Question

The medium of exchange in gold during the Gupta period was known as the _________.
A. Pana
B. Dramma
C. Karshapana
D. Suvarna

Answer 1

Hint: These gold coins were inspired by the Roman coins but they were minted in the Indian style with around nine grams of gold. These coins were commissioned by Kumara Gupta.

Complete answer: One of the most significant ancient empires of India, the Gupta Empire existed from the mid 3rd century to 543 CE.
According to various historians, the period of the Gupta Empire was the Golden Age of India, one of the reasons was the circulation of gold coins throughout the empire. During the reign of Kumara Gupta, the Suvarna coins were made and are found all over the country. The coin was made up of gold and it was very rare and expensive.
While talking about other options,
A. In the 6th century BC, the punch-marked coins or Pana was introduced by the Mahajanpadas or the Republic Kingdoms of ancient India. These coins were of different shapes and were made up of silver.
B. The Rashtrakuta dynasty, that ruled the Deccan from 755 CE to 975 CE used the Dramma coins as a medium of exchange.
C. According to the Ashtadhyayi of Panini, one of the oldest grammar books, talks about the Karshapana, the ancient coins that were used during the 6th century BC onwards. These coins were issued by the Janapadas and Mahajanpadas.
Thus the correct option is D.

Note: The width of the Suvana coin was 1.9 cm. The Kumara Gupta coins had beautiful detailings and designs, pictures of gods, actions of the emperor and different legends.