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: Coins are quite imperative for historical reconstruction. Gold coins represent the power and economic capital of a particular empire. In India, such coins were first seen around 270 BC.

Complete answer:
Gold coins hold a huge amount of importance in terms of its study (numismatics) as it helps in the understanding of the economic sphere of various eras and empires. The introduction of gold coins in India is subject to various debates but it’s clear through various historical sources that gold coins were first issued by Indo-Greeks in India. They introduced the gold coins around 270 BC. Ruler, Antochios II was the first one to introduce the gold coins for various economic reasons. But on the other hand, gold coins were not introduced at such a large extent. They were limited in number but the introduction happened under the reign of Indo-Greeks. In popular academia, Kushanas are also famous for their issuance of gold coins. So, let’s examine the options one by one:
a. The Indo Greeks; is the correct answer as the gold coins were first issued by Indo-Greeks in India. They introduced the gold coins around 270 BC. Ruler, Antochios II was the first one to introduce the gold coins for various economic reasons.
b. The Mauryas are the incorrect answer as they are quite famous for their punch-marked coins rather than gold coins.
c. The Nandas; is the incorrect answer the gold coins were first issued by Indo-Greeks in India. They introduced the gold coins around 270 BC.
d. The Shakas is the incorrect answer: the gold coins were first issued by Indo-Greeks in India. They introduced the gold coins around 270 BC.
So, the correct answer is ‘A. The Indo Greeks’.

Note: While answering the question, don’t confuse yourself with silver or copper coins. While eliminating the options, it’s important to note that in popular academia, Kushanas are often associated with the introduction of the gold coins. It is noted that the predecessor of Kanishka, a Kushan king, issued the gold coins but he was not the first one to do it.