CAPF AC 2022 Q57: Ancient History – Post - Mauryan & Foreign Invasions
- (a) The Indo-Greeks introduced bilingual and biscript legends on their coins.
- (b) The Kushanas minted large quantities of gold coins as well as copper coins of low denomination.
- (c) The Satavahanas issued coins of silver, copper, lead and potin.
- (d) Absence of Negama coins suggests the declining power and authority of merchant guilds.
Answer: (d) Absence of Negama coins suggests the declining power and authority of merchant guilds.
Explanation
Coins of 200 BCE to 300 CE
How to think: this was an age of booming trade.
Merchant guilds were so strong that they issued their own coins.
These are the Negama (nigama) coins.
So the coins exist, and they show the power of guilds, not their decline.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-Greeks introduced bilingual and biscript legends | True | Greek on one side, Prakrit in Kharoshthi or Brahmi on the other |
| Kushanas minted many gold coins and low-value copper coins | True | First large-scale gold coinage in India |
| Satavahanas issued coins of silver, copper, lead and potin | True | They are known for lead and potin coins |
| Absence of Negama coins shows the decline of guilds | False | Negama coins are found; they show the guilds' authority |
Firsts to remember: Indo-Greeks were the first to put the names and portraits of kings on coins.
Answer: (d).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This is true: Indo-Greek coins carry legends in two languages and scripts.
- (b) Incorrect. This is true: the Kushanas issued gold coins in large numbers and copper for daily use.
- (c) Incorrect. This is true: Satavahana coins were of lead, potin, copper and silver.
- (d) CORRECT. This is wrong: Negama coins exist and show the strength of merchant guilds.
Key point
Indo-Greeks: first portrait coins, bilingual legends. Kushanas: first big gold coinage (Vima Kadphises). Satavahanas: lead and potin coins. Guilds (shreni, nigama) issued coins and seals. Guptas: finest gold coins (dinaras).
Remember
Negama coins = coins of merchant guilds; they prove guild power.
Common mistakes
- Accepting that guild coins were absent, when they are a known coin type.
- Thinking the Guptas, not the Kushanas, issued the first large gold coinage.
- Forgetting that the Satavahanas are famous for lead coins.
Exam tip
Educated guess: 200 BCE to 300 CE is the golden age of trade with Rome and of rich guilds. A statement about the decline of merchant guilds in that period does not fit the age.
Sources
- Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India — Interaction and Innovation, c. 200 BCE-300 CE (coinage)
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns (coins and kings)