Q. The ancient Indian coins were introduced during the
(a) 3rd century AD
(b) 3rd century BC
(c) Kanishka’s period
(d) Ashoka’s reign
Ans: (b) 3rd century BC
Explanation: The ancient Indian coins were introduced during the (b) 3rd century BC.
The use of coins as a medium of exchange in India can be traced back to the 3rd century BC, during the Mauryan Empire. The Mauryan ruler, Chandragupta Maurya, is credited with the introduction of the first standardized coins in India. These coins were made of various metals, such as silver, copper, and gold, and featured inscriptions and symbols representing the ruling authority.
The Mauryan Empire was followed by the Shunga and Kushan dynasties, during which coinage continued to be used as a form of currency. The Kushan period, particularly under the rule of Emperor Kanishka, saw significant advancements in coinage, with the introduction of new designs and the use of bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Kharosthi scripts. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 3rd century BC.
