Treasures of the Gupta Empire: A Numismatic History of the Golden Age of India - Hardcover

Kumar, Sanjeev

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1803277955 ISBN 13: 9781803277950

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing, 2024

Synopsis

For over 2,000 years, coins have been a part of India's history. But among them, the gold coins issued by the Gupta Dynasty from the 4th to the 6th centuries AD stand out for their stunning beauty and intricate designs. These coins, minted during the reigns of Chandragupta I in AD 319 through Vi ugupta in AD 543, offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of the Gupta style and its influence on religious art during India's Golden Age. By decoding the artistic designs, Brahmi legends, dates, and iconography on these coins, we can reconstruct the fascinating history of the dynasty. The first edition of this book has been widely accepted as an authoritative work, and become the standard reference for the Gupta dynasty coinage. In this second edition, the entire Gupta coinage has been documented, classification has been updated, and rarity of the coins has been identified. New findings based on latest research helps to provide a revised chronology using dates and data from coins, inscriptions, seals and copper plates. Since Dr. A. S. Altekar's comprehensive catalogue in 1957, no one had attempted to document the entire series of Gupta Dynasty coinage. This new book now carries on with that endeavour. It features the entire corpus of the rarest coins, many of which are being published for the first time, sourced from major museum collections worldwide as well as private collections, including the prestigious Shivlee Collection. Designed as a guidebook for history enthusiasts, scholars, and collectors, Treasures of the Gupta Empire aims to deepen understanding of the Gupta Dynasty's intricate history. It serves as a comprehensive reference on Gupta Dynasty numismatics. The depth of the research documented within will help scholars and researchers for decades to come.

About this title

About the Author

Mr Sanjeev Kumar is Chairman of the Shivlee Trust, a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, and an esteemed independent researcher and numismatist, who has devoted his life to studying Gupta Dynasty history and numismatics. He is regarded as one of the leading authorities and researchers on Gupta Dynasty coinage. Kumar's fascination with Gupta coinage began when he was a young boy growing up in India. Lured by the tales of the Gupta kings, the legendary Vikram?ditya?, their exploits and treasures, led him to a lifelong pursuit of these golden monuments to India's Golden Age and what they could reveal about its history and culture. The fruits of this labour will help all to fully appreciate the beauty of Ancient India. The first edition of Treasures of the Gupta Empire was released at the National Museum in Delhi by the Minister of Culture for India, Dr Mahesh Sharma along with the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, National Museum Delhi, and the Archaeological Society of India.

Edition details

• Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1803277955
• ISBN 13: 9781803277950
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 604