Question

Who were the first rulers in India to issue Gold coins?
A)The Indo Greeks
B)The Mauryas
C)The Nandas
D)The Shakas

Answer 1

Hint: The initial stage of coinage in India included only bronze and silver coins until the 6th century BC. The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue gold coins which were attributed to the kings. We will discuss all the options to know the correct answer in the complete answer below.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer with the help of the above stated hint.

The Indo Greeks: The Indo Greeks were the pioneers who introduced gold coins in India. The indo greeks rulers are known from their sculptures on the coins introduced by them. Therefore, this is the correct option.

The Mauryas: The Mauryan dynasty which comprised the Mauryas as rulers was an iron age dynasty which was based in Magadha; it was extensive geographically but did not introduce the gold coins in India. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

The Nandas: The Nandas were also the rulers from Iron age India who were the rulers of the north, they did not introduce gold coins in India. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

The Shakas: The Shakas were the Indo scythians who were iranian nomads, they were not the first creators of gold coins in India. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: The Indo-Greek coins initiated a new phase in the history of South Asian coinage. These coins carried elaborate details about their issuing authority, in-fact out of some 45 Indo greek rulers, 30 are known by their introduced coins . The name, the issuing year of the coin and a portrait of the reigning monarch were used to die-struck very precisely on the coins.