‘Coins of India,’ tracing rich tapestry of Indian numismatics, launched

A new book exploring the rich and diverse history of Indian coins, offering a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past, was launched at a grand function in Mumbai on Monday.

Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group of Companies, India; Gautam Khanna, the CEO of PD Hinduja Hospital, and Paul Abraham, President of Hinduja Foundation, launched the book at PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre.

‘Coins of India: Circa 6th Century BC – 2022 AD,’ has been crafted by Manish Verma, an accomplished numismatist, working with the Hinduja Foundation as the curator of its Antiquity Collection.

Tracing the evolution of Indian currency through the ages, the book is based on a meticulously curated collection by Indian American numismatist Dr. Navin C. Shah.

Shah, a Maryland urologist who is co-founder, former president, and trustee of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), also joined the event.

‘Coins of India’ stands as an indispensable read, meticulously unraveling the evolution of Indian coinage and illuminating its profound impact on the nation’s economic, cultural, and political fabric across the ages.

Within its pages lies a treasure trove of over 327 vibrant coin images and illustrations, each accompanied by insightful commentary and intricate maps that vividly depict India’s numismatic journey.

From the ancient realms of dynasties to the contemporary era, every coin showcased in the book narrates a compelling tale, serving as a timeless portal to the past that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

“The exploration of Indian coinage is a captivating odyssey through time, revealing the intricate tapestry of our civilization. ‘Coins of India’ serves as a gateway to understanding the narratives inscribed upon these timeless artifacts,” said Shah.

“Through numismatics, we embark on a journey that transcends mere currency, delving into stories of conquests, trade, and societal transformations,” he said.

Commending the endeavor, Hinduja, a patron of Indian arts and culture, remarked, “I have always admired Dr Navin Shah’s exceptional assortment of Indian coins spanning from 600 BC to 2022 AD.”

“‘Coins of India’ stands out as a unique and remarkable piece of work, offering insights into the historical, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of Indian coinage,” he said. “I commend the Hinduja Foundation for their support in nurturing such endeavors that foster and preserve India’s rich art, culture, and heritage.”

With meticulous attention to detail and scholarly rigor, ‘Coins of India’ promises to be an indispensable resource for historians, numismatists, and enthusiasts alike, inviting readers on a captivating journey through the annals of Indian history.

Published by AB Books, an imprint of The American Bazaar, ‘Coins of India’, taking one on a fascinating journey through time and currency, will be available on Amazon next month.

“Coins play a crucial role as a source of historical information,” said Verma in his vote of thanks.” Through these coins, the diverse culture of our country is reflected. They have witnessed the rise and fall of the rulers, and the victory and defeat of the state empires.”

He described Shah’s coin collection on which the book is primarily based, as truly exceptional, as it includes representative coins from all dynasties and series spanning from 600 BC to 2022 AD.

Most of the coins are in remarkable condition and the special attraction of the collection are punch-marked coins of various Janapadas, imperial punch-marked, early uninscribed cast copper, Satavahana and its contemporaries’ series, Western Kshatrapas, Kushana, Indo-Greek and British India coins.

Acquiring such a vast and diverse collection of coins would be nearly impossible for an individual, especially from a different professional background, Verma noted.

“The collection provides a glimpse into the Indian coinage tradition and is suitable for advanced research by scholars, exhibitions, and workshops at the school/college level,” he said. “Shah’s collection can be a standalone exhibition that will show the history and culture of India through the medium of coins.”

While writing the book, Verma said he kept two prominent objectives in mind: Firstly, to describe the evolution of coinage itself; and secondly, to show its significance in the economic history, as well as the cultural and political history of the respective period.

As existing numismatic books are usually intended for scholars and can be expensive but also technical, making it difficult to read and enjoy them for the common man, Verma said he had tried to use easy language while keeping the content scholarly.

The book is intended for a diverse audience, including students, coin collectors, dealers, and researchers, Verma said and he believed it will be useful for college students and collectors in India and elsewhere, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the most vital series/dynasties of Indian coins.

Highlights:

• The book includes maps that help to understand the territories of the dynasty or ruler, as well as more than 327 color illustrations of coins.
• The glorious history and saga of the Indian coinage tradition.
  Each coin’s details are presented with its respective photograph, and, wherever applicable.
• Dating system on Ancient Indian Coins.
• Earliest Coins of India and its features.
• Different coin minting techniques.
• Features of Islamic Coins.
• Presented over 400 fascinating facts on economic history to readers.
  Detailed overview of the most crucial series/dynasties of Indian coins.