Question

How do coins narrate history?

Answer 1

1. Different rulers issued coins during their reigns using metals such as gold, silver and copper. These coins are important sources for studying history.
2. Coins provide information about the rulers and their times, including their administration, religious beliefs, personal details, trade and economic conditions. The metals used in coins also indicate the metallurgical progress of that period.
3. Religious images engraved on coins give information about the religious harmony of that time. For example, Emperor Akbar’s coins had images of Ram-Sita, while Hyder Ali’s coins depicted Shiva-Parvati.
4. The language and inscriptions found on coins help us understand the languages commonly used during that period. For example, the Peshwas used Arabic or Persian on their coins.