Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c28.s7.t5.8

v1.c28.s7.t5.8

The gold coins of the Gupta Period (fourth-fifth century AD) and of the Colas, Cālukyas and Kadambas of South India (after 10th century AD) were like commemorative medals depicting the rulers and deities in many modes. In the words of B.N. Mukherjee (1988: 50), “the transformation of the pieces of metal called coins into the objects of art was facilitated by the artistry of the obverse and reverse devices — dies or moulds — purity and/or suitability of the required metal and efficiency in the technique of minting”. The excellence of this transformation was matched and possibly surpassed by the artistic and ageless icons which we would like to discuss next.