Rajasthan

• 12 Dec 2024

Dark Age Coins Unearthed in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

Recently, archaeological sites in Rajasthan have unearthed a wealth of punch-mark coins from 600 BC–1000 BC.   

• It offeres insights into a "dark age" in Indian history that spanned the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization to the era of Lord Buddha. Historians refer to this period from 1900 BC to 600 BC, as the Dark Age. 

 Key Points 

• About: 
  • Rajasthan's archaeological discoveries shed light on its role as a hub of ancient trade and cultural exchange. 
  • The findings underscore the importance of preserving and studying these artifacts to illuminate India’s lost historical periods. 
• Presentation at National Numismatics Conference: 
  • A retired numismatist from the Rajasthan Department of Archaeology and Museology, presented his research on punch-mark coins at the National Numismatics Conference in Meerut on 5^th December 2024. 
    • Museology is the study of museums and the activities they undertake.  
    • It includes the study of museums' history, their role in society, and the activities they engage in, such as curating, preservation, education, and public programming. 
    • A numismatist is a person who studies, collects, and analyzes currency and other objects used as money. 
  • He highlighted discoveries from sites like Ahar (Udaipur), Kalibanga (Hanumangarh), Viratnagar (Jaipur), and Jankipura (Tonk), showcasing evidence of a thriving ancient trade network. 
• Discoveries and Significance: 
  • Extensive Coin Studies: 
    • The symbols such as the Sun, Shadchakra, and Mountains/Meru were identified on the coins. 
    • These coins, crafted from silver and copper with a standard weight of 3.3 grams, display similarities to coins found across India, from Peshawar to Kanyakumari. 
  • Major Findings: 
    • Notable discoveries include 3,300 coins unearthed in Tonk in 1935 and 2,400 coins in Sikar in 1998. 
    • Metallurgical tools from these regions resemble those found in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Peshawar, linking Rajasthan to a wider cultural and trade network. 
• Historical Context and Archaeological Evidence: 
  • Documentation by Chinese Travelers: 
    • Chinese travelers Fa-Hien (399–414 CE), Sunyan (518 CE), and Hiuen-Tsang (629 CE) documented ruins in these areas, pointing to their historical importance. 
    • Their accounts, combined with archaeological evidence, enrich the understanding of Rajasthan's ancient trade and cultural heritage. 
  • Broader Trade Connections: 
    • Rajasthan's trade history parallels the Silk Route in significance, supported by discoveries of coins from the Gupta dynasty, Malavas, and Janapadas. 
    • These findings emphasize Rajasthan’s pivotal economic and cultural role in ancient India. 
• Treasure Collection: 
  • The Rajasthan Department of Archaeology has amassed over 2.21 lakh ancient coins, including 7,180 punch-marked examples, curated under the Rajasthan Treasure Trove Rules, 1961. 
  • These coins provide invaluable insights into the state’s historical and economic prominence. 

 Indus Valley Civilization 

• About: 
  • The history of India begins with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization. 
  • It flourished around 2,500 BC, in the western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Western India. 
  • The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China. 
  • In the 1920s, the Archaeological Department of India carried out excavations in the Indus valley wherein the ruins of the two old cities, viz. Mohenjodaro and Harappa were unearthed. 
  • In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world. 
• Decline: 
  • The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1800 BCE, primarily due to climate change and migration. 
  • Its two major cities, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, disappeared, marking the end of the civilization. 
  • Harappa is often associated with the civilization’s name as it was the first city discovered by modern archaeologists