divaṃ jayaty-aprati-vāryavīryaḥ*. The reverse shows “The chief queen (Mahiṣī) standing *l.*, wearing loose robe and jewellery, holding chowrie over *r.* shoulder in *r.* hand, *l.* hangs by her side; on *l.* is a sacrificial spear bound with fillet; around her feet a chain (?) extending round spear and on some specimens gourd (?) at feet.
c10.21.3
No symbol.” The legend on the reverse is *Aśvamedha-parākramaḥ*.¹ The name of Samudragupta does not appear on any of this class of coins and they have been attributed to this king solely on the ground of the average weight and the *biruda* *parākramaḥ*. They differ from the Aśvamedha coins of Kumāragupta I in the *biruda* Mahendra, which appears on the reverse of the latter and the uncertain legend on the reverse of the latter’s coinage *Jayati divam Kumāraḥ*.² We must now return to the medallions struck by Samudragupta in memory of his parents and his relation or friend, Kāca. The memorial medals of Samudragupta struck in memory of his parents are very elaborate. “Obverse: Candragupta I standing to *l.*, wearing close-fitting coat, trousers and head-dress, earrings and armlets, holding in *l.* hand a crescent-topped standard bound with fillet, and with *r.* hand offering an object, which on some coins is clearly a ring, to Kumāradevī who stands on *l.* to *r.* wearing loose robe, ear-rings, necklace and armlets, and tight-fitting head-dress; both nimbate. On *r.* on either side of the standard *Candragupta*, on *l.* *Kumāradevī* or *Śrī-Kumāradevī* or *Kumāradevī-Śrī*.” The reverse shows the seated goddess of the orthodox type but on a lion: “Goddess (Lakṣmī), nimbate, wearing long loose robe, seated facing on lion couchant to *r.* or *l.*, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and cornucopiæ in *l.* arm; her feet rest on lotus;
c10.21.4
behind her on *l.* are traces of back of a throne on most specimens; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*” The reverse legend is simply *Licchavayaḥ*.¹ The memorial medals issued in the name of Kāca are extremely rare, being rarer than the Aśvamedha type. The obverse shows the name Kāca in a vertical line and the type resemble the Standard and Archer types of Samudragupta. “Obverse: King standing to *l.* dressed as in preceding types, holding standard surmounted by wheel (*cakra*) in *l.* hand, and sprinkling incense on altar with *r.* hand.” The name of Kāca is written under the left hand exactly in the same fashion as the name of Samudragupta on his regular coins and there is a long circular legend: *gāmavajitya divaṁ karmabhir=uttamair-jayati*. On the reverse we see the figure of a standing goddess standing to the left, wearing a loose robe, holding a flower and cornucopiæ in left arm. The reverse legend is *Sarva-rāj=occhettā* to the right of the figure.² Allan thinks that “The similarity of the obverse legend to that of the Archer type forms one of the strongest proofs of the identity of Kāca with Samudragupta. The ‘highest works’ are sacrifices, and may be referred to the Aśvamedha sacrifice with more probability than the *Sucaritair* of the Archer type . . . . . . . . . The reverse legend *Sarva-raj=occhettā*, ‘exterminator of all the rājās,’ is regularly applied to Samudragupta, and to him alone, in the inscriptions of his successors;
c10.21.5
it is not found in the extant portions of either of his two known inscriptions, but similar expressions are found in them¹.” In the light of Numismatics this proof is unconvincing, because in the case of no other king of the Gupta dynasty do we find another name of the king under the left arm of his figure on the obverse. In the ordinary type of the coins of the Gupta kings only one name is given under the left arm, *e.g.*, Candra for Candragupta II or Candragupta III, Kumāra or *Ku* for Kumāragupta I or Kumāragupta II and Skanda for Skandagupta. We know that Devagupta was another name of Candragupta II from the Sanchi inscription of the year² 93 and from the inscription of his daughter Kuberanāgā³, but this name has never been used on the coinage of that king. Consequently, it is impossible to believe in spite of the adjective clauses and the weight of Numismatic evidence that Kāca was another name for Samudragupta. We have already referred to him in very rare copper coins of this king.
c10.22
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 14.
c10.23
² *Ibid.*, p. 12.
c10.24
¹ Ibid., p. 17.
c10.25
² Ibid., p. 18.
c10.26
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 21.
c10.27
² *Ibid.*, p. 68.
c10.28
¹ Ibid., p. 8.
c10.29
² Ibid., p. 15.
c10.30
¹ *Ibid.*, p. cx.
c10.31
² *Gupta Inscriptions*, p. 29.
c10.32
³ *Epi. Ind.* Vol. XV, p. 41.
c10.33
No coins of Rāmagupta, the son and successor of Samudragupta, have been discovered and he is not referred to in any of the inscriptions of the later emperors of this dynasty. He was succeeded by his younger brother Candragupta, in whose reign we find a more bewildering variety of coins. Candragupta was the first emperor of the Gupta dynasty who introduced a silver coinage. A silver coinage became necessary after the conquest of Mālava and Kathiawad, where the early and later Western Kshatrapas had been issuing such coins from about the 1st century B.C. The gold coinage of Candragupta II shows a definite effort to leave the standard of the later Kuṣāṇas and to approach that of the heavier standard of the Indian *Suvarṇa*. Allan distinguishes three standards:—
c10.34
(1) “Of these the first is that of 121 grains in use in the preceding reign;
(2) The second of 125 or 126 grains;
(3) and the third of 132 grains. All these are found in the Archer type.”
c10.35
After discussing the weights of the different types of the gold coins of Candragupta, Allan is of opinion that “It is clear, then, that two standards may be distinguished in most types one of 121 grains and another of 126 grains; the latter, which becomes usual in Kumāragupta’s reign, is due to approximation to local standard."'¹ The Standard type of the coinage of Samudragupta was not issued by Candragupta II and the ordinary gold coin of the reign appears to be the Archer type. Allan divides the Archer type into two different classes, in the first of which we find the goddess on the reverse seated on a throne and on the second on a lotus. The obverse bears the figure of the king as on the coins of Samudragupta of the same type: "King standing *l.*, nimbate, as on Archer type of Samudragupta, holding bow in *l.* hand and arrow in *r.*; Garuda standard bound with fillet on *l.*" The king's name is given in a vertical line under the left arm of the figure and around the flan of the coin is the circular legend *Deva-Śrī-Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī Candraguptaḥ*.² Two varieties are distinguished in this class in one of which the string of the bow is inwards and the name of the king is given between the figure and the string. In the other variety the string is outwards and the name of the king is given to the right of the string. In the second class Allan distinguishes several varieties:—
c10.36
¹ Allan—*Catalogue*, etc., pp. cxxxii-cxxxiii.
c10.37
² *Ibid.*, pp. 24-25.
c10.38
(a) King drawing arrow from quiver,
(b) King holding arrow in right hand as in class one,
(c) King holding bow in left and arrow in right hand, and (d) King holding bow in right hand and Standard on right.¹
c10.39
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 26-33.
c10.40
In all cases the reverse legend is *Śrī-Vikramaḥ*. The other types of the coinage of Candragupta II in gold are the very rare, *e.g.*, Couch type:—
c10.41
“Obverse—King wearing waistcloth and jewellery, seated head to *l.* on high backed couch, holding flower in uplifted *r.* hand, and resting *l.* hand on edge of couch.
c10.42
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) seated facing on throne without back, holding lotus in uplifted *l.* hand, resting feet on lotus as on Class I, var. of Archer type; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.43
The obverse and the reverse legend on the couch type are exactly the same as on the Archer type.² The next type is the Umbrella (Chattra) type in which we see:—
c10.44
² *Ibid.*, pp. 33-34.
c10.45
“Obverse—King standing *l.*, nimbate, casting incense on altar on *l.* with *r.* hand, while *l.* rests on sword-hilt; behind him a dwarf attendant holds *Chattra* (parasol) over him.
c10.46
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) nimbate, standing *l.* on lotus, holding fillet in *r.* and lotus in *l.* hand; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.47
There are two classes in this type in which the obverse legend differ. In the first class the obverse legend is *Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candra-guptaḥ* but in the second it is *Kṣitimavajitya Sucaritair-divam jayati Vikramāditya*. The reverse legend in both classes of this type gives the complete *biruda* or *Aditya*-name of this king. The Standard type seems to have been copied from the Battle-axe type of Samudragupta in which a boy or dwarf appears to the left of the king.¹ The Lion-slayer type of Candragupta II was a freak but widely issued type:—
c10.48
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 12.
c10.49
“Obverse—King standing *r.* or *l.*, wearing waistcloth with sash which floats behind him, turban or ornamental head-dress, and jewellery, shooting with bow at lion which falls backwards and trampling on lion with one foot.
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī-Ambikā) seated nimbate, facing, on lion couchant to *l.* or *r.* holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and cornucopiæ in *l.* on *var a* and *b* lotus on other varieties; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.50
Allan divides this type into four classes. The first class shows a different legend around the flan of the coin on the obverse: *Narendra Candra-prathita-divam jayaty-ajeyo bhuvi Siṃha-vikramaḥ*.² In this class Allan distinguishes a number of varieties:—
c10.51
² *Ibid.*, p. 38.
c10.52
(a) King to right but cornucopiæ in the left arm of the goddess.
(b) The goddess holds lotus instead of cornucopiæ.
(c) King to the left.
(d) Goddess holding fillet but lion walking to the right.
(e) Goddess seating astride on lion.
(f) Goddess holding lotus and fillet.
(g) King standing to the right and goddess holding lotus only.
(h) Lion retreating.
c10.53
In the second class the circular legend on the flan of the obverse and the reverse legend are both different. In all varieties of the first class and the third and fourth classes the legend is Śri-Siṁha-vikramaḥ or simply Siṁha vikramaḥ. But in class two the circular legend on the obverse is Narendrasiṁha-Candraguptaḥ Pṛthvīṁ jitvā divaṁ jayati and the reverse legend simply Siṁha-Candraḥ. The coins of the second class are:—
c10.54
“Obverse—King standing to r. shooting lion which falls back, wearing waistcoat with long sashes behind. Reverse—Goddess seated facing, on lion couchant l., with head turned back, she holds lotus in uplifted l. hand and holds r. outstretched empty; border of dots.”¹
c10.55
¹ Ibid., p. 43.
c10.56
In the third class of the lion or lion-slayer type we find:—
c10.57
“Obverse—King standing *l.* wearing waistcloth and jewellery, holding bow in *r.* hand and arrow in *l.*; lion on *l.* retreating.
c10.58
Reverse—Goddess seated facing on lion couchant *l.*, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.* which rests on hip; border of dots. Symbol¹ on *l.*”
c10.59
¹ Ibid., p. 44.
c10.60
The obverse legend is simply *Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candraguptaḥ*. There is another variety of this class in which the circular legend on the obverse is fuller, *Deva-Śrī-Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candraguptaḥ*. In the fourth class of this type we find the king hunting the lion with a sword instead of a bow and arrow. Once more the circular legend on the obverse is exactly as in Class I of this type. The fuller description of Allan is worth quoting:—
c10.61
“Obverse—King standing *r.* with *l.* foot on lion which retreats with head turned snapping at the king as he strikes at it with sword in uplifted *r.* hand. Legend as in Class I.
c10.62
Reverse—Goddess seated facing on lion couchant *r.*, holding fillet in outstretched *l.* and lotus in outstretched *r.* hand as on No. 114.”²
c10.63
² Ibid., p. 45.
c10.64
In the last class or type of the gold coinage of Candragupta II a new type is introduced, which becomes the usual or general type in the reign of his son and successor Kumāragupta I. This is the horsemen type:—
c10.65
“Obverse—King riding on fully caparisoned horse to *r.* or *l.*; his dress includes waistcloth with long sashes which fly behind him, and jewellery (ear-rings armlets, necklace, etc.); on some specimens he has a bow in *l.* hand, on others he has sword at *l.* side.
c10.66
Reverse—Goddess seated to *l.* on wicker stool, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus with leaves and roots behind her in *l.*; border of dots. Var. *a* with symbol on *l.* Var. *b* without symbol.”
c10.67
The circular legend on the obverse is *Parama-bhāgavato Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candraguptaḥ* and the reverse one *Ajita-Vikramaḥ*.¹
c10.68
¹ Ibid.,
c10.69
Soon after the conquest of Mālava and Gujarat, Candragupta II was compelled to issue a silver coinage for these provinces, just as the Mughal emperor Akbar I was compelled to issue a new type of rupee for his recently conquered province of Gujarat. The new type was an exact copy of the late Western Kṣatrapa coinage having the bust on the obverse with the date in Brāhmī numerals, the whole surrounded by traces of meaningless and degenerate Greek legends On the reverse the *Caitya* is replaced by *Garuda*, the family crest of the Guptas. Even the characters of the circular legend on the reverse was very much affected by the peculiar numismatic alphabet of Kathiawad. This legend is *Parama-bhāgavata-Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candragupta-Vikramāditya(ḥ)*. This is variety *a* in the silver coinage of Candragupta II. In the next variety, *b*, this legend varies:— *Śrī-Gupta-kulasya Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Candragupta-Vikramāṅkasya*.¹ Inspite of his long reign the number of silver coins of Candragupta II are extremely rare. Some of these coins were issued in the 9th decade of the first century of the Gupta era and none issued in the eighth decade are known, thus proving that while Mālava was captured before 82 G.E. 401 A.D. Kathiawad was not captured till at least 409. What was the exact cause for which Candragupta II refrained from issuing a separate type of silver coinage for Central India, which was issued for the first time by his son Kumaragupta I, is not known to us.
c10.70
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 49-51.
c10.71
The copper coinage of Candragupta II is much better known and more varied than that of his father Samudragupta. The first variety shows the bust of the king on the obverse and *Garuda* on the reverse with the legend *Mahārāja-Candraguptaḥ*. In the next type the three-quarters figure of the king is given attended by a dwarf. On the reverse we see *Garuḍa* with two hands in addition to the two wings. There are several varieties in this type, the distinguishing feature consisting of the presence and absence of human arms in the figure of *Garuḍa*. In the third type we find the three-quarters length figure on the obverse and *Garuḍa* on the reverse. While the legend on the first and second types is *Mahārāja-Candraguptaḥ* on the reverse,¹ that on the third type is simply *Śrī-Candraguptaḥ*, on the fourth type we find legends both on the obverse and the reverse with the bust of the king on the obverse. The obverse legend is *Śrī-Vikramādityaḥ* and the reverse legend is *Śrī-Candraguptaḥ*. Copper coins of the fifth type show *Garuḍa* standing on an altar with a snake in its mouth and the simple legend *Candraguptaḥ*. On the obverse we find the bust of the king as on type IV, but no legend. The sixth type shows no altar on the reverse but the return of the honorific epithet *Śrī* in the legend, the obverse legend being absent. Coins of the seventh type are very small, being approximately about one-third of an inch in diameter. On the obverse we see the head of the king and on the reverse the figure of *Garuḍa* holding a snake and the simple legend *Candraguptaḥ*. On the eighth type the name of the king only is given on the obverse in two lines *Śrī Candra* and the rest of it *guptaḥ* below Garuḍa on the reverse. In the last *i.e.*, the ninth type the name is still further shortened on obverse as *Candra* and we find a vase on the reverse.¹
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¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 52-53.
c10.73
With the reign of Kumāragupta I Gupta coinage reaches the highest point of excellence and variety. The reign of Kumāragupta I being also the best period of plastic activity, the coins of this emperor are individual objects of Art. “The majority of Kumāragupta I’s gold coins follow the standard of about 126 grains introduced in Candragupta II’s reign but traces of the early standard survive in the Archer type .... A remarkable uniformity is observable in the specimen of the horseman type, the commonest coinage of the reign; twenty-eight specimens average 125.9 grains ........ The light weight (115 grains) of the ‘Pratāpa’ coin is explained by the traces of the original type below, which show that it is some foreign coin restruck, and the unique elephant-rider coin (wt. 124.¹ grains) is obviously of Kumāragupta’s usual standard.”²
c10.74
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 54-60.
c10.75
² *Ibid.*, p. CXXXIII.
c10.76
In the reign of Kumāragupta I the average ordinary gold coin was the Horseman type, which was introduced as a casual or freak type by Candragupta II. The average ordinary gold coin of the two previous reigns, with the standing king on the obverse, of the Standard or Archer type was not entirely given up but issued in very small numbers. There are several varieties in this type according to the obverse legend:—
c10.77
“King standing, nimbate, to *l.*, holding arrow in *r.* hand and bow in *l.*, as on ‘Archer’ type of Candragupta II, bowstring inwards. Garuḍa standard on *l.* (*Ku*) with crescent above beneath *l.* arm. Reverse—Goddess, nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.* which rests on hip; border of dots. Symbol¹ on *l.*”
c10.78
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 61.
c10.79
In the first variety of the Archer type of Kumāragupta I the obverse legend is *Vijit=āvanir=avanipatiḥ Kumāragupto divaṃ jayati*, in the second the complete legend is not available but it begins with *jayati mahītalam*, it is the same in the third variety. In the fourth variety the obverse legend is *Parama-rājādhirāja Śrī Kumāraguptaḥ*. In the fifth it is *Mahārājādhirāja Śrī Kumāraguptaḥ*, in the sixth it is *Guṇeśo mahītalaṃ jayati Kumāra(Guptaḥ)*, and in the seventh the obverse legend is exactly the same as in the fifth variety. In all cases the reverse legend is *Śrī-Mahendraḥ*.¹ The second type of the gold coinage is the finely executed swordsman:—
c10.80
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 61-66.
c10.81
“Obverse—King standing *l.*, nimbate wearing waistcloth and jewellery, casting incense with *r.* hand on altar on *l.*, while *l.* hand rests on hilt of sword at his side. Garuḍa standard on *l.*
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī), nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.* which rests on hip; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.82
The circular legend on the obverse is *Gām=avajitya sucaritair=Kumāragupto divaṃ jayati*. The reverse legend is *Śrī-Kumāragupto*. Like his grand-father Samudragupta, Kumāragupta I performed the Aśvamedha sacrifice and issued special coins for distribution, which are much rarer than the Aśvamedha type of Samudragupta. There are only two coins of the Aśvamedha type of Kumāragupta I in the British Museum:—
c10.83
“Obverse—Horse standing *r.* wearing breastband and saddle, before sacrificial pole (*yūpa*) on altar, the pennons from which fly over its back. Legend uncertain.”
c10.84
Reverse—Queen standing *l.* nimbate, holding *chowrie* over *r.* shoulder and uncertain object in *l.* hand wearing ear-rings, necklace armlets and anklets. On *l.* is a sacrificial spear bound with fillets; border of dots. No symbol.”¹
c10.85
¹ Ibid., p. 68.
c10.86
The Aśvamedha type of Kumāragupta I is to be distinguished from the same type of Samudragupta by the presence of a legend on the obverse, its weight and the *Āditya*-name of Kumāragupta I on the reverse and the weight. Six coins of the Aśvamedha type of Samudragupta weigh 118.3 grains but the first coin of Kumāragupta I weighs 124.5 grains and the second, with a ring, weighs 128.8 grains. The obverse legend begins *jayati divaṁ Kumāra* and on the second it contains the word *Aśvamedha*. The reverse legend on both coins is *Śrī Aśvamedha-Mahendraḥ* like the *Aśvamedha-Parākramaḥ* of Samudragupta.
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We come to the most numerous type of the gold coinage of Kumāragupta I, the horseman. In the beginning of this century the Horseman type was classified according to the position of the horse, *i.e.*, horseman to the right and horseman to the left; but at present they are divided into three classes by Allan, with several varieties in such classes. Class I shows the king riding to the right on the obverse and a seated goddess facing the left holding a lotus with a long stalk on the obverse in the first variety. The circular legend on the obverse has not been completely read. It runs:—*Pṛthvī-talaṁ* . . . . . . . . . . *divaṁ jayati=ajitaḥ*.¹ The obverse legend on the second variety is *Kṣitipatir=ajito vijayī Mahendra-siṁho divaṁ jayati*.² In the circular legend on the third variety of Class I *Mahendra-siṁho* gives place to *Kumāragupto*.³ In the second class of the Horseman type of Kumāragupta I we find:—
c10.88
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 69.
c10.89
² *Ibid.*, p. 70.
c10.90
³ *Ibid.*, p. 71.
c10.91
Obverse—King on horseback to *r.* as before, but holding bow in *l.* hand with string outwards and without sash.
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī?) nimbate, seated *l.* on wicker stool, holding lotus with long stalk and leaves in *l.* hand behind and with *r.* hand feeding peacock from bunch of fruit, which in this variety is distinctly represented, border of dots. No symbol.
c10.92
There are several varieties in Class II; in the first one the circular legend on the obverse is *Gupta-kulavyoma-śaśī Jayaty=ajeyo-’jita-Mahendraḥ*. In the second variety of Class II the legend changes into *Gupta-kul=āmala-candro-Mahendra-karm=ājito jayati*. In this variety the horse is going to the left.⁴ The reverse legend in all classes is *Ajita-Mahendraḥ*. Another freak type of the gold coinage of Kumāragupta I is the Lion-slayer type:—
c10.93
⁴ *Ibid.*, p. 75.
c10.94
“Obverse—King standing *r.*, wearing waistcloth with sash floating behind and jewellery, shooting lion, which falls backward on *r.* from leap, with bow in *l.* hand *r.* drawn behind head.
Reverse—Goddess (Ambikā-Lakṣmī) nimbate seated facing on lion couchant *r.*, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.* hand or lotus only; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”¹
c10.95
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 76.
c10.96
There are four varieties according to differing legends. The legends on the first variety are *Sākṣād=iva Narasimho Siṃha-Mahendro jayaty=aniśaṃ* on the obverse and *Śrī Mahendra-Siṃhaḥ*² on the reverse. The reverse legend on the second variety is the same but the obverse legend is *Kṣitipatir=ajita-Mahendraḥ Kumāragupto divam jayati.*³ In the third variety the obverse legend is *Kumāragupto vijayī Siṃha-Mahendro divam jayati* and that on the obverse simply *Siṃha-Mahendraḥ.* In the fourth variety the reverse legend is the same as in the third but the obverse legend is *Kumāragupto yudhi Siṃha-vikramaḥ.*⁴ The same legend occurs with slight variation of spelling which Allan constitutes into a separate variety. In his freak coinage Kumāragupta I closely followed those of his father, so like the Lion-slayer type there is a Tiger-slayer type also:—
c10.97
² *Ibid.*, p. 77.
c10.98
³ *Ibid.*, p. 78.
c10.99
⁴ *Ibid.*, p. 80.
c10.100
“Obverse—King to *l.*, wearing waistcloth, jewellery, and head-dress, shooting tiger which falls backwards on *l.* with bow held in *r.* hand, *l.* hand drawing string of bow; his *r.* foot tramples on tiger. Crescent-topped standard bound with fillet on *l.*
Reverse—Goddess standing *l.* in lotus plant (?) holding lotus with long stalk behind her in *l.* hand and feeding peacock with fruit in *r.* hand; border of dots. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.101
The circular legend of the obverse is *Śrī-mām vyāghra-vala-Parākramaḥ* and on the reverse simply *Kumāragupto-’dhirāja.*¹
c10.102
¹ Ibid., p. 81.
c10.103
A third freak type, the peacock type, is remarkable as being the most beautiful ever issued by a Gupta Mint master. Kumāra being one of the names of the divine general, Kārttikeya, the emperor Kumāragupta I identified himself with that divinity and issued coins with his own figure on the obverse and that of the god on the reverse:—
c10.104
“Obverse—King, nimbate, standing *l.*, wearing waistcloth with long sashes and
c10.105
jewellery, feeding peacock from bunch of fruit held in *r.* hand, *l.* hand behind him. Reverse—Kārttikeya, nimbate three-quarters to *l.*, riding on his peacock Paravāṇi, holding spear in *l.* hand over shoulder (*śakti-dhara*), with *r.* hand sprinkling incense on altar on *r.* (?); the peacock stands on a kind of platform; border of dots. No symbol.”
c10.106
The obverse legend has not been completely read: *Jayati sva-bhumau guṇa-rāśi—Mahendra Kumāraḥ*, while the reverse legend is simply *Mahendra-Kumāraḥ*.¹ There are two other freak types represented by one coin each, the attribution of one of them only being certain. The first of these is the *Pratāpa* type, the name being coined from the reverse legend *Śrī-Pratāpa*. Allan thinks that this coin was re-struck on another coin which was non-Indian:—
c10.107
¹ Ibid., p. 84.
c10.108
“Obverse—Male figure, wearing long loose robe, with arms on breast (in *jñānamudrā* attitude), standing facing; on his *l.* female figure to *r.*, wearing long loose robe and helmet, with shield on *l.* arm, and holding out *r.* hand (closely resembling Minerva); on his *r.* a female figure wearing long loose robe, standing *l.*, holding out *r.* hand and resting *l.* on hip; the two latter appear to
c10.109
be addressing the central figure Garuḍa standard behind central figure. Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) seated facing on lotus, holding lotus in uplifted *r.* hand and resting *l.* on knee; border of dots.”
c10.110
On the obverse on either side of the central figure is the name of the emperor in two vertical lines. In addition to this there is a long marginal legend which has not been read.¹ The second unique coin is of the elephant-rider type. It was discovered at Mahanad in the Hooghly district of Bengal. Allan says that it was discovered with an Archer coin of Kumāragupta I and an Archer coin of Skandagupta and he is of opinion that therefore the attribution to Kumāragupta I is probable. There are legends both on the reverse and the obverse which have not been completely read. The type is also unique in Gupta coinage:—
c10.111
¹ Ibid., p. 87.
c10.112
“Obverse—King holding rod in *r.* hand seated on elephant which advances *l.*; behind him is seated an attendant holding *chattra* over him.
Reverse—Lakṣmī standing facing on lotus flower, grasping stalk of lotus growing beside her in her *r.* hand and holding lotus flower in *l.* arm; uncertain object (vase ?) on *l.*; border of dots. No² symbol.”
c10.113
² Ibid., p. 88.
c10.114
The silver coinage issued by Kumāragupta I for circulation in Gujarat and Kathiawad is more numerous and varied than that of his father Chandragupta II. Allan divides the silver issues into five classes of which the first three classes were for circulation in the Western provinces e.g. Gujarat and Kathiawad. In the first class we find the bust of the king as on similar coins of Candragupta II with the word varsha on the left and degraded Greek letters to the right of the bust. We see Garuḍa in the centre of the obverse surrounded by a long marginal legend:— Paramabhāgavata - Mahārājādhirāja - Śrī- Kumāragupta-Mahendrādityaḥ.¹ The reverse legend in the second and third varieties of Class I is exactly the same.² In Class II there is no trace of the Greek letters on the obverse and the reverse legend on the first variety is the same as in Class I. In the second variety this legend begins with Bhāgavata instead of Parama.³ The Greek legend re-appears in the third class in the first variety of which the emperor is called Mahārājādhirāja but in the second variety this title makes way for Rājādhirāja, which reminds one of the Great Kuṣāan title Rājātirāja.⁴
c10.115
¹ Ibid., pp. 89-94.
c10.116
² Ibid., pp. 94-96.
c10.117
³ Ibid., pp. 96-98.
c10.118
⁴ Ibid., pp. 98-107.
c10.119
The reign of Kumāragupta I is remarkable for the issue of a separate silver coinage for circulation in Central India. Though the type is the same as the Western Indian coinage there are slight variation. On the obverse we can see the bust of the king with the date in Brāhmi numerals but there are no traces of the degenerate Greek legend. On the reverse we find the peacock in the place of the Garuḍa. Allan distinguishes four varieties in this class. The reverse legend is also characteristic of Northern Indian Gold coinage:—*Vijit-āvanir-avanipatiḥ Kumāragupto divaṃ jayati*. This legend is only slightly varied in the fourth variety by having *divi* in the place of *divaṃ*.¹
c10.120
¹ Ibid., pp. 107-10.
c10.121
One other class of the silver coinage of Kumāragupta I proves the great financial stress on the Gupta Imperial treasury. These are silver-plated copper coins of the Valabhi fabric, proving that at Valabhi or in Kathiawad coins of the first class had to be minted on little pieces of copper covered with silver-plate during the reign of Kumāragupta I owing to the scarcity of silver. These coins show traces of the degenerate Greek legend on the obverse and Garuḍa on the reverse, the surrounding legend being *Parama-bhāgavata-rājādhirāja-Śrī-Kumāragupta-Mahendrādityaḥ*. The copper coins of Kumāragupta I are very rare and Allan divides them into two classes. In the first one we see the king standing towards the left with Garuḍa on the reverse. The reverse legend is *Kumāraguptaḥ*. In the second type of the copper coins we see an altar on the obverse below which is the letter *Śrī-Ku* and the figure of the seated goddess on the reverse.
c10.122
The coinage of Skandagupta, the last great emperor of the dynasty, is still imperfectly known, as most of it still belongs to private collectors like Rai Mani Lal Nahar Bahadur and Mr. Puran Chand Nahar of Azimganj, district Murshidabad, and many others. Only two or three types of his gold coinage are known, of which the Archer type was the general issue and were coined on two different standards. At first it was issued in the old standard of 132 grains:—
c10.123
“Obverse—King standing *l.*, nimbate, as on preceding Archer types, holding bow in *l.* and arrow in *r.* hand. Garuḍa standard bound with fillet on *l.* Beneath *l.* arm (*Skanda*).
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.*, which rests on knee. Symbol on *l.*”
c10.124
The reverse legend is simply *Śrī-Skandaguptaḥ*. There is a circular legend on the obverse but it has not been completely restored or read as yet. It runs as *Jayati Mahītalaṃ—sudhanvī*.¹ Later on, this Archer type was issued on the heavier standard of the *Suvarṇa* (146.4 grains). In these coins we see:—
c10.125
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 114-15.
c10.126
“Obverse—King standing *l.* as on early Archer type, but wearing long sash. Garuḍa standard on *l.* (*Skanda*) with crescent above beneath *l.* arm. Eight uncertain akṣaras followed by (—*Jayati divaṃ Śrī-Kramādityaḥ*) (Metre: Upagīti). Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) seated facing on lotus as on preceding coins. Symbol on *l.* (*Kramādityaḥ*).”¹
c10.127
¹ Ibid., pp. 117-19.
c10.128
The only other known type of the gold coins of Skandagupta is the king and Lakṣmī type:—
c10.129
“Obverse—On *l.* Skandagupta standing to *r.* wearing waistcloth and jewellery, holding bow by middle at his *l.* knee in *l.* hand, while *r.* rests on *r.* hip holding arrow; on *r.* the goddess Lakṣmī standing *l.*, holding uncertain object in uplifted *r.* hand and lotus with long stalk behind her in *l.* hand; between them Garuḍa standard. Legend as on preceding type (?)
c10.130
Reverse—Goddess (Lakṣmī) nimbate, seated facing on lotus, holding fillet in outstretched *r.* hand and lotus in *l.* which rests on knee. Symbol on *l.* (*Śrī-Skandaguptaḥ*).”
c10.131
The circular legend on the obverse has not been read, but perhaps it is the same as in the lighter Archer type.² The silver coinage of Skandagupta is as varied as that of his father. The Garuḍa type was issued for circulation in Western India as we see the bust of the king surrounded by traces of the Greek legend on the obverse and a Garuḍa on the reverse. The reverse legend is *Paramabhāgavata - Mahārājādhirāja - Śrī - Skandagupta-Kramādityaḥ*.¹ The second silver type is the bull in which there is no Greek legend on the obverse but Śiva's bull, Nandin, on the reverse. The legend on this type of the silver coinage is always defective. The third type, the Altar type, is remarkable on account of the title *Vikramāditya* assumed by Skandagupta in it, because his usual *Āditya*-name on silver and copper coins is *Kramāditya*. In this Altar type the Greek legend re-appears once more on the obverse but on the reverse we see a fire burning on an altar. The legend is very often defective and runs as *Paramabhāgavata - Śrī - Vikramāditya - Skandaguptaḥ*.² Allan divides the Altar type into two classes according to the use of the term *Kramāditya* instead of *Vikramāditya*.³ There are two classes in the silver coinage of Skandagupta issued for use in Central India. This Central Indian type can be distinguished from the West Indian type by the difference in the marginal legend on the reverse. The West Indian type of the silver coinage always begins with the word *Paramabhāgavata* and the Central Indian Issue with *Vijit-* *āvanir-avani-patir-jayati*, etc.,. The Central Indian Issue of Skandagupta are divided into two classes according to a slight difference in the legend. In both classes we find:—
c10.132
² Ibid., pp. 116-17.
c10.133
¹ *Ibid.*, pp. 119-21.
c10.134
² *Ibid.*, pp. 122-24.
c10.135
³ *Ibid.*, pp. 124-29.
c10.136
“Obverse—Bust of Skandagupta *r.*; date in Brāhmī numerals vertically on *r.*
Reverse—Peacock standing facing with wings and tail outspread; border of dots.”
c10.137
The reverse legend is *Vijit-āvanir-avani-patir-jayati-divam Skandayupto-yaṃ* on the first class,¹ and *Vijit-āvanir-avani-patiḥ Śrī-Skandagupto divam jayati*² on the second.
c10.138
¹ *Ibid.*, p. 129.
c10.139
² *Ibid.*, pp. 132-33.
c10.140
With the death of the emperor Skandagupta the great Gupta empire comes to an end and with it practically Gupta coinage also. Skandagupta was succeeded by his half-brother, Puragupta, who issued gold coins only of the Archer type. Like those of his great-grandfather C'andragupta II, Puragupta used the *Āditya*-name or *biruda* of *Vikkrama*. In certain coins his name is to be found in a vertical line beneath the left arm but on certain coins the name is omitted. The circular legend has not been completely read or restored as yet. Allan attributes certain enigmatic coins with the *Āditya*-name *Prakāśāditya* to Puragupta and the subject will be discussed below. In the British Museum collection there is only one coin of Puragupta with the king’s name under the left arm and three others without the name of the king. Therefore this king could not have reigned for more than a year or two. His son and successor Narasimhagupta appears to have reigned a little longer as the British Museum possesses 12 coins in all of this king. All coins of Narasimhagupta are of gold and of the Archer type which is the only type known from the days of Skandagupta to those of his brother's grandson Kumāragupta II. The Archer type of Narasimhagupta is divided into two classes according to the fabric. The coins of a ruder fabric fall into the second class and appear to have been issued at a time of great pressure. The coins of this king are very heavy, being 143.5 to 148.7 grains.¹ The young king Kumāragupta II was the son of Narasimhagupta and like his father and grandfather issued coins of the Archer type only. His *biruda* is *Kramādityaḥ* like Skandagupta. Like the coins of Narasimhagupta Bālāditya the coins of Kumāragupta II are divided into two classes according to the fabric. The coins of the finer fabric weigh from 139.5 to 143 grains; but those of the ruder fabric from 146 to 151 grains. The second class shows a long circular legend *Mahārājādhirāja-Śrī-Kumāragupta-Kramādityaḥ*. On both of these classes, only the first syllable of the king's name *Ku* is legible.²
c10.141
¹ Ibid., pp. 137-39.
c10.142
² Ibid., pp. 140-43.
c10.143
The regular Gupta dynasty known to us from inscriptions and coins ends with Kumāragupta II.
c10.144
We know now from inscriptions that the reign of Kumāragupta II Kramāditya ended sometime before 157 G.E. = 476-77 A.D. and that within three years of this date Budhagupta was in possession of Benares, because an inscription of this king dated G.E. 157-476-77 A.D. has been discovered at that place. Moreover in G.E. 163 Budhagupta was ruling over Northern Bengal and in G.E. 165 he was acknowledged as the ruler of Malava. We have therefore a series of coins and inscriptions proving that Budhagupta ruled the country from Northern Bengal in the East to Eran or North-eastern Malava to the West. This king did not issue any gold coins unless we are prepared to accept the gold coins of the very rude horseman type bearing the *Aditya*-name *Prakāśāditya* as his coins. The silver coins of the Central Indian type introduced into the Gupta empire by Kumāragupta I are also very rare. Only one such coin bearing the date G.E. 175 = 494-95 A.D. and issued by Budhagupta is known. In Eastern India Budhagupta was succeeded by Bhānugupta, who is known to us from the Eran pillar inscription of the widow of the general Goparāja, dated G.E. 191-510-11 A.D., and the last Damodarpur copper plate dated 224 G.E. = 543-44 A.D. The relationship of Budhagupta to Kumaragupta I has been surmised but that of Bhānugupta to Budhagupta is not known. Bhānugupta did not issue any coins, which have been discovered up to this time.
c10.145
After Budhagupta the Gupta emperors continued to reign in Eastern India and a number of them are known from their coins only. Allan places the following Gupta kings after Kumāragupta II:
c10.146
(a) Candragupta III *Dvādaśāditya*.
(b) Viṣṇugupta *Candrāditya*.
(c) Ghaṭotkacagupta-*Kramāditya*.
(d) Samācāra-*Narendrāditya*.
(e) Jaya-*Prakāṇḍayaśa*.
(f) Virasena-*Kramāditya*.
(g) Harigupta.
c10.147
Out of these kings Samācāra Narendrāditya has been identified with Samācāradeva mentioned as the ruling chief in a copper plate from Faridpur by Mr. Nalinikanta Bhattasali,¹ M.A., Curator of the Dacca Museum. Ghaṭotkacagupta may be identified with the king of Mālava mentioned in the recently discovered inscription from Mandasor.² Of the remaining kings Candragupta III and Viṣṇugupta are regular Gupta kings with proper *Aditya*³-names. Jayagupta is also a Gupta king, as restored from a copper coin; but the Jayagupta who is known from gold coins of the Archer type is perhaps a distinct person as his *biruda* is not a proper *Aditya*⁴ name. Similarly Samācāradeva and Virasena may or may not be Gupta kings, because they have *Āditya*-names but their names are different. Moreover, Virasena may be a name without the affix *Gupta* similar to that of Ādityasena in the later Gupta dynasty of Magadha. Virasena introduces a new type, the Bull on his gold coins which is perhaps borrowed from the bull type of Śaśāṅka of Gauḍa¹ or the silver Bull type of Skandagupta.
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