Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Dr Danish Moin, Dept of History, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU, Hyderabad, India, danishiirns@gmail.com
Dr Vinay Kumar, Dept of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, Vinaykumar166@yahoo.com
Ioannis Poulios, Assistant Professor, Ionian University, Greece, i.poulios@ionio.gr
Rev. Kaudagammana Rathanasara, Faculty of Humanistic Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, revkaudagammanart.rs.hss24@itbhu.ac.in
Kasun S. Jayasuriya, Dept of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, kasunsjayasuriya@bhu.ac.in
The study of numismatics and epigraphy provides crucial insights into the interconnected nature of ancient societies, revealing networks of trade, cultural exchange, political influence, and ideological diffusion. Coins and inscriptions serve as tangible records of historical interactions, preserving evidence of economic transactions, linguistic developments, artistic traditions, and religious representation that transcended regional boundaries. This session explores how numismatic and epigraphic evidence bridges the gaps in our understanding of ancient global connectivity, with a particular emphasis on archaeological findings. By integrating the symbolic aspects of currency and inscriptions, we can reconstruct socio-political landscapes and analyse the role of symbols and inscriptions in shaping cultural identity. Through comparative studies, this session aims to highlight the impact of cross-cultural interactions in the ancient world, showcasing how material culture serves as a medium for historical connectivity.
This session also examines the management of epigraphic museums and museums with important epigraphic collections. A series of questions are raised to this end: what are the complexities of their management? In terms of strategy, how would they achieve a competitive advantage in relation to other archaeological museums and collections (e.g. of a much higher aesthetic value)? What are associated good practices for such museums and collections?
Sub-Themes:
- Epigraphic testimonies of cross-cultural exchanges in the ancient world
- Sacred and royal patronage in epigraphy: Inscriptions as markers of political legitimacy
- Coin hoards, economic integration and trade routes: Regional and global context
- Exploring religious, cultural and political ideologies across civilisations through symbols and inscriptions on coins
- Understanding how coin imagery was utilised to reflect changes in governance, enhance regional identity, and secure dynastic legitimacy
- Countermarks, bilingual inscriptions and hybrid coinage as indicators of cultural assimilation
- Management and strategy of epigraphic museums and of museums with important epigraphic collections: complexities, challenges and associated good practices
Papers:
Numismatic Heritage of India: Exploring Cultural Pluralism in Pre-Modern South Asia
Danish Moin, Dept of History, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India
India has a rich heritage that extends beyond the archaeological sites, sculptures, stupas, viharas, temples, mosques, tombs, palaces and gardens. It also boasts a significant numismatic heritage that deserves proper attention for a more comprehensive interpretation of the past. Numismatics has played a crucial role in reconstructing our understanding of historical archaeology, political, economic and cultural history. Although coins are small artefacts, they convey significant messages that can be examined in detail. Indian coins in particular reflect the religious affiliations of various faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Greek beliefs, and Islam. These coins often indicate the beliefs of different kings regarding religion, illustrating how religious faith has evolved over time. Additionally, the diverse artistic and geometrical designs on coins provide insights into cultural continuity and change, including shifts in scripts, language and literature, particularly evident during the medieval period. This paper aims to explore India’s cultural pluralism through numismatic evidence. This pluralism can be examined across different historical periods, from ancient to medieval times, and includes factors such as religious beliefs, rituals, practices, art and artistic expression, and literature. The focus will primarily be on how coins reflect cultural diversity and religious syncretism specifically in pre-modern South Asia.
The Royal Patronage and Political History of Himachal Pradesh: Insights from Inscriptions
Dr Jagdish Parshad, Associate Professor, Dept of History, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Hiamchal Pradesh, India
The inscriptions of Himachal Pradesh provide a crucial window into the region’s royal patronage and political history. The epigraphic records from the state, copper plates, and temple engravings, to uncover the socio-political dynamics. These inscriptions, often issued by rulers, feudal lords, and religious authorities, reflect the political legitimacy, territorial conquests, and governance strategies of various dynasties, including the Katoch, Chandel, and other regional powers. The study highlights how royal patronage fostered the growth of temples and monasteries as centres of cultural and spiritual influence. The inscriptions reveal details about land grants, tax exemptions, and the patronage of art and architecture, underscoring the relationship between the monarchy and religious establishments. Furthermore, they shed light on alliances, conflicts, and trade networks that connected Himachal Pradesh with neighbouring regions. By focusing on these inscriptions, this paper not only enriches our understanding of Himachal Pradesh’s political history, but also emphasises the role of royal patronage in shaping its cultural and architectural heritage. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the historical significance of inscriptions as vital sources for reconstructing India’s regional histories.
Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia: An Examination into Epigraphical Testimonies of Cross-Cultural Exchanges
E. M. I. P. Manatunga, publisher, The RETROSPECR: Peer reviewed journal on archaeology and history
Sri Lanka is a steppingstone between the East and West in cultural exchanges throughout its history due to its strategic location as an island in the Indian Ocean. In addition to chronological references and material remains witnessing this situation, there is few epigraphical evidence in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia to prove cross cultural exchanges between the two regions. Some Early Brahmi inscriptions refer to various persons of different ethnic groups who travelled between countries as traders or missionaries. Trade guilds of a multinational nature are referred to in these inscriptions. References to mariners and envoys in these inscriptions indicate a strong cross-cultural exchange since the early historic period. Certain laws and regulations recorded for foreign and different ethnic groups are an interesting aspect of study. The meeting of different religious sects and their practices are recorded in some inscriptions. Names of people, places of origin, languages they used for communication can be identified by studying these inscriptions. Galle trilingual inscription written in Tamil, Persian and Chinese is one of the key sources in this study. Kalyani Inscriptions at Bago, Myanmar, are an essential source from Southeast Asia in this regard. These epigraphical sources will be analysed with literature and archaeological evidence to better understand their context. Some of the socio-cultural aspects revealed by these inscriptions will certainly enhance our present knowledge of the cross-cultural exchanges of South and Southeast Asia via Sri Lanka in the historical period.
The Makōtai-ppaḷḷi at Anuradhapura
Rajendu Sulochana, Curator, Sevadhi Museum & Indological Research Institute, Kottayam, India
This inscription was first reported by H.C.P. Bell in the Archaeological Commissioner’s Report for 1893. It was found from the Tamil ruins of the Northern sector of Anuradhapura. K. Indrapala edited the text in 1968. It was written during the reign of King Sena Varman II of Anuradhapura (853-887 C.E.); contemporary to the Cera King Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara (844-870 C.E.).
Consisting of 26 lines, the stone inscription is fragmentary. ‘The inscription records an endowment made by the merchant community for the merit of those among their group who had been lost or had died or had become dumb and voiceless perhaps under special circumstances.’ These activities had to be performed jointly by the employees of the Paḷḷi (monastery/temple) and a group of four persons specially appointed by the merchant community, the Nanku-Nāṭṭār. The endowment was made to the Makkotaippaḷḷi, where some activities had to be performed for the merit of those who had suffered losses as noted earlier. This inscription is significant because it documents the Buddhist evacuation from Kodungallur port during the Ceras of Makotai period.
Tracing the Ancient Route from Kashi to Bodhgaya During the Early Historic Period Based on the Archaeological and Epigraphical Evidence
Satyam Kumar, Banaras Hindu University, India
Vikas Kumar Singh, Assistant Prof., Banaras Hindu University, India
Throughout history, humans have sought resources and environments to simplify and enhance their lives. Progressing from hunter-gatherers, they established villages, Janapadas, Mahajanapadas, and empires, resulting in complex political, social, and economic structures. Cities emerged as centres of trade and religion, attracting travellers, merchants, and monks via extensive routes. Religion shaped civilisations, with cities gaining prominence due to their association with spiritual leaders and significant events. Ashoka’s second major rock edict highlights infrastructural developments like wells and trees along routes to aid travellers.
Kashi and Bodhgaya exemplify such centres. Kashi, a Mahajanapada by the 6th century BCE, has been a major religious hub for Brahmins, Buddhists, and Jains, renowned as the site of Buddha’s first sermon and the birthplace of four Jain Tirthankars. Bodhgaya, in ancient Magadha, holds significance as the site where Buddha attained enlightenment, attracting pilgrims for over 2,500 years. Ashoka’s inscriptions (e.g., Ahraura, Ratanpurva, Sasaram) provide evidence of an ancient route connecting these centres. This study traces this route using archaeological findings from excavations and explorations, including inscriptions, coin hoards, and sculptures, shedding light on the cultural and historical connections between Kashi and Bodhgaya.
The Strategic Significance of Sasaram as a Junction Connecting Kashi and Patliputra on the Basis of Numismatics and other Archaeological Evidence
Anisha Singh, Banaras Hindu University, India
Vikas Kumar Singh, Assistant Prof., Banaras Hindu University, India
Sasaram, a historically significant town, holds a strategic position as a vital junction connecting two ancient cultural and political hubs and important Mahajanpadas, Kashi (Varanasi) and Patliputra (modern-day Patna). Sasaram is a historically significant ancient town located in the foothills of the Vindhya-Kaimur ranges. Its location along ancient and medieval India’s primary trade and transit routes made it a critical node in facilitating economic, cultural, and political interactions. Archaeological evidence, including mounds, temples, inscriptions, coins, and ancient water sources, suggests that this route was a well-established and convenient passage for guilds, traders, and travellers in ancient times. In this paper, we delve deeply into the various numismatic and archaeological markers that provide evidence for the significance of this ancient pathway. The mounds found in this area along the route often contain remnants of settlements that hint at the area’s role as a thriving hub of human activity. The discovery of coins along this route points to its prominence in trade, with evidence of economic transactions. This study aims to highlight the historical significance of Sasaram in connecting the Kashi-Patliputra route, highlighting its enduring legacy as a pivotal route in ancient India.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Legal Frameworks in Protecting Sri Lanka’s Epigraphic Heritage: Challenges and Recommendations
Saavindi Diwakara, University of London
This study examines the legal protection of Sri Lanka’s epigraphic heritage, specifically examining certain ancient inscriptions that functioned as legal documents during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods. The qualitative analysis incorporates legislation, conservation reports, archaeological surveys, field observations and interviews with professionals, to help assess the effectiveness of UNESCO conventions and domestic law. The results show a vast gap in international and local practices, especially concerning the protection of sites and enforcement regulations. Sri Lanka has extensive legislation to protect heritage, but resource limitations, lack of distinct monitoring, and poor coordination between stakeholders result in poor enforcement. This study illustrates that, although the international regime is robust, implementation problems remain severe, requiring improved resource allocation and a stronger enforcement mechanism. Additionally, these results lead to the discussion of protecting cultural heritage in developing countries and offer advice on how to change the way epigraphic materials are preserved.
The Role of Computer Applications in Management and Preservation of the Epigraphy Museums in India
Kuwar Singh, Director & Technical Head, XZITES Tech Private Ltd, Varanasi, India
Dr Jyoti Singh, Post Doctoral Fellow, Dept of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, India
The integration of computer applications into the management and preservation of epigraphy museums marks a significant advancement in safeguarding ancient inscriptions. Epigraphy, essential for understanding historical, cultural, and linguistic developments, faces challenges due to the fragile nature of inscriptions and the complexities of deciphering ancient scripts. The paper discusses various computer-based tools used for the digitisation of inscriptions, including high-resolution imaging, 3D scanning, and GIS mapping. These technologies not only improve preservation but also provide easy access to scholars and the general public. The paper also highlights the importance of databases and management systems in organising epigraphic data and promoting collaborative research. Additionally, software for restoring damaged inscriptions is explored. This research aims to explore how the preservation of inscriptions in the Indian Epigraphy Museum can be improved and enhanced through the use of computer applications. It focuses on the preservation and management of collections in museums such as the Indian Museum, National Museum (New Delhi), Government Museum (Chennai), Archaeological Museum (Sarnath), and Karnataka State Museum. The paper concludes by emphasising the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among archaeologists, IT specialists, and museum curators to ensure the effective use of computer applications in the management and preservation of epigraphic collections.
Significance of the Discovery of Coin Moulds from Excavation at Vadnagar (Gujarat): A Tale of Legacy of the Indo-Greek Coinage
Abhijit S. Ambekar, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India
Abhijit Dandekar, Assoc. Prof., AIHC & Archaeology, Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, India
Excavation at Vadnagar has unearthed 37 terracotta coin moulds ascribed to the Indo-Greek monarch Apollodotus II, originating from the stratigraphic level datable to Period IV (5th – 9th /10th century CE). They exhibit unique characteristics, resulting in their classification according to the sheer number of mould imprints present. This marks the first instance of the coin moulds of Apollodotus II silver drachma being documented from a stratified context. Even if the early date of these moulds is taken into account, they still pertain to a period significantly subsequent to the cessation of Indo-Greek rule. Therefore, this implies that the demand for Apollodotus II coins persisted, possibly because of long-distance trade, and the production of coinage likely continued after the supply of authentic coins was depleted. The early die-struck coins were supplanted by subsequent cast coins, which raises the question of where these coins could possibly have been supplied.
Such a study will evaluate the importance of this discovery and the ramifications of these moulds for comprehending the early historical landscape of the region. No excavations from the historical period in Gujarat have yet yielded a single silver drachma of Apollodotus II, indicating a potential for further research.
Journey of Ayurveda to the Middle East: A Medicinal Trade via the Silk Route
Sarvesh Yadav, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Vikas Kumar Singh, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
The Silk Road served as a vital network for the exchange of goods, ideas, and knowledge among ancient civilisations, playing a significant role in the dissemination of India’s traditional medicinal system, Ayurveda, to the Middle East. This study examines the trade and transmission of Ayurvedic practices, herbs and therapeutic knowledge along the Silk Road, with an emphasis on their impact on Middle Eastern medical traditions.
Archaeological findings, such as Indian medicinal herbs like spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), turmeric, and sandalwood discovered in Mesopotamian, Persian, and Egyptian contexts, highlight active trade in Ayurvedic materials. These findings are complemented by epigraphical evidence, such as the Bower Manuscript, an early medical text discovered in Central Asia that demonstrates the exchange and application of Indian medicinal knowledge in the region.
Comparative analysis of ancient medical texts reveals significant overlaps in herbal medicine and healing techniques between Indian and Middle Eastern traditions. The findings emphasise the interconnected nature of ancient trade networks and the cultural synthesis they fostered, contributing to a broader understanding of Ayurveda’s global legacy and the historical dynamics of knowledge transmission along the Silk Road.
Crime and Punishment: The Study of Imprecatory Verses in the Epigraphs of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas of Malkhed
Yogini Aatreya, Independent Researcher
Epigraphs are vital sources for understanding the political, social, economic, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of the human past. Amongst the numerous types of epigraphs, the royal land grants and administrative orders often conclude with imprecatory verses, warning violators about moral retributions. The beginning of these imprecatory verses, in the context of Indian epigraphs, can be dated to the 5th century CE, and they became more prominent by the time the Rāṣṭrakūṭas of Malkhed (c. 735–982 CE) rose to power in the Deccan.
This study aims to examine the imprecatory verses mentioned in epigraphs of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas of Malkhed, to understand their nature and significance. By analysing these verses based on their described consequences, this research focuses on interpreting the legal and philosophical notions contemporary to past society. It seeks to shed light on notions of crimes and punishments, while assessing how imperial powers used imprecations to validate authority, control territorial rights, and shape societal beliefs in early medieval India.
Strategies for Museums with Significant Epigraphic Collections: The Case of the Epigraphic Museum of Greece
Ioannis Poulios, Ionian University, Greece
Athanasios Themos, Epigraphic Museum of Greece
Andromache Gazi, Panteion University, Greece
Andronike Makres, University of the Peloponnese, Greece
Eleni Zavvou, Epigraphic Museum of Greece
Irene-Loukia Choremi, Epigraphic Museum of Greece
The present study explores the complexities and challenges in the operation and management of museums that hold significant collections of epigraphic sources, i.e. inscriptions. These museums are less prominent and popular than other museums such as archaeological museums which contain more wide-ranging collections of ancient art.
This study highlights the distinctive characteristics of these museums, sketches the opportunities for their development, and focuses on the strategies that can be employed in order for them to become more attractive in the contemporary world. The objective is to turn the challenges faced by epigraphic museums into competitive advantages.
The Epigraphic Museum of Greece is used as a case study. The Museum is likely the only museum in the world that is exclusively dedicated to inscriptions. The Museum faces considerable challenges in terms of operation and management, including space management, as the more prestigious, popular and larger National Archaeological Museum of Greece is located within the same building complex. These challenges are further increased due to the ongoing project by the Greek government to regenerate the building complex and the broader area. The conclusions of the study can be relevant and applicable to museums with significant epigraphic collections across the world.
Buddhist Art in Coins and Paintings
Amitansh Giri, Saint Mary’s Academy, Meerut, India
Amit Giri,
Buddhism as an art symbol has been present on various aspects like coins, wall paintings, murals, figurines, structures, monuments, etc. My focus is on its symbolic mass on coins and paintings, as we all know that in Buddhism not only Buddha was depicted, but there were various symbols which were being used to show the Buddhist influence on society. These artefacts have greatly influenced society and the message of Buddhism among the people, due to which they accepted Buddhism. Today we see how it was depicted in the paintings on the coinage, etc., including kushana coins, which were of great importance in history and which left a great impact on future generations of coinage through the system of preparing coins, what language they used, what images were depicted, and what material they used. Budhhism was also present in Alora caves in the form of paintings.