• Anoopma Kumari

The study of inscriptional coins, a vital subfield within numismatics and epigraphy, has significantly enriched the understanding of India’s ancient and medieval history. Coins are not merely tools of monetary exchange; they are microcosms of historical narratives, encapsulating valuable information regarding dynastic lineages, political sovereignty, religious affiliations, linguistic evolution, economic systems, and artistic traditions. The inscriptions etched onto coins often contain the names, titles, and honorifics of rulers, dates (in regional eras), religious symbols, and references to contemporary events—making them invaluable for reconstructing historical timelines in the absence of written or literary records. This research paper delves into how these minute objects serve as enduring symbols of state authority and cultural identity and how their inscriptions have helped historians decode and verify historical events, reign periods, administrative reforms, and territorial extent of empires such as the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Guptas, Kushans, and later regional dynasties.The abstract also emphasizes how bilingual inscriptions on Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian coins have enabled scholars to trace transcontinental trade and cultural exchanges between India and the Greco-Roman world. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining numismatics, epigraphy, archaeology, and historical geography, this paper examines the role of coin inscriptions in understanding the decentralization of power during the early medieval period, the spread of religions like Buddhism and Shaivism, and the economic prosperity under various regimes as reflected through metal content and minting quality. The review of past scholarly work by eminent historians and numismatists adds depth to the research, while the study’s findings underscore the authenticity, accuracy, and richness of coin inscriptions as primary historical sources. Furthermore, the paper identifies gaps in regional numismatic studies and highlights the need for digitization, modern analytical tools such as metallurgical analysis and GIS mapping, and the development of a comprehensive numismatic database in India. Overall, the study reaffirms the immense historiographical value of inscriptional coins and positions them as indispensable evidence in the grand narrative of Indian civilization. Their interdisciplinary relevance ensures that they remain at the core of historical inquiry, offering precise and tangible links to India’s vibrant and multifaceted past.

Numismatics, Epigraphy, Inscriptional Coins, Indian History, Historical Sources, Archaeology, Dynasties, Trade Routes, Ancient Economy

"Unearthing the Past: An Epigraphic and Numismatic Study of Inscriptional Coins as Historical Sources in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no.f376-f384, June-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506544.pdf

"Unearthing the Past: An Epigraphic and Numismatic Study of Inscriptional Coins as Historical Sources in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no. ppf376-f384, June-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506544.pdf